Peer Education Grant

The Peer Education Grant is an initiative of the Organization for Autism Research (OAR), a national nonprofit committed to improving the lives of individuals with autism through research and community-based programs. This grant supports school and community initiatives that promote autism awareness and acceptance, especially among peers of autistic children. By providing both educational resources and financial support, OAR aims to foster inclusive learning environments across the United States and U.S. military bases abroad. This grant program distributes educational tools such as the “Kit for Kids” and “Autism Tuned In” materials to help young students understand autism, reduce stigma, and promote empathy. Beginning with this current cycle, the Peer Education Grant offers two tiers of funding. School district-wide projects are eligible for grants of up to $10,000, while smaller-scale projects may receive between $500 and $5,000. Funding is available for a wide array of awareness-raising activities, including campaigns, guest speaker events, workshops, and printed materials. However, the funds cannot be used for staff salaries. Eligible applicants include teachers, administrators, parents, youth group organizers, and autism professionals affiliated with K–12 public schools, school districts, libraries, or 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Organizations located on U.S. military installations overseas are also eligible. Applicants serving low-income communities are especially encouraged to apply. There are no restrictions on geographic location within the United States, reinforcing the program’s national reach. Applications opened on September 29, 2025, and the final deadline to submit proposals is January 12, 2026. All projects must begin on or after April 1, 2026. Applications must be submitted through OAR’s online portal. Reviewers will evaluate submissions based on the quality of the proposal, the potential number of students impacted, the relevance of the activities, and the requested budget. The number and amount of grants awarded will depend on these criteria and the volume of applications received. There are no pre-application requirements or match funding obligations. OAR has published clear budget guidelines, and applicants are advised to use the funding primarily for peer education materials, guest speaker costs, event logistics, and educational printing. Inquiries about the program should be directed to programs@researchautism.org. The grant program is recurring annually, and based on the current schedule, the next anticipated application opening is expected in September 2026.