ASCV Holiday Giving Tree

We believe every family deserves a special holiday season. ASCV’s Holiday Giving Tree program supports our local autism community by providing financial assistance for holidays meals and gifts, easing financial burden so that our families can focus on time spent connecting with their loved ones.

We offer two application cycles: Thanksgiving Assistance and Winter Holiday Assistance. Individuals and families may apply for both Thanksgiving and Winter Holiday Funds, but please keep in mind that the number of awards and award amounts are based on the total number of applications received and amount of funding available. 

Please see below for a complete list of eligibility requirements as well as details regarding the application process. 

Award Amounts
  • Applicants meeting the eligibility requirements are eligible for up to $150 in financial assistance per autistic individual per application cycle. 
  • Exact award amounts and number of applications awarded may vary and will be based on the total number of applications received and the amount of funding available. 
  • Partial grants could be awarded.
  • We appreciate your understanding as there is a high demand for this program each year and limited funding available. 

Important Note: Applicants selected to receive assistance will receive funds in the form of a check, sent by mail.

2025 Application Timeline

  • Thanksgiving Assistance: Applications for Thanksgiving Assistance have now CLOSED. Thank you to everyone who applied – we have received an extraordinary number of responses and reached our capacity.  We will reach out to everyone who submitted an application once we  have completed our review.
  • Winter Holiday Assistance: Applications will open Monday, November 3rd through Monday, November 10th (or until we reach capacity, whichever comes first. 

Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility Requirements
  • Autistic adults and parent(s)/legal guardians who are the primary caregiver of an individual with autism are eligible to apply for this program.
  • For households with multiple autistic individuals, an application may be submitted for each autistic individual in the household.
  • Applicants must provide documentation of an autism diagnosis (examples include an autism evaluation report, IEP, etc.)
  • Applicants must reside within ASCV’s service territory (Counties of Chesterfield, Hanover, Henrico, Amelia, Dinwiddie, Goochland, King William, Louisa, New Kent, Powhatan, Prince George; and the cities of Richmond, Colonial Heights, Hopewell, and Petersburg)

Please note:  Applicants for funding through this program may be receiving other federal, state or local benefits and services. Because financial eligibility for programs varies greatly, funding paid directly to the individual or to a representative on the individual’s behalf may be counted as “unearned income” and could impact program eligibility. It is up to the individual to confirm this with any other program through which they may be receiving support.

Application Process

Application Process
  • Once an application cycle opens, applicants will complete an online application via Google Forms. If you are applying for multiple autistic individuals in a household, please complete a separate application for each person. 
  • Once an application cycle has closed, all applications will receive an initial review to ensure they meet the eligibility requirements.
  • All applications meeting the eligibility requirements will be further reviewed by our scholarship committee. 
  • All applicants will receive an email notification regarding the outcome of their funding request. 
  • The number of applications awarded and the amount of each award will be based on the total number of applications received and amount of funds available. 
  • Awarded funds will be MAILED directly to recipients in the form of a check.  

If you need assistance completing your application and/or have any questions, please contact us at [email protected].

Support the Holiday Giving Tree

Help make spirits bright for our local autism community this holiday season. You can help us fill this urgent need by making a gift to the ASCV today. To restrict your funds to only be used for the Holiday Giving Tree Program, please include a note with your donation. 

All donations are tax deductible. Our EIN is 46-1250829.