Programs

Supporting Affordable Housing for Persons with Developmental Disabilities (read more)

Many adults with developmental disabilities desire to live independently in a home they can call their own. Independent and supportive living services are available to help people achieve their dream, but in too many cases the income is not. Most people with developmental disabilities have limited income from Social Security or part time employment.

The Foundation for Developmental Disabilities has identified affordable housing for persons with developmental disabilities as a high priority need in Imperial and San Diego counties. The Foundation was instrumental in creating the Southern California Housing Collaborative (SCHC) and both organizations have joined in planning to locate or create affordable housing options. The Foundation for Developmental Disabilities is beginning the work to create a giving campaign to further support the work of the SCHC, and to continue helping persons with developmental disabilities find places to live that are safe, accessible, and affordable.

Support for Self-Advocacy and Consumer Empowerment (read more)

The Foundation for Developmental Disabilities financially supports a number of consumer-led groups including People First San Diego and Imperial Valley chapters.  People First and other local groups encourage individuals to be self reliant through education, support of peers, sharing resources and tools, presentations, and the development of leadership skills.

"The Foundation has been a reliable partner in helping finance the annual People First Conference in San Diego. They are a friend that we trust greatly. Without the Foundation, many consumers could not attend the conference and we would lose a valuable ally in the cause for self-advocacy."
- Paul Mansell, President, People First San Diego

Foundation Help Fund: One-Time Emergency Assistance (read more)

The Foundation Help Fund is a resource that provides individuals with developmental disabilities and their families with much needed assistance with urgent or emergency needs such as shelter, food, clothing, medical needs, etc. when no other resources are available.

Following the 2007 fire storm in San Diego County, The Foundation provided more than $60,000 to families who were affected by the fires and also have a family member with a developmental disability. This enabled families to purchase food, clothing or find temporary shelter.

In 2008 alone, the Foundation provided $15,000 to consumers and their families.

In 2009 the Foundation provided $20,000 in support of this program.

Training/Educational Opportunities for Consumers & Their Family Members (read more)

The Foundation's Parent Education Fund supports more than 80 parents on average each year in obtaining training and education in order to enhance the level of care provided to family members living with developmental disabilities. In 2009, The Foundation provided $20,000 in support of this program.

Scholarships/The Peterson Scholarship (read more)

Each December, the Foundation for Developmental Disabilities provides funds through the Peterson Scholarship Endowment for financial assistance to undergraduate, and/or graduate students from San Diego and Imperial counties, who are attending a college or university in San Diego and Imperial counties. The Foundation awards scholarships to students who, upon graduation, plan to use the knowledge and skills they developed to work with and contribute to the betterment of persons with developmental disabilities in San Diego and Imperial counties. Students must be willing to sign a Letter of Intent to that effect.

Recipients receive funding ranging from $500 to $3,000. Students must maintain a grade point average of 3.0 or better.

All finalists will be interviewed by the FDD Scholarship Committee. Please contact the Foundation office at (858) 576-2933 for more information, or click below to download a pdf application. The applications are due no later than November 14.

Download pdf application | Download Adobe Acrobat Reader

Supporting Local Businesses Developed With/By Consumers (read more)

The Foundation's Special Gifts Fund provides start up support for microenterprises managed and/or staffed by persons with developmental disabilities. In 2008, the Foundation supported the start up of a coffee cart business including funding for building modifications and on-going space rental costs. The business, now in operation at 4355 Ruffin Rd., San Diego (92123), provides jobs to those living with a developmental disability.