How Can We Help Fund Your Needs?

We raise money to help Individuals with Autism in the greater Fayetteville, NC area.

Funded Services

The Connect Foundation provides funding for services that support Intellectual and Developmental Disorder (IDD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) which are neurodevelopmental conditions that can occur together in the same person. We fund local and national programs that offer and provide supportive services like residential and independent living, community inclusion, employment opportunities, social skills training, rights training, music/art therapy and more in the Fayetteville, NC area.

ASD Social Skills Class Fayetteville

Social Skills Courses

At The Connect Foundation, we believe that funding social skills classes are essential for individuals with autism or IDD to become independent.

The Connect House ASD Housing

Independent Living

We fund residential housing options like the Connect House for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities so they can live independently.

General ASD Service

General Services

We provide financial assistance for vital IDD and ASD services like speech therapy, occupational therapy, and behavioral interventions.

Our Progress

The Connect Foundation has recently funded all individuals in three cohorts. The first two groups consisted of higher-functioning individuals, the third cohort included those with greater needs on the spectrum, requiring even more specialized attention. To maintain the essential 1:5 teacher-to-student ratio, organizations that provide these services like ShineLight can only accept five individuals per cohort. We still need additional funding to provide full tuition for participants who join the program throughout the year. We raise money to help close the gap in funding not covered by the innovations waiver or their health insurance.

Applying for Funding

Required Documents

After selected, our team may request the following documents:

  • Diagnosis

  • Tax returns

  • Proof of residency

Application Process

  1. Fill in your basic information including name, contact details, and relationship to the individual needing services.

  2. Tell us about the financial challenges you’re facing due to disability-related expenses.

  3. Share how funding would make a difference.

  4. Submit the application.

Our team will review your application and reach out to discuss the next steps.

 FAQs

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition that affects how individuals perceive and interact with the world around them. It encompasses a range of symptoms and skills, primarily impacting social interaction, communication, and behavior.

  • Early detection and intervention are crucial for individuals with autism. In North Carolina, autism screening starts with developmental monitoring and standardized tools like the M-CHAT during well-child visits at 18 and 24 months. If screenings indicate potential autism, a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation is conducted by specialists, often involving a multidisciplinary team to ensure a thorough understanding of the child’s needs. Access to early intervention services is available through programs like the Infant-Toddler Program, and school-age children can receive support via an Individualized Education Program (IEP). Specialized centers, such as the UNC TEACCH Autism Program and Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development, offer additional diagnostic and intervention services.

  • The North Carolina Innovations Waiver provides funding for home and community-based services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, enabling them to live as independently as possible.

    Applying for the Innovations Waiver

    1. Contact Your Local Managed Care Organization (MCO): Reach out to your local MCO to express interest and begin the application process.

    2. Eligibility Assessment: Complete an eligibility assessment with the MCO to determine if you meet the criteria for the waiver.

    3. Registry of Unmet Needs: If eligible, you will be placed on the waiting list, known as the Registry of Unmet Needs.

    4. Develop a Person-Centered Plan (PCP): When a slot becomes available, work with your MCO to create a PCP that outlines the services and supports needed.

    5. Approval and Start of Services: Submit the PCP for approval to the North Carolina Division of Health Benefits. Once approved, services will begin.

  • The Connect Foundation provides funding for services that support Intellectual and Developmental Disorder (IDD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) which are neurodevelopmental conditions. We fund local and national programs that support and implement the services like:

    • Residential Options

    • Community Inclusion

    • Employment Opportunities

    • Social Skills Training

    • Rights Training

    • Music/Art Therapy

  • Please complete and submit our application so we can document what you need and see if the services you need qualify for funding. We are applying for multiple grants for a variety of service areas. Once we have funding for the services your loved one needs, we will reach out.

Make an impact today

Support our mission by contributing a donation.

3% Cover the Fee

Need Support?

The Connect Foundation is a vital resource for individuals with disabilities, ensuring financial support is available where it’s needed most. If you’ve exhausted all other funding options or cannot qualify for coverage apply to see if we can help.