Nfar Teachers Grant Program

Supporting the Efforts of Dedicated Educators

The NFAR Teachers Award Program, established in 2005, began in order to enhance the education for neurodiverse students. We work with educators at the classroom, district, and college level to give them the tools needed to create the types of programs and supports their autistic students need in order to learn and thrive!

2025 NFAR Teacher’s Grant Program
(2025 – 2026 School Year)

Awards granted in December

Description:

Autism affects one in every 31 children in the United States, and a growing number of students each year in classrooms across San Diego County.  Autism often affects the way a person receives and processes information, and the student may also have sensory issues that interfere with learning.

NFAR established a Program in 2005 that awards funding to educators to support the specialized academic needs of their neurodivergent students. These awards give educators a vehicle for piloting different teaching tools, as well as funding for technology and programs that address key areas of concern for autistic students, such as social skills training, developing effective communication skills for verbal and non-verbal students, as well as reducing sensory and behavioral issues.

Restrictions:

  • Educators include Autism Specialists, Classroom Teachers, Speech & Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, and Resource Teachers.
  • Funds are to be used for educational programs within the greater San Diego area, Grades Pre-K – Transition and Specialized College Programs
  • Educational programs, materials, and equipment requested must be for the benefit of current students that have specialized needs and include those with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

NOTE: Educators can be awarded for up to three consecutive years in a row. Then, they must wait a year before applying again. This only applies to those that have been awarded funding.

Funding Details:

  • Grant awards average $500, with requests up to $1,000.
  • Minimum amount that can be submitted is $250.
  • A $1,000 award is for a single priced item or a focused initiative.
  • Incomplete grant applications will not be accepted.
  • We do not accept multiple grants for the same classroom/ initiative.

Timing:

To assist educators and the students they serve, the NFAR Teachers’ Grant application period will be as follows:.

NFAR Teacher’s Applications opens | Aug 1
Applications are due | Sep 30
Teacher Awards Announced | Dec 2025

NOTE: Once you are logged into Community Force, you will click on “NFAR Teacher Grant Fund 2025-26” to open application. Applications are due by 11:59 PM on September 30, 2025.

Contact Information:
For questions about this application, please contact Grants Administrator at Grants@NFAR.org.

Education Is the Best Way to Improve the Future

Autism affects 1 in every 31 children in the United States, and thousands of students in San Diego classrooms.

NFAR is here to help! Each year through funds raised by the Race for Autism, NFAR awards funding to educators to support the specialized academic needs of their students, such as social skills training, developing effective communication skills for verbal and non-speaking students, as well as reducing sensory and behavioral issues that interfere with learning. NFAR strives to support autistic students and their educational needs from across San Diego, including those identified as under served.

Below is a list of our most recent grant recipients:

Creating a Better Future, Together!