Closed
Family Directed Respite (FDR)
Reimbursement support for autism respite planning
Last Update: April 21, 2026
Funding available
$ 750
Timeline
- Open Date : February 13, 2026
- Closing date : March 6, 2026
Location
Toronto, Montréal, Ontario, Canada
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.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Enhance an existing program
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 750 $
Timeline
- Open Date : February 13, 2026
- Closing date : March 6, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Health care and social assistance
Location
- Toronto
- Montréal
- Ontario
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Canadians
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
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
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.
Documents Needed
- Proof of autism diagnosis
- Child’s Canadian birth certificate or immigration status in Canada
- Proof of address
Official resources
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.
Selection criteria
- Eligible applications are entered into a lottery.
- Selection takes place after the application deadline.
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.
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
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.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program was March 6, 2026.
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)?
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.
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.
Where is the Family Directed Respite (FDR) available?
The Family Directed Respite (FDR) program is available Montréal, Ontario.