NEXT for AUTISM Grant Program

The NEXT for AUTISM Grant Program is administered by NEXT for AUTISM, a nonprofit organization that is one of the largest national funders of services for autistic adults. The organization focuses on advancing innovative and scalable solutions that improve the quality of life for individuals on the autism spectrum. Through its grantmaking efforts, NEXT for AUTISM seeks to transform the national landscape of services by supporting programs that demonstrate measurable impact and can be expanded to reach broader populations. The purpose of the grant program is to fund initiatives that serve autistic adults across four key areas: work, home, social, and health. These focus areas reflect the organization’s commitment to addressing the comprehensive needs of autistic individuals, including employment opportunities, supportive housing environments, social inclusion, and access to healthcare and wellness resources. The program emphasizes projects that are innovative, evidence-based, and capable of producing measurable outcomes that improve long-term independence and quality of life. Funding is available to support both new and returning grantees, with different award ceilings depending on prior participation. First-time applicants may request funding up to $10,000, while returning grantees may request up to $20,000. The grant program prioritizes initiatives that target underserved populations, including low-income and rural communities, and those that demonstrate a strong capacity for impact through data-driven methodologies. The funding is intended to support programmatic activities aligned with the stated focus areas rather than general operational expenses. Eligibility for the program includes U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations or organizations that operate under a fiscal sponsor. While the program description indicates that individual applicants may apply, the formal eligibility criteria emphasize nonprofit organizational applicants, suggesting that individuals may need to partner with or operate under an eligible fiscal sponsor structure. Applicants must demonstrate that their programs directly serve autistic adults and align with one or more of the four priority areas. The application process is conducted through an online grant portal, which opened on April 13, 2026. Applicants are required to complete and submit their proposals by May 22, 2026. Additional support is provided through informational webinars and office hours hosted by the grants team. Following submission, selected applicants may be invited to participate in phone calls or site visits during the review period, which typically occurs in the summer months. Grant awards are expected to be announced in November 2026, following a comprehensive evaluation process. The review process considers factors such as program design, alignment with funding priorities, measurable outcomes, and the potential for scalability. The program operates on an annual cycle, and future funding rounds are anticipated as part of the organization’s ongoing commitment to advancing services for autistic adults across the United States.

Emphasize measurable outcomes evidence based methods and focus on underserved populations to strengthen competitiveness.