UNMC’s Munroe-Meyer Institute has received a grant from Women Investing in Nebraska that will support its efforts to expand access to an early autism diagnostic tool across Nebraska.
The MMI award is one of two $152,855 grants Women Investing in Nebraska, or WIN, awarded during its annual awards ceremony Thursday in Omaha, totaling $305,710.
The organization is comprised of women who address important Nebraska issues through their collective giving. Members contributed personally to make the grants possible.
MMI’s project — Increasing Access to EarliPoint ™️ to Reduce the Autism Waitlist Crisis – is intended to improve access to early autism diagnosis for children under age 5 using EarliPoint ™️, an FDA-approved diagnostic tool.
The project will expand options for evaluation services in rural and underserved communities, helping reduce wait times and barriers to care. The tool can be used by both Spanish- and English-speaking children.
By integrating autism assessments into existing healthcare settings and strengthening referral pathways, project leaders aim to connect children to diagnostic and intervention services earlier, improving outcomes during a critical stage of development.
“We are thrilled and deeply grateful to WIN for believing in our team and our mission,” said Rachel Schumacher, PhD, project lead and assistant professor of psychology. “This funding lets us bring EarliPoint ™️, a groundbreaking eye-tracking autism diagnostic tool, directly into the clinics and communities where Nebraska families need it most, cutting wait times and connecting kids with early intervention services sooner.
“It is a meaningful stepping stone toward changing the landscape of autism diagnostics and care in Nebraska, and we’re honored WIN chose to invest in that future with us.”
Lisa Smith, WIN co-chair, said the dedication of the organization’s 419 members across Nebraska and beyond make the work possible.
“Over the past 15 years, we have invested in 30 impactful projects throughout the state, demonstrating the remarkable power of collective philanthropy,” she said. “Together, our members are creating lasting change and helping build a stronger future for Nebraska.”
The other grant recipient is Saving Grace Perishable Food Rescue, which collects excess perishable food from local businesses and delivers it to nonprofit partners serving Nebraskans facing hunger.