FAMILY GRANT APPLICATION 

NSC provides financial assistance to families with a neurodivergent child (ages 1-17). Financial assistance is offered to families for mental and behavioral health services that are not covered by the family's insurance plan.​

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​Grant amounts:

• up to $5,000

 

Who is eligible: 

• Neurodivergent children who have a diagnosed or suspected developmental, neurological, social, learning, &/or psychological disability

• Massachusetts resident

• Parents/guardians should be able to clearly outline their need for financial assistance and plans of usage of grant funds. 

• Parents may apply once every calendar year; there is a limit of 3 awards per family.

 

Expenses covered include: 

• Services or support not covered by your health insurance plan due to plan limitations on providers (e.g., out-of-network), diagnoses (e.g., ABA for children with ADHD), treatment frequency (e.g., multiple times/week), &/or type of services (e.g., academic evaluations, summer camps, or social skills groups).

• Such services, may include: 

  • Neuropsychological Evaluations

  • Empirically supported therapy, such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, & Acceptance and Commitment Therapy 

  • Advocacy services (e.g., advocate or lawyer fees specific to accessing special education services through your school district)

  • Social skills groups for neurodivergent children

  • Summer camps designed for neurodivergent children

 

Expenses NOT covered:

• Services & providers covered fully by your health insurance plan 

• Assistive Technology & Other Equipment

• Travel expenses

• Transportation requests (e.g., cars, car repair, transportation passes, & air travel)

• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy or other non-empirically supported treatment

• Nutritional supplements

• Personal needs (e.g., rent, utilities, & family vacations)

 

APPLICATION MUST INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:​

• 1. Proof of diagnosis or need for a diagnostic evaluation (documentation must be within the last 5 years):

  • Summary page from a neuropsychological report (or, if unavailable, substitute psycho-educational testing by a school psychologist) and/or

  • Individualized Education Plan (IEP) that lists a current diagnosis and/or

  • A 504 Plan that lists a current diagnosis and/or

  • A signed letter stating diagnosis (or referral for a diagnostic evaluation) from the child's pediatrician, therapist, psychologist, psychiatrist, and/or other licensed health provider, including the provider’s name, credentials, & license number.

• 2. "Good Faith Estimate" from the provider or program who will be providing the services.

•  3. Copy of your most recent W-2 Form or Tax Form Summary with proof of household income. 

 

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

• NSC provides funding to families throughout Massachusetts every September. Applications are accepted between May 1st- July 31st. Scroll down for HIPAA Compliant Application Form. Deadline for submission is July 31st.

 

 

 

Application Review Process:

• Applications will be reviewed by NSC board members using a scoring rubric designed specifically for NSC. Priority will be given to families with a neurodivergent child(ren) with significant challenges, services that will make a positive, meaningful impact on the child and family's daily life, grant requests that will cover the entire cost of services, families who can partially fund the cost of services (with the help of the grant), and/or families with greater financial need. 

• If an application is approved, a NSC board member will notify the applicant by August 31st. Funds will be distributed in September.

• NSC will disburse the funds directly to the professional or program following receipt of an invoice for the requested services.

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We request that grant recipients share a short letter of gratitude or some photos from the experience, so that NSC board members may know how the funds had a positive impact on your family.