The Direct Help Grant Program is offered through the Carlos Vieira Foundation to provide services, medical necessities, and educational tools to families affected by autism who live in Central California.

A family can apply once per calendar year per child with autism. Please note that the deadline for each calendar year is December 1st. If a completed application (with all supporting documentation) is not received by this deadline, it will roll into the following year. There is a limit of $500 per grant. Families must complete the application, provide all required supporting documentation, and the child must meet the three following requirements to be considered eligible:

• Under the age of 18.
• Resides within one of the following 21 counties: Butte, Colusa, El Dorado, Fresno, Glenn, Kern, Kings, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, Placer, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Shasta, Stanislaus, Sutter, Tehama, Tuolumne, Tulare, Yolo, or Yuba.
• Diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder.

Please read the grant program Frequently Asked Questions and ensure that the following check list is completed prior to applying.

Check List:

• Completed application with current mailing address and parent/guardian signatures
• Full diagnostic report of autism (all pages) from a developmental pediatrician, child neurologist, Regional Center psychologist, or private psychologist/psychiatrist showing autism diagnostic code (ex: 299 or F84). Note: School IEPs/IPPs will not be accepted as a diagnosis of autism.
• The 1040 form from your most recent tax return for both parents/guardians with your child listed as a dependent. If you do not file taxes due to Social Security, you must provide your award letter with your child listed as a dependent.
• A recommendation letter from a Speech Therapist, Behavioral Therapist, or Licensed Psychologist that states how the requested item(s) will directly aid your child with his/her autism. This is only required if you are requesting an item other than tuition for a specific class for autism, medical evaluations, learning materials, testing, or therapies.
• Electronic Device Form. This is only required if you are requesting an electronic device (i.e. computer, iPad, etc.). Please Note: iPads and computers cannot be granted two years in a row.
• Please keep a copy for your records

All of the check list items above must be submitted with the application for it to be approved, unless otherwise noted.

If you decide to download the application and mail it in with all necessary documents, please mail to the following address:

Carlos Vieira Foundation
Direct Help Grant Program
6079 Washington Blvd.
Livingston, CA 95334