FRAMINGHAM, MASS. — The Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism had extended the application deadline for the Joey’s Fund Family Grant Program. Applications are now being accepted until June 14, 2013, for the fund, which was set up in honor of Josephine (Joey) Gay, one of the victims of 12/14.

Joey’s Fund Family Grant Program provides grants to families in Connecticut that need financial assistance for their family member living with autism. The Flutie Foundation anticipates offering two grant cycles per year through Joey’s Fund with plans to expand the geographic focus in future grant cycles.

Applications for the first grant cycle are now open and can be downloaded at DougFlutieJrFoundation.org. The paperwork online still refers to the original May 24 application deadline, but officials will accept applications until the new date provided they are postmarked by June 14.

Through the fund, families can apply for up to $8,000 and may use the money for anything that directly improves the life of a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

“We are incredibly honored that the Gay family chose to create Joey’s Fund in conjunction with the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism,” said Lisa Borges, executive director of The Flutie Foundation. “The foundation strives to support families with children and adults living with autism, and now Joey’s Fund will provide direct aid to families who have a child on the spectrum and are experiencing financial hardships in Newtown” and beyond.