​The AIM2Help Grant Program
AIM is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization whose mission is to empower and support families impacted by autism by promoting a culture of inclusion and acceptance.  Autism Involves Me provides funding for AIM2Help, a grant program for families Benton, Washington, Madison, and Carroll Counties who are impacted by Autism Spectrum Disorder and Sensory Processing Disorder. Founded in 2009 Our AIM2Help Grant Program is the cornerstone of our support strategy, providing financial assistance to families and individuals impacted by autism. These grants are designed to help cover the costs of therapies, educational resources, assistive technologies, and other essential services not covered by insurance or other funding sources. By easing the financial burden, AIM2Help Grants enable recipients to access the support they need to thrive.

In order to qualify for a grant the applicant must:

• Have a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder or Sensory Processing Disorder 
• Reside in Benton, Washington, Madison, or Carroll Counties (AR)
• Not be on the Medicaid Waiver Program (can be on Waiver Wait List)
• Provide a recommendation letter from a Therapist, Educator, or Direct Service Provider who is currently working with or seeing the applicant. The letter MUST include: Autism or Sensory Processing Disorder diagnosis, defined need of applicant, benefits of requested item(s), service(s), or support(s) to the applicant, and their signature along with their credentials. Letter from a parent who is also the child’s homeschool teacher will not be accepted. 
• EVERY question is REQUIRED to be answered and ALL requested items/services must be submitted with application. 
• Incomplete applications will NOT be reviewed and you will NOT be contacted for additional information. 

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Grant Amounts: 
Maximum grant is $300.00, INCLUDING shipping/handling and taxes. Please note that it is at the discretion of the AIM2Help Grant committee to approve or deny each application and amounts requested are not guaranteed. If your application is approved, it is NOT a guarantee that all requested items will be purchased. If you are requesting multiple items, we ask for you to please list the items in order of priority. 

Examples of possible uses for grant funds: 

• Social Skills Training, Sensory Integration, Vision Services, Therapy Services 
• Camp Fees, Computer Software, Sensory Equipment 
• Horseback Riding Lessons, Music Lessons, Swim Lessons, etc. 
• Educational Conference Fees, Training Materials

 
AIM recommends the following sites for materials and reserves the right to not order from unknown or unsecure websites: 

• Walmart 
• Amazon 
• Super Duper Publications 
• Lakeshore Learning 
• Sensory Goods 
• Fun and Function 

 
 
Grants will not be approved for the following: 

• School Tuition 
• Electronics, such as iPads, Kindle Fires, Tablets and eReaders for children under the age of 7 years old unless device will be used exclusively for a communication tool 

Communication Devices

• Communication devices will only be considered for funding if applicant provides proof of denied Insurance funding from their current treating SLP. 
• Please note, iPads, Kindle Fires, Tables and eReaders will not be approved unless the recommendation letter from your provider provides extensive documentation of therapeutic benefit. Multiple letters of recommendation for device from multiple providers is strongly suggested. 

Application Process
In order to be eligible for the AIM2Help Grant, you MUST include the following:  (ALL fields require AT LEAST one document) 

• Completed grant application 
• Letter of Recommendation from Therapist, Educator, or Direct Service Provider who is currently working with or seeing the applicant. The child’s diagnosis MUST be stated in the letter. Letter MUST include signature and credentials.
• Detailed explanation of benefits of requested item(s)/service(s). Be sure to include the website and cost including shipping/handling and taxes.
  
• Applications must be completed online, mailed in applications will not be considered.  

 

Application Instructions
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1. Complete request by listing the SPECIFIC items, materials, activities, support, and/or services for which funds are requested. Please refer to examples of approved activities, supports and services, as well as recommended websites. This list is NOT all-inclusive and is to be used only as a point of reference for suggestions. Please remember that the total amount request is not to exceed $300
2. Attach documentation stating costs. For example: a conference brochure, copy of item from catalog or website, camp brochure, flyer for services, quote on a company letterhead, invoice, or program receipt. To expedite verification of requests please submit documentation on provider letterhead with contact information. *Please highlight or circle the cost of the request on documents submitted.* 
3. Please keep in mind that grants range up to $300 and the full $300 may not be approved. Total grant approval will include all shipping/handling costs, taxes and any other fees. 
4. If you wish to request funding for an activity, support or services that needs to be paid for prior to AIM Grant Pick-up you may consider paying up front and submitting a receipt for reimbursement. There is absolutely NO guarantee of approval for payment of your requests at the time of your application submission, therefore choosing to self-pay for an activity, service or support prior to the awarding of AIM2Help Grants will be “AT YOUR OWN RISK”. AIM accepts NO liability or responsibility for payment of services rendered for any applicant prior to the awarding of the AIM2Help Grant. In order for a reimbursement request to be considered, the following must accompany your application and other required information: A copy of an itemized receipt or invoice stating the name of the provider and/or facility, services rendered, date(s) of service, and amount of service(s). 
5. Checks that are issued for services, fees or reimbursement MUST be cashed with 6 months of check issue date. Checks that are not cashed within 6 months will be voided and new checks will not be issued. If service is needed 6 months after December 14, 2024 a check can be written for you at a later date. PLEASE NOTE, It will be the responsibility of the parent/guardian to request check at the agreed upon date.  
6. In cases where a check is issued for a fee or service, the check will be made payable to the service provider or facility. Checks will not be made payable to parents or applicants. 

Required Documents

• Supporting documentation of costs of requested items, services or supports. 
• Recommendation letter from a member of the applicants current care team, Therapist, Educator, or Direct Service Provider, who is currently working with or seeing the applicant. Recommendation letter MUST include the following information: 

• Autism Spectrum Disorder or Sensory Processing Disorder Diagnosis
• Defined need of applicant 
• Benefits of requested item(s), service(s) or support(s) to the applicant

• Signature along with credentials. Letter MUST include the name, and credentials of the person providing it. 
• Letter must be current and dated within the grant application date range.  

Should you need assistance in completing your application please contact Paula George at the email address below
[email protected]

Thank you for the opportunity to serve your family through the AIM2Help Grant program. 

Sincerely, 
​Your friends at Autism Involves Me. 

Important Dates: 
Grant Applications Open: October 9, 2024
Grant Applications Close: November 4, 2024
Grant Pick Up Dates: December 13-14, 2024 at the Center For Nonprofits in Rogers. Pick up details will be sent once grants have been awarded. 

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