NFAR 2025 Community Project Awards!

Published On: July 8th, 2025

Announcing the 2025 Community Project Awards!

We’re excited to announce the NFAR Community Project Grantees for 2025!

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 Number Project Title Grant Award Description
Amanda’s Adaptive Martial Arts P25-P-001 Karate Kids and Cubs $10,000.00 To support the expansion of their after-school adaptive martial arts program, ” Karate Kids and Cubs ” serving children ages 3-17 with ASD. Classes feature: – Standard martial arts techniques, strength-building exercises using free weights, resistance bands, and bodyweight drills, Cooperative games & social interactions to foster teamwork and communication, Sensory-friendly tools, including swings, fidgets, and quiet spaces. We incl. flexible attire, small class sizes and 1:1 instruction, simple techniques, visual aids, and lots of repetition.
Unscripted Learning P25-P-002 Connections Program $10,000.00 Funding would support the growth and expansion of Unscripted Learning Connections program. This program offers improvisational theater classes to teens with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) throughout San Diego County. Interest in The Connections Program has significantly increased and the program has expanded from one to three classes per week. Each class is 90 minutes in length and focuses on specific themes like emotions, abstract thinking, and theory of mind. In 2024, Unscripted Learning partnered with Sweetwater Unified School District on the delivery of the Connections curriculum, and will now reach an additional 200 youth with ASD in the County. They are hoping to grow this type of partnership throughout San DIego.
Fleet Science Center P25-P-003 Accessibility Mornings at the Fleet $10,000.00 Funding is to support the Fleet Science Center’s Accessibility Mornings program, designed to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for individuals and families who benefit from modified sensory experiences. Held on the third Saturday of each month, this program provides a quieter, more accessible museum experience, ensuring that all San Diegans can engage with hands-on STEM learning in a way that meets their needs. Families also receive access to sensory-friendly resources, including a quiet space for breaks and sensory kits available upon request. Admission to Accessibility Mornings is free for one guest and one chaperone, eliminating financial barriers for families and ensuring that all members of the community can benefit from meaningful and inspiring STEM experiences.
Love & Autism P25-P-004 Hope & Humor $3,200.00 Hope & Humor is a one-night, high-impact event that redefines what’s possible when autistic people are not only included; but centered from start to finish. Hosted in San Diego, this all-autistic comedy night will showcase the brilliance, wit, and authenticity of autistic comedians, creators, and community members in an evening that blends connection and laughter. Hope & Humor will feature: A 90-minute stand-up comedy show featuring autistic comedians An autistic Master of Ceremonies A premiere community gathering space before and after the show with thoughtful accessibility throughout. From marketing to the mic, every element reflects autistic excellence and equitable compensation.
Vista Hill P25-P-005 SMART Board for Stein Education Center $2,500.00 Funding will be used for our State certified special education school campus, Stein Education Center, where we serve youth and young adults ages 5-22 with autism spectrum disorders, intellectual and developmental disabilities, severe emotional disturbance, or multiple disabilities. Adaptive technology has been very valuable to the students, and SMART Boards are tools that have allowed us to provide a wide range of learning options to meet the needs of our unique population. The purchase of a used SMART Board will allow for easy, interactive learning in the classroom.
Encinitas Educational Foundation P25-P-006 Inclusion In Action: Expanding Disability Awareness and Support $6,000.00 The Encinitas Union School District Special Education Parent Council is a branch of the Encinitas Educational Foundation, and dedicated to promoting inclusivity, understanding, and support for individuals with disabilities. One of our most impactful initiatives, Inclusion In Action Disability Awareness Programming, was designed to engage the Encinitas Union School District community in meaningful conversations about disabilities while celebrating the unique strengths and challenges faced by individuals with disabilities.To expand its reach and impact, funding will be used towards bringing in a Nationally Renowned Speaker on Autism to deliver a keynote address and lead breakout sessions, encourage open dialogue about autism and neurodivergence.This speaker will provide valuable insights into the latest research, advocacy efforts, and practical strategies for supporting neurodivergent individuals. This event will be open to all families.
Ride Above Disability Therapeutic Riding Center P25-P-007 Program expansion- New therapy horse $8,000.00 Funding will be used to help with program expansion and continuing to assist more riders with the purchase of a new horse for the program. Each horse can do up to 15 riders per week. Purchasing a new horse would allow us to continue to expand and assist more riders with Autism in the community. Additionally, the extra $3000 would help sponsor the horse and cover costs while we are slowly adding in new riders.
YMCA of San Diego County P25-P-008 2025 Camp I CAN Transportation $5,000.00 Funds are to be used for The Toby Wells YMCA Adaptive Youth Program, Camp I CAN, during the months of June, July and August 2025. Camp I CAN is for children and youth ages 7-17 who are on the Autism Spectrum. Transportation assistance will include ADA-compliant buses to community-based activities and field trips for each camp, 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. Funds will primarily be used for transportation with Camp I CAN, but also a day for Camp AWARE, their adult program for those with ASD.