January 15th, 2026
NOW AVAILABLE: 2026 Autism Direct Funding (ADF) Applications
NOTE: Funding is NOT available to individuals living outside of the Waterloo Region.
Autism Direct Funding is granted through a joint initiative between Sunbeam Developmental Resource Centre (SDRC) and Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region (EAFWR).
Families residing in Waterloo Region who have a child under the age of 18 with an ASD diagnosis are eligible to apply for Autism Direct Funding to potentially receive up to $500 that can be used in three possible ways. *Note – Not every applicant is guaranteed to receive funding. Priority applicants will be those who are not yet receiving Special Services at Home funding.
1. To cover the cost of summer camp programs (all camp programs are eligible i.e., inclusive and specialized programs)
2. To pay for Respite support (e.g., to give caregivers a break) or 1-1 support (e.g., Support Worker at a camp program)
3. To pay for Recreation/Leisure/Skill Developmental Programs
Please note: This funding cannot be used to pay for any form of therapy, including Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, or Applied Behaviour Therapy (ABA).
The amount individual applicants are receiving in Special Services at Home Funding (SSAH) will be confirmed by Extend-A-Family, and may affect the amount of Autism Direct Funding received.
Applications are considered based on equitable criteria and funding is not guaranteed. Families will be notified by the end of February if they will receive the funding.
Applications will be available on the SDRC website until January 31, 2026. To qualify for funding, your completed form must be received at Sunbeam’s office by 5p.m on Saturday January 31st, 2026. Unfortunately, no applications can be accepted after the deadline.
Options for Applying
You can apply by filling out the online application form.
If you are having difficulties with the online form on this page — or require assistance, Sunbeam has three other options to apply:
- Option 1: Click here to request a paper copy of the form be mailed to you by Canada Post.
- Option 2: Download the form, fill it out and mail it or drop it off at Sunbeam’s office, located at 205 – 1120 Victoria Street North, Kitchener
- Option 3: Pick up a paper form at Sunbeam’s office, located at 205 – 1120 Victoria Street North, Kitchener
If you are unable to access the application online, you can request to have the paper application form mailed to you.
