Press Release

Applications open July 1 for grants supporting autism programs in the state

SUNRISE, Florida (June 20, 2025) – Nonprofit organizations across the state of Florida are invited to apply for funding July 1-31 through the Autism License Plate Fund and the Autism Services Grant Council. This grant opportunity is open to nonprofits that deliver direct services to individuals with autism and related disabilities, helping to enhance programs and expand access to critical support across the state.

In 2024, the Florida Autism License Plate Program, administered by Arc Broward, provided nearly $150,000 to 17 nonprofit organizations in 21 Florida counties, bringing direct services to 3,500 individuals with autism and related disabilities, including specialized therapeutic programs, skill development, vocational training, educational support and accessibility programs. Grants supported the launch and enhancement of creative and high impact programs, including: a Central Florida driving simulator program for young adults; Island Dolphin Care, a dolphin-assisted therapy program serving Monroe, Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties; a Naples-area therapeutic boat experience for children with autism and more.

“The reality is that quality autism services often come with a high price tag, far out of reach for many families,” said Arc Broward President and CEO Julie Price. “By supporting the autism specialty license plate program by purchasing an autism specialty license plate or donating $1 or more to autism services when they renew their tags, Floridians are helping to bridge that gap and sending a powerful message: that individuals with autism deserve access to the resources, therapies and opportunities they need to reach their full potential.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates about one in 31 children aged 8 years has been identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and estimates suggest that 50,000 adolescents with autism will transition to adulthood each year in the U.S., highlighting the pressing need for expanding community resources. In Florida alone, more than 14,400 “Support Autism Programs” specialty license plates are currently active on the road, demonstrating strong statewide support for funding programs that serve individuals with autism and related disabilities.

The Autism Services Grants Council, established by the Florida Legislature in 2009, oversees the grants process and distributes funds generated by sales of the Florida “Support Autism Programs” specialty license plate. Grants help fund programs for individuals with autism and related disabilities in Florida including direct services, evaluation, training and awareness.

The Autism License Plate Fund and the Autism Services Grant Council are administered by Arc Broward, a nationally accredited, Florida, non-profit, Section 501(c)(3) exempt organization. Grant applicants must be a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization providing services to individuals with autism and related disabilities in Florida and be registered as a charitable organization with the State of Florida.

For more information and to apply, visit autismlicenseplate.com/grants/, call (954) 746-9400 or contact info@autismlicenseplate.com.

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 About Arc Broward

Since 1956, Arc Broward has worked hand-in-hand with the community, changing how people with disabilities and other life challenges are embraced and included. This critical work ensures that people with disabilities, not only live, learn, work, and play in their communities, but more importantly, thrive. Arc Broward operates at nine locations and provides 21 programs throughout Broward County, Florida. Arc Broward’s two social enterprises — Arc Educates and Arc Culinary — are groundbreaking efforts to transform the community by providing opportunities for people with disabilities and other life challenges to realize their full potential. To learn more about Arc Broward, please visit arcbroward.com or call 954-746-9400. Follow along on social media @arcbroward.