Request for Applications: Graduate Research Grant Program

The Organization for Autism Research (OAR) Graduate Research Grant Program provides small research grants to graduate, doctoral, and post-doctoral students conducting independent autism research with practical, real-world impact. Awards of $1,000–$2,000 support studies focused on adult autism, family support, community integration, and evidence-based interventions. Applications for the 2026 cycle close on February 2, 2026.

Overview of the Grant Opportunity

The Organization for Autism Research (OAR) has launched its Graduate Research Grant Program to support independent autism research conducted by graduate, doctoral, and post-doctoral students.

The program is designed to fund research that produces practical, objective outcomes capable of improving the lives of autistic people, their families, and their communities. OAR prioritizes applied research that can inform real-world decision-making rather than purely theoretical work.

About the Organization for Autism Research (OAR)

The Organization for Autism Research is a nonprofit organization dedicated to applied research and evidence-based resources that address the daily challenges faced by autistic individuals and those who support them.

OAR focuses on translating research into actionable guidance for autistic people, families, educators, employers, and service providers.

Purpose and Research Focus Areas

The Graduate Research Grant Program supports independent research projects that align with OAR’s mission of practical impact.

Priority Research Themes

Funded research may address, but is not limited to, the following areas:

• Adult autism issues, including continuing education and employment

• Housing models and independent living supports

• Later-life interventions for autistic adults

• Family support systems and caregiver resources

• Social inclusion and community integration

• Assessment and management of challenging behaviors

Proposals must clearly demonstrate relevance to the autism community and the potential to improve outcomes or decision-making.

Funding Amounts and Grant Categories

The program offers two levels of funding based on the applicant’s academic status.

Master’s-Level Research

• Grant amount: $1,000

• For students conducting autism research as part of a master’s degree requirement

Doctoral and Post-Doctoral Research

• Grant amount: $2,000

• For doctoral candidates and post-doctoral researchers conducting independent studies

These grants are intended to support discrete, independent research projects rather than large-scale or institutional studies.

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

The program is open to a broad and inclusive applicant pool.

Eligibility criteria include:

• Graduate, doctoral, or post-doctoral student status

• Independent autism research project

• Research conducted during the designated grant period

International students and applicants based outside the United States are eligible to apply.

At least one faculty research advisor must provide a formal letter of support.

Commitment to Autistic Researchers

Beginning in 2025, OAR gives priority consideration to early-career autistic investigators as part of its commitment to supporting autistic-led research.

Applicants without autism are given full and equal consideration. An autism diagnosis is considered only when distinguishing between two equally qualified candidates.

How Proposals Are Evaluated

Grant applications undergo a two-stage review process.

Review Process

1. Scientific and technical evaluation by OAR’s Scientific Council

2. Final approval by the OAR Board of Directors

Evaluation Criteria

Proposals are assessed based on:

• Significance of the research question

• Soundness of the research approach

• Innovation and originality

• Meaningful and practical outcomes

• Relevance to the autism community

Strong emphasis is placed on real-world applicability and usefulness to autistic people, families, and professionals.

What the Application Must Include

Applicants must submit a complete online proposal package.

Required Components

• Cover letter

• Project abstract

• Background and rationale

• Research methodology and evaluation plan

• Project timeline

• Outcome recommendations

• Practical relevance statement

• Human subjects protection documentation, if applicable

• Itemized budget following OAR guidelines

• Letter of support from a faculty research advisor

Incomplete applications may not be considered.

Budget Rules and Restrictions

Budget requests must comply with OAR’s funding guidelines.

While allowable expenses are defined by OAR, certain costs are restricted, and applicants must ensure all requested funds directly support the proposed research activities.

Applicants are encouraged to review budget requirements carefully before submission.

Key Dates and Timeline

• Application deadline: February 2, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time

• Award notification: May 2026

• Grant start date: July 1, 2026

• Grant period: Defined by OAR and must be followed strictly

Research funded through this program must not begin before the official start date and must be completed entirely within the grant period.

Why This Grant Matters

This program plays an important role in advancing applied autism research by:

• Supporting early-career researchers

• Encouraging practical, community-focused outcomes

• Expanding research on adult autism and underrepresented topics

• Elevating autistic voices within the research community

The grants help bridge the gap between academic research and everyday needs.

Common Application Mistakes to Avoid

• Proposing research that lacks clear practical relevance

• Submitting projects that are not independent studies

• Incomplete application materials or missing advisor support letters

• Budgets that do not follow OAR funding guidelines

• Research timelines that extend beyond the grant period

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the goal of the OAR Graduate Research Grant Program?

The goal is to fund student-led autism research that produces practical, real-world outcomes for autistic people and their communities.

How much funding is available?

Awards are $1,000 for master’s-level research and $2,000 for doctoral or post-doctoral research.

Are international students eligible?

Yes. International applicants and students based outside the United States are eligible to apply.

Does the program only support adult autism research?

Adult-focused research is a priority, but proposals addressing family support, social integration, and behavioral interventions are also eligible.

Is priority given to autistic applicants?

Yes. Early-career autistic investigators are given priority beginning in 2025, while maintaining full consideration for all applicants.

When is the application deadline?

Applications for the 2026 cycle must be submitted by February 2, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET.

When does the grant period begin?

The grant period begins on July 1, 2026, and research must not start before this date.

Conclusion

The OAR Graduate Research Grant Program offers targeted funding to support independent, high-impact autism research by emerging scholars. By prioritizing practical relevance, community benefit, and inclusive research leadership, the program helps ensure that autism research directly improves lives and informs meaningful change.