Financial Assistance and Grant Programs Resources
Autism Speaks is is dedicated to creating an inclusive world for all individuals with autism throughout their lifespan. Its website offers individuals with autism and their families information about autism, research and innovation, available resources and grants, advocacy and more. It includes:
- Search features for finding information by topic, life stage, and the level of support needs (some support, moderate amount of support, intensive support) of the person with autism
- A resource guide providing events, information and supports in your local community
- Resources created specifically for self-advocates, parent/caregivers and professionals
- A list of grants from national organizations offering support to families
Autism Timely Toolkits for Uncertain Times
The Autism Focused Intervention Resources and Modules (AFIRM) Timely Toolkits are designed to support autistic individuals, their caregivers, and related professionals as they navigate through specific global and/or local events that may disrupt or impact routines.
The Timely Toolkits include:
- Supporting Individuals With Autism Through Uncertain Times
- Supporting Adults With Autism Through Uncertain Times Companion Guide
- Supporting Online Learning for Students With Autism
- Resources for Autistic Individuals and Their Families Impacted by War and Displacement
- Talking About Gun Violence With Autistic Individuals
Autistic Self Advocacy Network
The Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) is a nonprofit organization run by and for autistic people. ASAN works to promote a more inclusive society for people with autism and to change the way people think about autism. ASAN provides:
- Information about autism
- Plain English toolkits
- Accessibility resources
- Self-advocacy resources and leadership training
BEACON for Illinois Youth and Families Seeking Behavioral Health Services
BEACON (Behavioral Health Care and Ongoing Navigation) is a centralized resource for Illinois youth and families seeking services for behavioral health needs. It streamlines the process of finding and accessing behavioral health services to help ensure that every child in Illinois can receive the support they need.
BEACON is available to families, state agency staff and healthcare providers across Illinois:
- Families can use BEACON to find services, get help navigating complicated systems and connect with state programs.
- State agency staff can use the public portal to coordinate care across programs.
To learn more about BEACON, you can:
- Download the BEACON flyer in several languages and find training materials on the Illinois Department of Human Services website.
- Read the BEACON frequently asked questions for more information.
- Watch the instructional video on how to use BEACON.
Benefits.gov is an online resource to help you find federal benefits you may be eligible for in the United States. The Benefit Finder questionnaire can help you find benefits you may be eligible to receive – such as healthcare and medical assistance, financial assistance, loans and disaster relief – and direct you to the agency to apply.
Between Friends-Domestic Violence Prevention
Between Friends is dedicated to preventing domestic violence and ending the cycle of abuse by equipping our communities with the tools necessary for everyone to feel safe and equal in their relationships. Between Friends provides a 24-hour helpline at (800) 603-4357 and a safe, supportive environment where individuals and families in crisis can access programs including:
- Relationship education to prevent teen dating violence
- Counseling to empower clients to make their own decisions and choices
- Legal assistance
- Education and training
- Resources for navigating conversations about an abusive relationship
- Help for adult, teen and child survivors of domestic violence
Programs are provided in multiple languages.
Blueprint for Families of Loved Ones With Mental Health Issues
Mental health challenges affect the whole family and are hard on everyone. The Caregiver Action Network provides a Blueprint for Families of Loved Ones With Mental Health Issues.
The guide includes information on discussing mental health with doctors, screening for mental health issues, the value of knowing early diagnosis and intervention, and more.
Brain Injury Association of Illinois
The Brain Association of Illinois (BAI) is a statewide, non-profit organization providing advocacy, information and support to people with brain injuries, family members, friends and rehabilitation professionals.
The BIA of IL is part of a network of brain injury associations across the United States, and is an affiliate of the Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA).
Brave Health Online Mental Health Services
Brave Health provides online mental health services and accepts more than 200 insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare. Physicians, nurse practitioners, therapists and counselors with specialized training in mental health care provide care virtually in English and Spanish. Services include one-on-one and group therapy sessions, medication management, specialized programs and help managing complex medical and behavioral health challenges for adults and youth ages 13 and up.
Brave Health has a closed-loop referral process and also accepts patients who do not have insurance. Patients, referrers and providers can visit Brave Health’s website for information on how to get started and other resources.
Bryon Riesch Paralysis Foundation
The Bryon Riesch Paralysis Foundation provides financial assistance to people of all ages with spinal cord injury and neurological disorders. It also offers funding for medical research. Financial assistance includes post-high school education scholarships and charitable grants to help pay for items such as van modifications, wheelchairs and ramps.
The foundation awards scholarships annually. It reviews charitable grants quarterly in January, March, June, and September. Wisconsin residents receive priority. Individuals anywhere in the United States may receive financial assistance depending on available funds. For program applications and more information, visit: