Special Gift Funds Program

The Foundation for Developmental Disabilities offers grants of up to $100,000 for capital, social enterprise, and start-up funding to organizations that provide services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) in San Diego and Imperial Counties.

We have funded several organizations in the past five years, including Blissful Seeds, Mountain Shadows, Noah Homes, Options for All, Outside the Lens, and St. Madeleine Sophie's Center.

This year, the Foundation will focus on capital grants. Proposals must be emailed to grants@foundationfordd.org by noon on January 27th, 2025. Proposals received after this deadline will not be considered.

Capital RFP Funding Guidelines:

Eligible Organizations: Grants will be awarded only to nonprofit organizations supporting individuals with developmental disabilities and their families in San Diego and Imperial Counties.
Restricted Use: Funds must be used exclusively for the requested capital items.
Capital Item Definition:

- Stand-alone equipment costing over $5,000 with a useful life exceeding one year.

- Not disposable or consumable; must qualify as tangible personal property.

Proof of Purchase: Grantees must provide proof of purchase for approved items within six months of grant receipt.
Geographic Use Requirement: Funds must benefit individuals in San Diego and/or Imperial Counties.
Matching or Additional Funding: Grantees should demonstrate matching funds or other funding sources for the project.

Exclusions: The FDD Capital RFP Will Not Fund

Individuals, staff salaries, programmatic costs, training, warranties/service contracts, consumables, software, or subscriptions.
Building fund contributions or general maintenance (e.g., roofing, plumbing).
Existing financial obligations, debt repayment, or non-capital items.

All finalists must be available for an in person presentation to the committee on February 18th, 2025.

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