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Family Directed Respite (FDR)

Reimbursement support for autism respite planning

Offered by
Geneva Centre for Autism (GCA)
Official source: genevacentre.ca

Source change captured

Funding available
$ 750
Deadline
Unspecified
Location
Ontario, Quebec, Canada
Who can apply
Families with a child with autism.
See full eligibility

Overview

Family Directed Respite provides reimbursement-based support for families planning respite for a child with autism. It covers approved respite-related activities, including camps, respite programs, social groups, recreational groups, specialized classes, lessons, and staffing support, up to the published limits.

At a glance

Funding available

Maximum funding
$750
Financing goals
  • Increase social or community impact
  • Enhance an existing program

Eligible candidates

Location
  • Toronto
  • Montréal
  • Ontario, Quebec
Eligible Industries
All industries
Annual revenue
All revenue ranges
Organisation size
All organization sizes
Audience
  • Canadians
Legal structures
Non-profit
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
Other Recreation and Social Clubs, Social Services
Target groups
Children & youth, People with disabilities
Revenue structures
Fee-for-service model
Scope
Local

Receipt of requests is now closed

Get notified about updates to this grant.

Availability timeline

2026
Periods: 3

Latest changes

Family Directed Respite update

Family Directed Respite now reflects revised eligibility rules, reimbursement limits, and online application requirements.

See more

Family Directed Respite now shows revised eligibility guidance for families using the program, along with updated eligible and ineligible expense details and reimbursement conditions. The application instructions also now emphasize the online process and required documentation before a submission can be processed, while the funding-year and application-window dates remain visible for the 2026-2027 cycle.

Official source: genevacentre.ca
July 8, 2026

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • Families with a child with autism.
  • Families of children aged 2 to 17.
  • Families living in Toronto.
  • Families seeking respite-related support.

Who is not eligible

  • Families already connected to a Ministry-funded respite program.
  • Families already connected to a Ministry-funded camp program.

Eligible expenses

  • Camp fees, respite program fees, and fees for social groups, recreational groups, specialized classes, and lessons.
  • Staffing support within an eligible respite activity.

Ineligible Costs and Activities

  • Direct care outside a registered respite program.
  • Registration or administration fees.
  • Transportation, technology, daycare, childcare, and before/after care.
  • Tutoring, clinical programs, therapy services, and assessments.
  • Home care, house cleaning, and basic living expenses.

Eligible geographic areas

  • Toronto, Ontario.
  • Funds may only be used in Ontario.

Activities funded

  • Planning and directing a family respite plan.
  • Using respite supports through camps, respite programs, social groups, recreational groups, specialized classes, or lessons.
  • Adding staffing support to an eligible respite activity.

How to apply

  • Step 1: Access the online portal
    • Open the Family Directed Respite application portal.
    • Review the introductory prompts before starting.
  • Step 2: Complete the application
    • Enter contact information and eligibility details.
    • Fill in all required fields marked with an asterisk.
    • Review answers carefully before continuing.
  • Step 3: Submit the program plan
    • Enter each program plan separately.
    • Review the summary before moving on.
  • Step 4: Upload required documents and sign
    • Upload proof of address, diagnosis, and citizenship or landed status.
    • Complete the signature and agreement pages.
  • Step 5: Receive confirmation and manage reimbursement
    • Wait for the confirmation email after submission.
    • If selected, use the portal to submit receipts and manage reimbursement requests.

Documents Needed

  • Proof of autism diagnosis
  • Child’s Canadian birth certificate or immigration status in Canada
  • Proof of address

Selection criteria

  • Eligible applications are entered into a lottery.
  • Selection takes place after the application deadline.

Processing and Agreement

  • Applications are reviewed after the deadline and eligible files enter a lottery pool.
  • If selected, applicants receive approval by email and access to the online portal.
  • Receipts are submitted through the portal for reimbursement review.
  • The application status changes to Fully Dispersed once all funds have been used.

Additional information

  • Applications are handled through an online portal only.
  • Applications submitted by email are not accepted.
  • Applicants are selected by lottery after the deadline.
  • Funding availability is limited each year.

Contacts

FDRFunding@autism.net
(416) 322-7877

Official sources

Family Directed Respite

Application form

Family Directed Respite
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Frequently Asked Questions about the Family Directed Respite (FDR) Program

What is the Family Directed Respite (FDR)?

Family Directed Respite provides reimbursement-based support for families planning respite for a child with autism. It covers approved respite-related activities, including camps, respite programs, social groups, recreational groups, specialized classes, lessons, and staffing support, up to the published limits.

How much funding can be received?

Family Directed Respite (FDR) Funds up to $750 of admissible expenses.

Who is eligible for the Family Directed Respite (FDR) program?

To be eligible for the Family Directed Respite (FDR) program, you must: Child with autism diagnosis. Child aged 2 to 17. Toronto resident family.

What expenses are eligible under Family Directed Respite (FDR)?

Camp fees, respite program fees, and fees for social groups, recreational groups, specialized classes, and lessons. Staffing support within an eligible respite activity.

Who can I contact for more information about the Family Directed Respite (FDR)?

You can contact Geneva Centre for Autism (GCA) by email at FDRFunding@autism.net or by phone at (416) 322-7877.

Where is the Family Directed Respite (FDR) available?

The Family Directed Respite (FDR) program is available Montréal, Ontario, Quebec.

Is the Family Directed Respite (FDR) a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Family Directed Respite (FDR) is a Grant and Funding