Foundation for Developmental Disabilities

06/12/2026

🎭 Expanding Access to the Arts 🎭

We are proud to partner with The Old Globe through a $10,000 grant supporting sensory-friendly performances of How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

For many families with sensory-sensitive loved ones, traditional theatre experiences can feel out of reach due to bright lights, loud sounds, and overwhelming environments. Together, we’re helping create a more welcoming and inclusive space where more families can experience the joy and magic of live theatre.

Community impact means making sure everyone has the opportunity to participate, connect, and belong — including in the arts.

As FDD celebrates 40 Years of Impact, partnerships like this reflect the power of investing in accessibility, inclusion, and shared community experiences.

06/11/2026

Grant Deadline Approaching! Deadline: June 25, 2026
The Foundation is pleased to announce that we are now accepting program grant applications from nonprofit organizations supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) across San Diego and Imperial Counties.
FDD typically funds programs in our four key areas of impact:
✔️ Employment
✔️ Family Support
✔️ Housing
✔️ Self-Advocacy
What’s New:
Our grant application has been updated — please download the new version from our website.
Read the application carefully before submitting.
Grants range from $500 to $20,000.
Note: Programs vendorized by the San Diego Regional Center are only eligible if the request supports an expansion or falls outside the current vendorized program design.
Deadline: June 25, 2026 (by close of business)
Download the updated application: https://www.foundationfordd.org/program-grants

06/10/2026

💙 Supporting caregivers. Strengthening families. Building lasting impact.

FDD is proud to award a $15,000 Program Grant to The Shine Project Foundation in support of its new Pathway of Support program, which provides critical resources and direct support to caregivers of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Behind every individual with I/DD is often a caregiver balancing overwhelming responsibilities, navigating complex systems, and managing daily challenges with little support. The Shine Project Foundation is meeting families where they are with flexible, immediate assistance designed to address real-life needs when they matter most.

This funding supports direct service consultation and essential caregiver resources that help families stay stable, connected, and supported. 🌟

Because when we strengthen caregivers, we strengthen the entire support system surrounding individuals with I/DD — creating a ripple effect of meaningful, sustainable impact throughout our community.

We are honored to partner with The Shine Project Foundation on this important work. 💫

06/09/2026

Creating Inclusive Community Experiences 💙

The Foundation is proud to award a $14,000 Program Grant to Hope on the Hard Road in support of their sensory-friendly community events designed for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.

For many families, participating in community events can feel inaccessible, not because the desire isn’t there, but because the environment was never built with their needs in mind.

Hope on the Hard Road is helping change that by creating welcoming spaces where individuals with I/DD and their families can connect, participate, and simply belong — without barriers or apologies.

These experiences help reduce isolation, strengthen social connections, and create meaningful opportunities for families to fully engage in community life.

As we celebrate 40 Years of Impact, partnerships like this reflect the power of investing in inclusion, accessibility, and community-centered support.

We are proud to partner with Hope on the Hard Road on this important work. 🌟

06/08/2026

🍷🎄 Christmas in July is almost here — and you’re invited!

Join us Thursday, July 23 at Koi Zen Cellars Craft Winery for an unforgettable summer evening of wine, community, and giving back as we kick off FDD’s Season of Sharing and celebrate 40 Years of Impact. ❤️

Sip wine, enjoy great company, and help make the holiday season brighter for local children and families supported by the Foundation.

🎁 Bring a new, unwrapped toy to support our Season of Sharing toy drive.
🕓 4–7 PM
📍 Koi Zen Cellars
🎟️ Tickets are on sale now https://fddchristmasinjuly2026.causevox.com/

Let’s celebrate summer while giving back to our community in a meaningful way.

06/05/2026

💻💙 Expanding Access Through Technology and Self-Advocacy

FDD is proud to award an $8,300 Program Grant to Self-Determination Tech Alliance in support of the Disability Access Navigator (DAN).

DAN is a free, bilingual digital tool that helps individuals and families better navigate California’s Regional Center system — making information, services, and support more accessible for all.

This funding helps ensure the platform remains free, accessible, and scalable for families who need it most.

Knowledge is power, and when families understand their options, they can advocate for themselves with confidence.

06/04/2026

🥋 Building Safety, Confidence, and Independence 💙

FDD is proud to award a $15,000 Program Grant to Amanda's Adaptive Martial Arts!

Their new Adaptive Safety and Life Skills pilot program will provide full scholarships for more than 40 students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, ensuring families can access important safety and life skills training without financial barriers.

Participants will gain practical safety knowledge, confidence, and greater independence — skills that positively impact every part of daily life.

We are grateful to support programs creating meaningful opportunities for our IDD community.

06/03/2026

🌊 There's something transformative about catching a wave! 🏄
For individuals with disabilities, adaptive surfing is so much more than recreation — it's confidence, movement, and real empowerment.
We're thrilled to present a $13,500 FDD Program Grant to the Disabled Services Advisory Council, in partnership with County of San Diego Parks and Recreation, to bring back Camp Wet and Wild! 🎉 This funding will support staffing, program delivery, and accessibility accommodations so every participant can take part safely and fully.
Because the truth is simple and powerful: adventure is for everyone. 💙
Congratulations to the Disabled Services Advisory Council — we can't wait to see everyone out on the water! 🌊✨

06/02/2026

🍷🎁 Who says you have to wait until December? Christmas in July is coming, and summer just got a little more festive. 🎉
Join us for an evening of wine, warmth, and great company at the beautiful Koi Zen Cellars as we kick off FDD's annual Season of Sharing program and celebrate 40 years of creating opportunity for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families across San Diego and Imperial Counties.
📅 Thursday, July 23, 2026
⏰ 4:00 – 7:00 PM
📍 Koi Zen Cellars Craft Winery | 12225 World Trade Dr, San Diego, CA 92128
🎟 Tickets: $35 — includes admission, a wine flight, and light bites (more food available for purchase)
🎁 Bring a Toy, Get a Sticker! We're hosting a holiday toy drive for children FDD supports through Season of Sharing. Bring a new, unwrapped toy, and we'll thank you with a special FDD sticker for spreading a little holiday joy in July. 💛
Space is limited, so reserve your spot soon. This one's going to be a night to remember.
🔗Tickets👇

Join the Foundation for Developmental Disabilities at Koi Zen Cellars for a festive evening of wine, community, and giving as we kick off Season of Sharing!

06/01/2026

We are thrilled to introduce FDD's Spring 2026 Program Grantee Partners! 🎉
$75,800 in funding will support work across six incredible organizations — advancing community inclusion, education, family caregivers, health and wellness, and innovation in our region.

Congratulations to:
🌟 Amanda's Adaptive Martial Arts
🌟 Hope on the Hard Road
🌟 The Old Globe
🌟 Disabled Services Advisory Council
🌟 The Shine Project Foundation
🌟 Self-Determination Tech Alliance

As FDD celebrates 40 years of impact, this funding investment reflects the very heart of our mission and the community that has stood beside us for four decades — one committed to expanding equity, access, and opportunity for all.

Read all about our newest cohort and the work they're doing: https://www.foundationfordd.org/post/expanding-opportunity-meet-fdd-s-spring-2026-program-grant-partners