The Autism Services Grants Council (“ASGC”) is pleased to announce that it has provided $22,500 in grants to Florida–based non profits that provide services and programs for individuals with autism and related disabilities. The funds available through grant opportunities offered by the ASGC, are generated through the sale of the Florida “Support Autism Programs” specialty license plates and from voluntary contributions made when people check off “Autism Services” on motor vehicle registration forms and drivers license applications.
“These grants are a true testament to the support individuals and families across the state have shown for those with autism and other related disabilities,” states Dennis Haas, Chair of the ASGC. “As the number of individuals with autism and related disabilities continues to increase, our goal is raise public awareness and continue to distribute grants to the many agencies across the state that provide invaluable services and programs. And as stated by ASGC member Susan Goldstein, “the more Autism specialty license plates that are sold, the more funds we will have for services.”
Grants were awarded to 10 Florida non-profit organizations through the ASGC’s first competitive proposal process. Ranging in size from $1,500 to $2,500, grants were awarded based on the approximate number of individuals served, relevancy of the proposed program /services.
The following organizations were awarded grants:
• Best Buddies Florida (Miami, FL)
• Deliver the Dream (Ft. Lauderdale, FL)
• Island Dolphin Care (Key Largo, FL)
• Miami Children's Museum (Miami, FL)
• Nova Southeastern University (Ft. Lauderdale, FL)
• Project Lifesaver of Palm Beach County (W. Palm Beach, FL)
• South Florida Autism Charter Schools, Inc. (Hialeah, FL)
• UF Center for Arts in Medicine (Gainesville, FL)
• VSA Florida (Tampa, FL)
• Abi's Place (Coral Springs, FL)
Funds are also used to provide services through ARC Broward programs in Broward County by and the Centers for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD Centers) throughout the State. To support future grant distributions by the ASGC, purchase an autism specialty license plate at www.autismlicenseplate.com. Like what we are doing? Share it at Facebook.com/autismlicenseplate
ABOUT THE AUTISM GRANTS SERVICES COUNCIL (“ASGC”)
In 2009, the Florida Legislature authorized the “Support Autism Services” specialty license plate and provided for the creation of the Autism Services Grants Council (“ASGC”) to oversee a grants process to fund service programs for individuals with autism and related disabilities and their families throughout the state. All funds raised by the ASGC are generated by the sale of the Florida “Support Autism Programs” specialty license plates and from voluntary contributions made when people check off “Autism Services” on motor vehicle registration forms and drivers license applications. For information about how to purchase the “Support Autism Services” specialty license plate visit www.autismlicenseplate.com. You can also “Like” us at facebook.com/AutismLicensePlate.
ARC Broward Inc. is responsible for marketing the Florida “Support Autism Programs” specialty license plate and voluntary check off options for “Autism Services” and administration of the Autism Services Grants Council.