Building Access, Opportunity, and Belonging: Congratulations to Our Newest Program Grant Recipients.

Each year, the Foundation for Developmental Disabilities has the privilege of reviewing hundreds of thoughtful, community-driven proposals that improve the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. What consistently rises to the top is not only innovation, but a deep, values-based commitment to meeting people where they are—in classrooms, clinics, kitchens, recreation spaces, and homes throughout San Diego and Imperial Counties.

Our newest cohort of Program Grant Recipients exemplifies this commitment in meaningful and measurable ways. Through a combined investment of $75,600, FDD is supporting programs that expand access to essential services, strengthen caregiver and family support, promote inclusion and belonging, and create pathways to independence and opportunity. From accessible healthcare and inclusive recreation to workforce readiness and community connection, these grants address real-world barriers with compassion, creativity, and impact.

We are proud to partner with the following organizations and support the vital work they do each day. Below, you’ll find how each partner is turning FDD funding into programs and services that advance equity, dignity, and opportunity for the I/DD community.

Access to Thrive

Program: STEP – IDD Support

Grant Award: $15,000

Access to Thrive improves access to healthcare, public benefits, and essential resources for individuals with disabilities and their families. Through its STEP – IDD Support program, FDD funding will expand accessibility adaptations, benefits-informed education, assistive and sensory support tools, and accessible instructional materials, along with three family workshops designed to equip caregivers with practical, actionable knowledge.

This program strengthens both individual stability and family confidence, helping people with I/DD better navigate complex systems that impact their quality of life.

To learn more, please visit https://accesstothrive.org/

Arise

Program: Play It My Way – Inclusive Play & Family Support

Grant Award: $5,000

Arise develops inclusive, family-centered recreational programs for children and youth with disabilities. Their Play It My Way program combines adaptive sports, community connection, and family engagement through "Rafroball", an accessible, inclusive game designed for players of all abilities.

FDD funding will support the whole program, including coaching, equipment, and facilitation, allowing more children and families to experience joyful movement, teamwork, and a true sense of belonging.

To learn more, please visit https://ariseorganization.com.

Autism Society San Diego

Program: 3rd Annual Autism Social & Mental Health Conference

Grant Award: $3,000

Autism Society San Diego provides education, advocacy, and support to individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. Their annual Autism Social & Mental Health Conference brings together experts, families, and self-advocates to address critical issues related to emotional wellness, connection, and resilience.

FDD funding will help offset conference expenses and provide scholarships, ensuring cost is not a barrier for individuals and families who rely on this vital learning and support opportunity.

To learn more about the conference, please visit https://www.autismsocietysandiego.org/

Kitchen tABLE

Program: The Kitchen tABLE Academy, Poway Unified School District

Grant Award: $5,000

Kitchen tABLE offers inclusive culinary education and workforce development for individuals with disabilities, using food as a pathway to independence and employment. Through the Kitchen tABLE Academy, participants build cooking, nutrition, and job-readiness skills in a supportive, hands-on learning environment.

FDD funding will support the purchase of culinary educational kits, expanding participants' opportunities to develop practical skills that translate into greater independence and career readiness.

To learn more about this program, please visit https://www.powayusd.com/apps/pages/kitchen-table-academy.

La Maestra Community Health Centers

Program: Specialty Dental Clinic for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities

Grant Award: $15,000

La Maestra is a trusted community health provider delivering culturally responsive medical, dental, and social services. Their specialty dental clinic for individuals with developmental disabilities addresses one of the most significant gaps in healthcare access for the I/DD community.

FDD funding will support specialized staff training, essential dental equipment, and sensory-supportive and adaptive materials, helping to create a more welcoming, accessible, and trauma-informed dental experience for patients with complex needs.

For more information, please visit https://lamaestra.org/index.php/dental/

Steadfast Foster Adoption and Kinship Support

Program: Steadfast Growth Groups

Grant Award: $16,000

Steadfast provides trauma-informed support for foster and adoptive families raising children with disabilities. Their Growth Groups offer caregivers a place to connect, learn, and build resilience together.

FDD funding will cover initial program costs, including materials, accessibility supports, and engagement supplies, ensuring families caring for foster and adoptive youth with disabilities have the tools and community they need to thrive.

To learn more, please visit https://www.steadfastsupport.org/

Team Hoyt San Diego

Program: Inclusive Racing Expansion Initiative

Grant Award: $16,600

Team Hoyt San Diego brings individuals with disabilities into endurance sports by pairing them with volunteer runners and cyclists—demonstrating that everyone deserves the opportunity to experience competition, teamwork, and accomplishment.

FDD funding will support program and operating expenses, helping expand inclusive racing opportunities so more athletes with disabilities can participate in local races and community events.

To learn more, please visit https://teamhoytsd.com/

Investing in Community-Driven Impact

Each of these organizations embodies what FDD values most: community-based, person-centered, and innovative solutions that remove barriers and create real opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through these investments, FDD is helping expand access to care, strengthen families, and open doors to greater independence and belonging.

We are proud to partner with this exceptional cohort of Program Grantees and look forward to sharing the stories, outcomes, and lives that will be changed through their work. Together, we are advancing a more inclusive and equitable future for the I/DD community across San Diego and Imperial Counties.

Legacy Giving Support

Did you know you can make your impact last for generations through legacy planning?

Contact Jill Weber (jweber@foundationfordd.org) or Sitara Sethi (ssethi@foundationford.org) for more information. 

Donate to FDD Here!