Mike Hull Memorial Fund Holiday Mini-Grant Program

For 14 years, the Autism Society of the Mahoning Valley has been honored to bring a little extra holiday joy to local Autism families through our Holiday Mini-Grant Program. This special program has been made possible through the incredible generosity of the Mike Hull Memorial Fund.

Sadly, this will be the final year that the Mike Hull Memorial Fund will support the Holiday Mini-Grant Program. After this year, the Mike Hull Memorial Fund will be retiring from community service. For more than a decade, their generosity has touched the lives of hundreds of individuals and families throughout our community.

The Autism Society of the Mahoning Valley and the hundreds of individuals and families who have benefited from their generosity are incredibly grateful for their commitment, compassion, and belief in the Autism community. Their support has helped make the holidays a little brighter for families who otherwise may not have been able to provide something special for their loved ones.

 

About the Holiday Mini-Grant Program

The Holiday Mini-Grant Program is designed to help families experiencing financial hardship who may not otherwise be able to purchase an item that would benefit their child, teen, or adult with Autism. Requested items may include communication devices, recreational or fitness equipment, educational resources, sensory or social-emotional supports, and other items that meet an individual’s specific needs.

Families selected to receive a mini-grant gift will be invited to a private Holiday Mini-Grant Event on:

Sunday, November 22, 2026 at 4:00 PM
Stacey Pavilion, Austintown, Ohio

Important Attendance Requirement

If your family is selected to receive a Holiday Mini-Grant, you must be able to attend the Holiday Mini-Grant Event on November 22.

If you are unable to attend the event, we request that you send someone on your behalf to pick up the gift during the event. Gifts cannot be shipped, delivered, held for later pickup, or stored by the Autism Society of the Mahoning Valley.

Please only apply if you are able to meet this requirement.

Who Can Apply?

Families must:

• Live in Mahoning, Trumbull, or Columbiana County.
• Have a child, teen, or adult in the household with an Autism diagnosis.
• Be experiencing financial hardship that makes purchasing the requested item difficult.
• Have not received a Holiday Mini-Grant from the Autism Society of the Mahoning Valley in the past 14 years, allowing other families an opportunity to participate.

We do not request household income information, but we ask families to apply only when purchasing the requested item would create a financial strain.

What Can Be Requested?

Examples of eligible requests may include:

• Tablet or other technology based item(s)
• Recreational or fitness equipment
• Educational resources
• Sensory items
• Items supporting social or emotional needs
• Other items that support the individual’s needs, development, participation, or quality of life

Tablets may be considered for communication or educational needs, although iPads are generally not purchased because of their cost.

No cash, gift cards, or direct payment will be provided. Requested items must be items that can be purchased from a local or online retailer.

If you have questions or would like assistance identifying an appropriate request, please contact Robin at robin@autismmv.org. Robin has coordinated this program for many years and can help families identify requests that align with the needs of the program and funder.

A Note About Other Available Supports

If your child is under 18 and is not receiving Family Support Services (FSS) funds through your county Board of DD, or if your adult child is not receiving waiver services, please contact Robin at robin@autismmv.org. She can help connect your family with your local Board of DD to explore available supports. Depending on eligibility and availability, these services may help with sensory equipment, swim lessons, gym memberships, Camp F.R.I.E.N.D., respite, therapies not covered by insurance, and other supports. Case management services are also available to help families explore needs and resources.

Please carefully review and enter all information on this registration form. If your contact information is incorrect, we may not be able to reach you if your family is selected.