Thank you for your interest in applying for a stipend from Autism Society Acadiana, a nonprofit 501(c)3 foundation.
Our mission is to create connections, empowering everyone in the Autism community with the resources needed to live fully.

A Stipend Committee consisting of members from the Board of Directors will review all applications in accordance with our stipend guidelines and policies.

• When should I apply? - Applications are reviewed and stipends are awarded three times a year. Applications will be accepted year-round; however, they will be reviewed during the months of January, May, and September. You will receive notification of the committee’s decision the following month that applications are reviewed. Notification will be sent via email.

• Who is eligible for funding? - Must be a current Autism Society Acadiana member, the applicant must provide proof of ASD Diagnosis, and the applicant must present evidence of being an “Active Member.” An active member status includes attending at minimum 6 sponsored activities in the past 12 months hosted by Autism Society Acadiana- Included are: sponsored events, fundraisers, support groups, and workshops. It is the member's responsibility to utilize the sign-in sheet at each hosted activity to prove attendance. Either the applicant, parent/legal guardian, or a combination of both must have attended the listed minimum 6 activities. Additional methods of participation may be submitted with eligibility determined by the appointed committee. Individuals under 18 years old must have a parent/legal guardian complete the application on their behalf.

• What type of services does the stipend fund? - Social skills groups, non-traditional therapies, camps, leisure activities, family education training including conferences, assistive or security devices, communication devices, assistive technology, college/trade school and continuing education programs, and/or training for Autistic persons.

• Autism Society Acadiana does not provide funds for the following: - Other 501(c)(3) groups, fundraisers, swing sets, trampolines, clothing, household bills/utilities, daycare, groceries, vacations, or medical diagnosis and medical-based therapies traditionally covered under insurance.

  Scholarships that are awarded will be paid to the provider directly. The maximum amount that can be requested is $200. There is no guarantee the applicant will receive the full amount requested in the application.

  If applying for a stipend to cover the cost of a camp or activity, please make arrangements for your down payment with the provider. Do not wait on a stipend payment to reserve your spot for a camp or activity.

  Autism Society Acadiana will only pay a stipend to one provider, not multiple providers. If requesting funds for multiple items the review committee will only award one stipend per applicant. For privacy reasons, please MAIL your completed application and all supporting materials to:

  Autism Society Acadiana Attn: Stipend / Grant Committee 3108 W. Pinhook Rd. Lafayette, Louisiana 70508