NFAR Community Projects
Bringing the community together to create a better life for autistic individuals
NFAR partners with organizations to achieve a shared goal of improving the lives of autistic individuals and their families so they can thrive!
For the past 20 years, NFAR has supported initiatives each year that create or expand opportunities and bring new solutions to our community. Funding for these programs is made possible by the annual Race for Autism. Community Project Grant Programs span from early treatment programs, friend clubs, social skills classrooms, peer mentor groups, theater and improv. programs, sports camps, family camps, music therapy, martial arts, social skills training, driving instruction, vocational training, parent resources and education, peer mentor programs, and many more.
2025 Community Projects
Application Open January 15th!
NFAR is pleased to announce that our Community Project Grant application period will open on January 15!
Each year, funds raised by the Race for Autism help to support autism programs and new initiatives in our community. Community project grants range from $2,500 to $10,000, and have supported over 124 Community Project initiatives, increasing the learning, social, training and employment opportunities for those with autism in San Diego.
NFAR Community Project Grants
2024 Projects Awards
We’re excited to announce the NFAR Community Project Grantees for 2024!
Each year, funds raised by the Race for Autism help to support autism programs and new initiatives in our community. Together, we have supported over 124 major initiatives, increasing the learning, social, and training options for autistic individuals in San Diego.
The Awardees include:
| Organization Name | Project Title | Project Length Months | Grant Award | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blissful Seeds Inc. | Blissful Seeds Inc. | 12 | $3,795.90 | Blissful Seeds is a social enterprise program that offers disabled individuals the opportunity to develop their creative skills while honing their business and customer service skills and earning a competitive wage. Current grant funding will be used towards the purchase of new equipment for their art classes, expanding opportunities and art mediums for those they serve, as well as those who are on their waitlist. |
| YMCA of San Diego County | 2024 Camp I CAN Transportation | 3 | $9,500.00 | Grant funding was used to transport campers in ADA-compliant buses for the Adaptive Youth Program, Camp I CAN and Camp AWARE to community-based activities and field trips, including locations such as Petco Park, YMCA Camp Surf, San Diego Zoo, Museum of Making Music, Balboa Park museums, Living Coast Discovery Center, Birch Aquarium and more. Based out of the Toby Wells YMCA, this camp serves approximately 105 children and youth. |
| Ride Above Disability Therapeutic Riding Center | Program Expansion, reduced fees for riders | 12 | $10,000.00 | Launched in 2014, Ride Above Disability Therapeutic Riding Center is a PATH (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship) member center that teaches recreational riding for disabled children and adults of all ages. Funding is to expand services to riders waiting to join the program by opening up more days and ride times, as well as bringing on and training new staff and certifications. There are currently 50 people on the waitlist. |
| Casa de Mosaic Inc | Adapted/ Sensory Friendly Community Events for Autistic Adults. | 12 | $4,000.00 | Casa de Mosaic is a newly established non-profit providing employment, training and social opportunities for autistic adults. The target population are adults who require extensive support due to social, behavioral and communication issues. Activities are designed to accommodate AAC users, who require 1:1 support and need sensory accommodations. Casa de Mosaic has partnered with the Public Library – College Rolando Branch to create a unique story time for autistic adults. Grant funding will be used for internship support and materials for the library program, a monthly beach clean-up and quarterly social opportunities. |
| Best Day Coffee Co. | Coffee Cart Business that Employs Individuals with Disabilities | 12 | $6,000.00 | Best Day Coffee is a start-up company that wants to train and employ disabled people and pay them a competitive wage. With these funds, they would build out a mobile coffee bar with cold brew and lattes on tap that the San Diego community can book it for events. Best Day Coffee’s goal is to spread understanding and acceptance for an inclusive workforce that hires autistic individuals. |
past community projects
NOTE: This is not a complete list. NFAR has been supporting projects for the past 20 years.
