About the Hunter Hinze Fund


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Grant Opportunities for Autistic Adults 


The Hunter Hinze Fund was launched by Dr. J.D. and Kathy Hinze, in conjunction with the Autism Society of Texas to honor the memory of their son, Hunter, who passed away at the age of 18 in Spring 2015.  Today the Hunter Hinze Fund helps autistic adults live their dreams and maximize their potential as they transition throughout adulthood.

 Make a donation to the Hunter Hinze Fund 
Who Can Apply?

Applicants must be 18 years of age or older during the application cycle, live in the state of Texas, and have a diagnosis of Autism.
If you are a past Hunter Hinze Fund recipient, you must have received the grant at least two years ago in order to apply again.  For example, if you received a grant in 2022, you cannot apply again until 2024.

What Can Be Applied For? 

The Hunter Hinze fund exists to help autistic adults live their dreams and maximize their potential as they transition throughout adulthood by funding services and supports that promote autonomy, skill development, and self-sufficiency. The money must be used to support adult living goals that reinforce maximum independence.  

The funds will be paid directly to the organization/business that provides the independence building or transition-focused services. Examples of expected services providers are:

    • community-living based services
    • independent living skills
    • vocational skills
    • post-secondary education
    • social/behavior skill development
    • performing and visual arts

Funding will not include:

    • direct care staff
    • products and goods that a person needs in daily living care (food, drink, personal care products, etc.)
    • personal fundraising
    • direct housing expenses
    • direct clothing expenses
    • service animals

We reserve the right to refuse requests that are outside of our priority areas.  All grants will be approved based on availability of funds. Autism Society of Texas reserves the right to make changes to this application process.

Please note, if a state agency will pay for the service, it is unlikely a scholarship will be granted for that purpose. For example, Texas Workforce Commission will often fund costs associated with vocational programs or college expenses that will lead to a career path.

How Are Grants Awarded? 

Each grant proposal is evaluated based on the following criteria:

    • clarity of application
    • alignment with priority areas
    • availability of funds
    • long term impact on life purpose

You will be notified by email or telephone of the decision regarding your grant application within one month of application date closing. Before any award is made, the program you are seeking funds from must verify enrollment or participation. Grant recipients or the organization/business are required to submit a copy of receipts for purchase of services after the completion of the grant request. All unused funds must be returned at that time. Grant funding checks will be made payable ONLY to the business listed on the grant application.

How Do I Apply for the Hunter Hinze Fund? 

When grant enrollment is open, fill out our short online grant application at the link below to get started. Make sure you answer all questions thoroughly, being as descriptive as possible. Grants with significant conceptual, legibility or clarity problems will not be considered. You may save your work and go back to make edits at any point but you must submit the application in order to complete the process.
Grant applications are due no later than 12:00 PM CST on the due date posted. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted. 

Grant Timeline:

Application Period  Aug. 15-Sept. 15, 2024
Funds available up to:  $500/individual
Funds will be available:  November 15, 2024

The grant committee reserves the right to adjust this amount as funds become available.

The 2024 Hunter Hinze Fund application opens August 15 at 12 noon CST & closes September 15, 2024 at 12 noon CST.  

 2023 APPLICATION CLOSED

Questions? Email HHFund@texasautismsociety.org