The Foundation for Developmental Disabilities (FDD) is thrilled to announce and congratulate our newest program grant recipients! These dedicated local nonprofits drive meaningful change, enriching the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) through innovative programs and essential services. With this recent round of funding, FDD is empowering these organizations to expand their impact, extend their reach, and provide even more valuable resources to their communities. Here’s a closer look at these inspiring grant recipients and how our support will help further their incredible missions.
Autism Society San Diego
The 'Autism Ask Line' is a critical resource, offering personalized guidance and information to individuals, families, and professionals throughout San Diego navigating autism services.
FDD Grant Support: A $4,000 grant will sustain this service, covering staffing, materials, and technology to ensure families receive the needed guidance.
For more information, please visit: autismsocietysandiego.org
Dancing Around the Oak Tree
This program offers creative art opportunities for individuals of all abilities, fostering self-expression and building awareness within the community.
FDD Grant Support: A $500 grant will provide art supplies and materials, allowing participants to fully engage in the creative process.
For more information, please visit: oaktreeartstudio.weebly.com
Girls Rising
Girls Rising’s mentorship program serves 45 at-risk girls annually in San Diego County, empowering girls aged 8-17 from historically underserved communities with positive role models and support. Their program for women aged 18-24, Women Emerging, focuses on personal and professional development.
FDD Grant Support: A $10,000 grant is a crucial lifeline for Girls Rising. It enables them to provide autism-informed training to mentors and develop a curriculum that best supports mentees impacted by autism. This grant ensures that those on the waitlist receive the needed guidance.
For more information, please visit: girlsrisingsd.org
Include(ED)
Include(ED) rethinks early childhood education by offering therapeutic day playgroups, infant programs, and family music classes that support the holistic development of every child, regardless of disability. Their vision includes creating a fully inclusive school where children with disabilities learn alongside their typically developing peers.
FDD Grant Support: A $14,500 grant will help expand these programs by purchasing developmentally appropriate materials and adaptive musical instruments, ensuring every child’s needs are met through inclusive activities.
For more information, please visit: includedsd.org
KidPower
KidPower strives to prepare individuals with cognitive and developmental disabilities with social-emotional, advocacy, and personal safety skills. It also offers training for families and professionals to create safer, more inclusive environments for those they support.
FDD Grant Support: With a $5,000 grant, KidPower will expand its life skills training, helping more students build resilience and safety skills while fostering systemic change within their community.
For more information, please visit: kidpower.org
Oceanside Museum of Art
Oceanside Museum of Art (OMA) is a non-profit organization that began providing exhibitions and public programs in 1995 as part of its mission to bring people together to explore the art and stories of Southern California artists. The partnership between the Oceanside Museum of Art and The Art of Autism highlights the talents of neurodivergent artists through the "Through a Different Lens" exhibition, celebrating their creativity and raising awareness about neurodiversity.
FDD Grant Support: A $15,000 grant will cover costs for engaging a neurodiversity consultant, curator fees, artist honoraria, and community events, creating a platform for neurodivergent artists to showcase their unique perspectives.
For more information, please visit: oma-online.org
Ride Above Disability
Ride Above Disability provides therapeutic riding sessions that foster confidence and physical development for individuals with IDDs. It also offers a supportive environment for families to engage in activities together.
FDD Grant Support: A $5,000 grant will ensure that low-income riders can access these transformative lessons, regardless of their financial circumstances.
For more information, please visit: radtrc.org
The Shine Project Foundation
Shine offers monthly social programs, field trips, and events for individuals with disabilities. These activities promote community engagement and well-being and help bridge the gap between special needs families and the wider community.
FDD Grant Support: A $5,000 grant will support activities like Shine Jam, Holiday Festival, Family Field Day, Caring for Caregivers, and other programs that enrich participants’ lives and build community connections.
For more information, please visit: theshineprojectfoundation.org
Special Olympics
Special Olympics Southern California empowers athletes with intellectual disabilities through sports, providing opportunities to develop physical fitness, build friendships, and participate in competitions.
FDD Grant Support: A $7,500 grant will provide new sporting equipment for Imperial County locations, ensuring athletes have the tools to train and compete.
For more information, please visit: sosc.org
Toby Wells YMCA
Toby Wells YMCA offers adaptive gymnastics classes for children and teens with IDDs, providing a safe space for physical activity, social connection, and skill-building.
FDD Grant Support: An $8,500 grant will cover registration fees and equipment costs, allowing families to access these classes free of charge.
For more information, please visit: ymcasd.org
By partnering with these organizations, FDD is helping to build a more inclusive, supportive, and empowering community. We are honored to support their impactful work and look forward to seeing the positive changes they will bring to the lives of individuals with IDDs throughout our region. For more information on these unique programs, please visit their websites and join us in supporting a brighter future for all. Together, we are making a difference, one program at a time.
Are you a nonprofit organization based in San Diego and Imperial County and seeking funding for a program? Visit www.foundationfordd.org/program-grants to learn more about our program grant opportunities.
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