Autism Services Grant Council awards grants totaling $158,000, bringing enhanced services to2,500 individuals with autism and related disabilities
SUNRISE, Florida (October 14, 2025) – The Autism Services Council today announced it is awarding $158,000 in grants to 18 nonprofit organizations across Florida, bringing direct services to 2,500 individuals with autism and related disabilities. Funding for the grants is generated by sales and renewals of the Florida “Support Autism Programs” specialty license plate.
“From arts and workforce training to transportation, therapy and safety initiatives, Florida’s nonprofit organizations are opening doors for individuals with autism and their families to thrive,” said Arc Broward Vice President Jennifer Stewart, chair of the Autism Services Grants Council in Florida. “Each time someone purchases or renews an autism specialty license plate, they are fueling these life-changing programs and affirming that people with autism deserve every opportunity to learn, grow and succeed.”
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.
Organizations receiving funding this year include 13 organizations that are first-time beneficiaries of grants from the Florida Autism License Plate Fund and represent a diverse range of programs and services, from music, art, theater and equine-assisted therapy programs to sailing, Minecraft camp, vocational and first-responder training and more.
“The growing need for resources that support the development of individuals with autism serves as a call to action,” said Stewart. “Choosing the Florida ‘Support Autism Programs’ specialty license plate fosters inclusion and allows our state’s nonprofit organizations to reach a greater number of people in more areas of the state with life-changing opportunities.”
Funding from the 2025-2026 Florida Autism License Plate grant cycle will support:
South Florida
BLOOOM Inc., Miami – expansion of its “BLOOOM in a Box” program, which trains young adults with special needs in sustainable microgreens farming to build job skills, independence and community inclusion;
Community Classroom Project, Inc., Delray Beach – Pathways to Independence: LaunchPad & Community Classroom Kitchen, providing residential life skills training and workforce development and equipping neurodiverse young adults with tools for independence and career readiness;
Equine-Assisted Therapies of South Florida, Boca Raton – scholarships for therapeutic riding and equine-assisted services that help individuals with autism improve motor skills, social engagement and emotional regulation;
HDS Foundation, Inc., Miami Lakes – Bridging The Gap: Empowering Students with Autism, a school-based program to prepare high school students with autism for adulthood through life skills training, community experiences and social inclusion activities; and
The Autism Hero Project, Coconut Creek – #HeroesUnite: Expanding Autism Safety in Underserved Communities, an autism safety initiative in underserved Florida counties that equips first responders with training, sensory kits and Blue Envelopes to improve interactions with autistic individuals.
West Coast
Arts4All Florida, Tampa – upgraded iPads essential for its Animation Gets Real summer camp, where teens with autism build artistic, creative, and social skills through animation and digital music;
Spectrum Sailing, Sarasota – free three-day sailing camps in Sarasota that use sailing instruction to help autistic youth build confidence, teamwork and social skills in an inclusive outdoor setting; and
Tampa Museum of Art, Tampa – Art on the Spectrum, a monthly sensory-friendly museum program that offers neurodiverse families inclusive access to the arts through tailored experiences and resources.
Central Florida
Advocacy Resource Center Marion, Inc. (Arc Marion), Ocala – safe, reliable door-to-door transportation for adults with disabilities to attend day programs and community outings that foster independence and social integration;
Central Florida Community Arts, Winter Park – UpBeat!, an inclusive performing arts program where neurodiverse youth and adults develop artistic, social and life skills through customized theatre, music and dance productions;
Joshua’s House Foundation, Orlando – Vocational Pilot Program for Special Needs Students, a bilingual vocational readiness program for youth with disabilities in Orange County, combining job training, coaching and digital literacy to build pathways to employment; and
North East Educational and Developmental Support Center (NEEDS Center), Orange Park – Interactive Learning Initiative introducing interactive whiteboard technology into its Florida Day Program to enhance learning, communication and social engagement for adults with autism.
North Florida
BiG North Florida/Bridgehaven Academy, Ponte Vedra Beach – adaptive workout equipment to create an inclusive fitness space for autistic and disabled adults, promoting health, confidence and independence;
Camp Summer Garden, Inc., Tallahassee – Minecraft Social Skills Squad-Afterschool Program that helps autistic children develop social-emotional skills through structured play and peer interaction;
Cedar Bridge Foundation, Inc., Flagler Beach – Bridge to the Future: Cooking with Confidence, an eight-week hands-on cooking program to teach individuals with developmental disabilities essential culinary, nutrition and life skills that build confidence and independence;
Making Light Productions, Inc., Tallahassee – Tallahassee Children’s Theatre expanded training options and enhanced accessibility of sensory-friendly offerings. This inclusive theater program trains and employs neurodiverse individuals in technical and performance roles while offering sensory-friendly productions;
Sound Connections Music Therapy – First Coast Cultural Center, Ponte Vedra Beach – free, school-based music therapy that helps autistic students build communication, social and academic skills through evidence-based interventions; and
The Arc Gateway, Inc., Pensacola – Healing Through Art: Art Therapy for The Arc Gateway, an expansion of its therapeutic art program, using structured art therapy to promote emotional expression, confidence and communication for adults with disabilities.
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.