SAN DIEGO — There's a nonprofit in San Diego whose only mission is to help fund the work of other nonprofits.
Each year, the Foundation for Developmental Disabilities gives out around $300,000. CBS 8 was invited to the most recent check presentation.
This time, nearly $70,000 was invested in five nonprofits that work with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including the Boys and Girls Club of Oceanside.
"This money will support our Fit and Fun program, which encourages our adults with disabilities to get active," said CEO Sitara Sethi.
The Foundation for Developmental Disabilities has been making a meaningful impact on San Diego since 1986.
"We really try to fund some of the smaller organizations," Sethi said.
They're often involved for the long haul and get to see the growth their funding has supported.
"We try to offer family support, we do unemployment programs, housing programs — anything that would make a positive impact on this population," Sethi added.
What the grant money makes possible
With the help of donations, they also help provide emergency assistance for San Diego Regional Center clients.
"We help them pay their rent, pay their bills, help them avoid eviction," she said.
Another grant recipient is New Village Arts in Carlsbad.
"It provides fulfilment, belonging, a lot of people find community — and that's what it's all about," said Kiara Hudlin, the foundation's Education and Fellowship Manager.
The Foundation recently provided with funding to put on a play, Stellaluna. This next round of money will go toward a documentary showing how the play shaped participants' lives.
"We hired all actors with neurodiversity to be part of that play and take it to the local schools, and one of my favorite parts is hearing how other students there with special needs got a chance to see themselves on stage, and that really meant a lot to them," Hudlin added.
The Foundation also paid for a chair lift for the pool at Saint Madeleine Sophie's Center.
"Physically it does a lot, also psychologically," said Saint Madeleine's CEO, Debra Emerson.
They will now cover the cost of lifeguards and training.
"We wanted to maintain our swim team for the Special Olympics, and it just costs a lot more money than people think it does," Emerson said.
Gigi's Playhouse is also getting money for their mission, as is the nonprofit Adjoin, which plans to put the grant money toward its virtual learning platform.
How you can help
You can also get involved and make a difference by volunteering your time.
"They could work at the pool, art galleries, we have a huge garden, we have a kitchen where we make lunch for everyone, every day," said Emerson at Saint Madeleine Sophie's Center.
Hudlin added volunteers are welcome at New Village Arts as well, "things like ushers for performances and also helping build sets!"
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