Apply for IMFAR Travel Grant

Each year we accept applications for travel grants to send a limited number of parents of children with autism, individuals with autism, special education teachers, and other stakeholders to attend the International Meeting for Autism Research (IMFAR). For 2012, the conference will be held in Toronto, Canada from May 17-19.

The awards cover up to $1,000 of expenses to be used for registration, travel, accommodations, meals and other directly related expenses, including childcare or special accommodations to enable individuals with autism to participate. Grantees are responsible for obtaining international travel documents.

2012 Recipients:

  • Catherine Blackwell - Sibling
  • Debra Dunn – Parent, Center for Autism Research at CHOP
  • Eric Hogan - Self Identified Individual with Autism
  • Eshan Hoque – PhD Candidate, MIT
  • Kadi Lichsinger - Parent
  • Marjorie Madfis - Parent
  • Jon Shestack – Parent, Founder of Cure Autism Now
  • Mark Shen – PhD Candidate, UC Davis MIND Institute
  • Melissa Shimek - Self Identified Individual with Autism
  • Meghan Swanson – PhD Candidate, Hunter College/City University of New York (CUNY)
  • Meagan Thompson – PhD Candidate, Boston University
  • Emily Willingham – Parent , Thinking Person’s Guide to Autism Blog

The application period is closed, but will reopen in early 2013.

Grant Requirements:

  • Grantees must submit the original receipts for reimbursement and are expected to submit completed travel expense forms within 15 days of return from IMFAR.
  • Grantees are asked to participate in ASF related activities at IMFAR including a group photo and social media promotion. Full details will be shared closer to the event.
  • After attending the conference, grantees are asked to share what they learned in their own communities to further spread the knowledge gained within 6 months of attending IMFAR. Grantees are asked to send a short write-up plus photos or a video of their activity for use by ASF.

Application Process:

  • Open to autism stakeholders: individuals with autism, parents of children with autism, special education teachers, graduate and undergraduate students, journalists, and others.   
  • Grants are awarded to US residents only, over 18 years of age.
  • Applicants should send a letter via email describing why they want to attend IMFAR and explaining how they would share what they learned with the broader autism community.  
  • Letters should be sent as Microsoft Word attachments of no more than 2 pages, 12-point type, "Arial" font, with standard margins.  
  • In the email subject line please write: IMFAR Grant.  

Recipients will be announced in late March.