Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy (SMART) received a $6,325 grant from funds generated through the sale of the Florida "Support Autism Programs" specialty license plates. The grant will support Therapeutic Carriage Driving scholarships for adults with autism spectrum disorder. The Autism Services Grants Council awarded a total of $79,725 in grants to 14 Florida-based nonprofit organizations that provide services and programs for individuals with autism and related disabilities. The funds available through grant opportunities offered by the Autism Services Grants Council are generated through the sale of the Florida “Support Autism Programs” specialty license plates. During the summer, Florida nonprofits were invited to submit grant proposals and nearly 60 nonprofits from across the state applied for funding. Priority was given to creative and innovative approaches to serving individuals with autism and their families. Due to the success of last year’s grants and increased revenue provided by the sale of the "Support Autism Programs" specialty license plate, the Autism Services Grants Council can provide twice the amount of funding to awardees this year. Last year was the first year grants were administered. In 2009, the Florida Legislature authorized the “Support Autism Services” specialty license plate and provided for the creation of the Autism Services Grants Council. The Council oversees a grants process to fund service programs for individuals with autism and related disabilities and their families throughout the state.

Florida Support Autism Programs