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!

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!

Description:

Autism affects one in every 31 children in the United States, and over 100,000 individuals in San Diego County. Autism often affects the way an individual may receive and/or processes information, and they 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:

• San Diego County educators.
• Educators include Autism Specialists, Classroom Teachers, Speech & Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, and Resource Teachers.
• Funds are to be used for educational programs, 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: Special consideration for funding will be given to those educators that build a team, or fundraise for NFAR’s Race for Autism.

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.

Contact Information:

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

Congratulations NFAR Teacher’s Awardees!

We are pleased to announce the NFAR Teacher’s Grant Awardees for the 2025 – 2026 school year. We awarded 67 educators from across 12 School Districts and 5 non-public schools. Thank you for all that you do to enhance learning for your students! To learn more about teacher grants, click here.