Missouri State and Local Grants That Can Help Cover ABA Therapy Costs

Accessing grants and state or local funding can help families reduce out-of-pocket costs for ABA therapy. While coverage varies by location and eligibility, here are some Missouri-specific programs and grant opportunities to explore.

Family Flexible Assistance Program (FFAP) — Missouri Autism Projects

The Family Flexible Assistance Program (FFAP) is connected with Missouri’s regional Autism Projects. It allows families to access funds for autism-related services, supports, and therapies. Application periods open periodically, and funds can sometimes be applied toward ABA therapy.

Missouri Home & Community-Based Waivers (HCBS / MOCDD / Sarah Lopez Waiver)

Missouri offers Medicaid waiver programs that may include ABA therapy under certain conditions. The MOCDD / Sarah Lopez Waiver for children with developmental disabilities lists applied behavior analysis as a covered service, though slots are limited and waitlists are common.

Nonprofit and National Grants with Missouri Reach

Several nonprofit and national organizations provide grants that Missouri families can access:

• Autism Speaks offers family service grants.
  
  
• ACT Today! provides therapy funding for families under certain income thresholds.
  
  
• The Anchor of Hope Foundation helps with therapy, education, and equipment not covered by insurance.
  
  

Disability & Autism-Focused Grant Listings

Families can also find funding opportunities through statewide and national grant directories. Missouri GrantWatch, Instrumentl, and resource guides from the Department of Mental Health regularly list grants for autism therapies, assistive technology, and disability support.

Local & Regional Foundations

The Missouri Foundation for Health and other community-based philanthropic organizations sometimes fund health or child development initiatives. While they may not explicitly list ABA therapy, families can apply with a strong case for support.

Tips for Families Applying for Grants

1. Contact your regional Autism Project first—they often know about FFAP funds and local grants.
   
   
2. Check Medicaid waiver eligibility and ask specifically if ABA is included.
   
   
3. Prepare supporting documentation: diagnosis reports, therapy plans, and cost estimates.
   
   
4. Apply to multiple opportunities and watch deadlines carefully.
   
   
5. Ask Bright Arch ABA for help—we can provide letters, treatment plans, and supporting information for your application.
   
   

📚 References

1. Missouri Department of Mental Health – Family Flexible Assistance Program (FFAP):
   https://dmh.mo.gov/dev-disabilities/familyflexibleassistanceprogram
   
   
2. Kids Waivers – Missouri Home and Community-Based Services Waivers:
   https://www.kidswaivers.org/mo/
   
   
3. Autism Speaks – Autism Grants for Families:
   https://www.autismspeaks.org/autism-grants-families
   
   
4. Pinecone Therapies – Financial Resources (ACT Today!, Anchor of Hope Foundation, etc.):
   https://www.pineconetherapies.com/financial-resources
   
   
5. Missouri GrantWatch – Disability Grants:
   https://missouri.grantwatch.com/cat/7/disabilities-grants.html
   
   
6. Instrumentl – Grants for Autism Programs in Missouri:
   https://www.instrumentl.com/browse-grants/missouri/grants-for-autism-programs
   
   
7. Missouri DMH – Financial Resources for Missouri Children & Youth with Disabilities (PDF):
   https://dmh.mo.gov/sites/dmh/files/media/pdf/2019/08/autfinresources.pdf
   
   
8. DSAGSL – Action for Autism, Financial Resources:
   https://dsagsl.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Financial-Resources-for-MO-Children-with-DD.pdf
   
   
9. Missouri Foundation for Health – About:
   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Missouri_Foundation_for_Health

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