The Foundation for Developmental Disabilities (FDD) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation established in 1986. The Foundation’s mission is to generate and distribute funds to innovative programs that enhance the quality of life for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) in San Diego and Imperial County. FDD’s four impact areas include employment, family support, housing, and self-advocacy. The family support category encompasses initiatives focused on health and wellness, resources, and social connections— assuring partnerships that drive high-impact results for the community.

Further, the Foundation supports affordable and permanent housing development, educational advancement through scholarship provisions, and job development and placement programs for individuals with IDDs in San Diego and Imperial County. Over the past five years, FDD has provided over $1.2 million in grants to support 96 nonprofit organizations throughout San Diego and Imperial County. This year, the Foundation disbursed over $350,000 in grants to nonprofit organizations serving the IDDs community­, two of which include Blissful Seeds and Merakey, who both received $100,000 each to support their job development programs; $46,000 in scholarships to 16 colleges and university students through the Raymond M. Peterson Scholarship Program; and over $330,000 in emergency Help Funds to over 370 individuals with IDDs and their families through the San Diego Regional Center.

As a leader in the community with 36 years of service, FDD is committed to assessing, empowering, and supporting nonprofit organizations and initiatives focused on serving individuals with IDDs and their families. Join FDD on Thursday, August 31, 2023, at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club for its 13th annual Day at the Races fundraising event which benefits the Foundation’s emergency Help Fund Program. Learn more at www.foundationfordd.org/events.