Press Release
Autism Services Grant Council Awards $150,000 to 17 Nonprofit Organizations Throughout Florida
Grants from Autism License Plate sales bring services to 3,500 individuals with autism and related disabilities
SUNRISE, Florida (September 23, 2024) – The Autism Services Council today announced it awarded $150,000 in grants – money generated from sales and renewals of the Florida “Support Autism Programs” specialty license plate – to 17 nonprofit organizations in 21 Florida counties, bringing direct services to 3,500 individuals with autism and related disabilities.
“This year’s grant recipients provide an incredibly diverse variety of programs and services – from adventure biking and kayaking programs designed to boost skills and confidence to dolphin-assisted therapy, animation and music summer camps, dance programs and more,” said Kim Vassar, chief advancement officer for Arc Broward and chair of the Autism Services Grants Council in Florida. ”This year’s recipients include nine organizations that are first-time beneficiaries of grants from the Florida Autism License Plate Fund.”.
The Autism Services Grants Council and the Florida Autism License Plate Program, administered by Arc Broward, award grants annually to Florida nonprofit organizations that support vital services for individuals with autism and related disabilities, including specialized therapeutic programs, skill development, vocational training, educational support and accessibility programs.
“With the cost of specialized autism services often exceeding what many families can afford, these nonprofit organizations ensure access to the comprehensive support so many families need to thrive. We are thrilled that sales of the Florida “Support Autism Programs” specialty license plate can fund these life-enhancing programs,” said Vassar.
The 2024-2025 Florida Autism License Plate grant recipients are:
South Florida
aZul-Fashion, Art, & Design, West Palm Beach – Azul Moves on the Go serving Palm Beach County;
Bit-By-Bit Medical Therapeutic Riding Center, Davie – Bit-By-Bit Autism Scholarship Funds Project serving Broward and Miami-Dade counties;
Exceptional Theater Company, Plantation – ETC’s Traveling Troupe serving Broward County;
Island Dolphin Care Inc., Key Largo – Dolphin-Assisted Therapy Programs serving Monroe, Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties;
Mandel JCC of the Palm Beaches, Boynton Beach – Shooting for the Stars Sports League serving Palm Beach County;
The Victory Center, Inc., Miami – physical education program serving Miami-Dade County;
West Coast
Adventure For All, Sarasota – specialized adventure biking and kayaking programs serving Sarasota, Manatee and Pinellas counties;
Arts4All Florida, Tampa – Animation Gets Real Camp, serving Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas and Miami-Dade counties;
Freedom Waters Foundation, Naples – Therapeutic Boat Experiences for Children with Autism, serving Broward, Palm Beach, Collier and Lee counties;
Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy, Inc. (SMART), Bradenton – Therapeutic Riding Scholarships for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder serving Manatee and Sarasota counties;
Scientists, Inc., Tampa – Sensational SciFest serving Hillsborough and Pinellas counties;
Central Florida
Noah’s Ark of Central Florida, Inc (ROAR FLORIDA), Lakeland – Taste Buds serving Polk County;
nonPareil Institute, Maitland – Connecting Autism with Opportunity serving Orange and Osceola counties;
University of Central Florida Research Foundation, Inc., Orlando – driving simulator program for young adults serving Orange County;
North Florida
Emerald Coast Exceptional Families, Inc., Navarre – Fun-4-Families, serving Santa Rosa, Okaloosa and Escambia counties;
Florida Disabled Outdoor Association, Tallahassee – SportsAbility Alliance Programs, statewide;
Jacksonville School for Autism, Inc., Jacksonville – JSA Lower School Playground Project serving Baker, Clay, Duval, Nassau and St. Johns counties.
To purchase a Florida “Support Autism Programs” specialty license plate or for more information, visit autismlicenseplate.com, call (954) 746-9400 or contact info@autismlicenseplate.com.
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ABOUT THE AUTISM SERVICES GRANTS COUNCIL (“ASGC”)
In 2009, the Florida Legislature authorized the “Support Autism Services” specialty autism 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. For more information visit www.autismlicenseplate.com and “Like” us at facebook.com/AutismLicensePlate.
Arc Broward, , a nationally accredited, Florida not-for-profit, Sect. 501(c)3 exempt organization, is responsible for marketing the Florida “Support Autism Programs” specialty license plate and administration of the Autism Services Grants Council.
