Grants
Our Grants
It is our honor to help our fellow San Diegans through our grant program. Below are some of our grant recipients throughout the years. To protect their privacy, first and last names may not be displayed.
To request a grant, click the “Request a Grant” button.
Kimberly H.
Kimberly H.
A young mother suffering from a relapse of Crohn’s disease requiring hospitalization was behind in her rent and unable to provide medical necessities for her children including expensive prescriptions for of the children. RBF stepped in and paid her landlord one month’s rent and also arranged for an account at her pharmacy where funds were put in place to provide reliable payment for her children’s prescriptions. When Kimberly was informed about the grant, she replied, “I cannot begin to express my gratitude. . I will never forget what your organization has done for us and you will be where I donate back to in return. Thank you for hearing me when no one else would listen.”
Donation made in October 2011
Elizabeth Nguyen/PFLAG
Elizabeth Nguyen/PFLAG
Elizabeth plans to be a community activist. “I’ve begun this work by helping lead queer and feminist organizations and by interning at my university’s LGBT Resource Center. “However,” she continued, “I’d like to further my activism through literature. Through stories, I want to express the suffering, joy, oppression, and liberation of those in our community. I want to be able to speak of my own stories as a queer woman of color, which have been long silenced by hostile cultural attitudes.
Donation made in July 2011
Evan K and Francisco H
Evan K. and Francisco H.
Both recipients were victims of the fire that hit 1033 University Avenue on July 6, 2011. Both recipients lost all of their belongings, school books, personal items, etcetera and had no insurance or savings. RBF provided the means to replace some of their emergency personal items such as clothing and personal care items. RBF also provided the means to replace some basic furniture items such as a bed and drawers as these two young men started over.
Donation made in July 2011
Foster and Displaced Children in Court
Foster and Displaced Children in Court
RBF provided more than 500 new stuffed animals to comfort the scores of scared children in our local juvenile dependency court rooms. The children are there for hearings which include taking kids away from their parents, and placing kids in foster homes after abuse or neglect. One judge described the impact of the toys as, “the animals make a huge difference. I have seen young children sobbing in court who immediately brighten up when told they can pick out an animal before they go.”
Donation made in June 2011 | Click here for a note from the recipient
Janine C.
Janine C.
Janine was a victim of horrific domestic violence. Janine, along with her 10 year old daughter had to flee their home for the sake of their safety. RBF helped Janine and her daughter by paying emergency rent in a stable living situation to help Janine and her daughter remain away from the abuser. In late June, RBF got a note of thanks for helping Janine stay safe and the good news that Janine is stable and safe out of state.
Donation made in May 2011
Ethan F.
Ethan F.
5 year old Ethan is a San Diego child diagnosed with high risk medulloblastoma – a malignant brain tumor. He had two surgeries to remove the tumor and shunt replacement. Ethan developed cortical blindness and posterior fossa syndrome which left him unable to walk, swallow, or talk. Ethan eventually started to verbalize again but needs intense speech and physical therapy. One of the specific items needed by the Ethan and provided by RBF was a special walker to help Ethan excel in his physical therapy. RBF wishes Ethan a speedy recovery.
Donation made in April 2011
PFLAG/San Diego
PFLAG/San Diego
Donation made for the PFLAG Rob Benzon Scholarship Fund which is awarded to a San Diego bisexual, transgender, lesbian or gay student planning to attend a post-secondary educational institution.
Donation made in March 2011
Fawn L.
Fawn L.
Fawn is a vibrant young San Diegan diagnosed with a malignant tumor. With her strength and courage Fawn’s friends know that she will come through this. It will take some time however for Fawn to recuperate. She will not be able to work for 4-6 weeks. Fawn’s medical expenses are extremely high and she will not be able to cover her living expenses for some time, rent, utilities, bills, herbs and supplements. RBF stepped in and covered one month’s rent for Fawn.
Donation made in Feb 2011 | Click here for a note from the recipient
Mike M.
Mike M.
Mike is a San Diegan who has been unable to work due to HIV compilations and two herniated discs. When the situation was dire and Mike was not able to pay rent, RBF stepped in to assist with one month’s rent paid directly to Mike’s landlord.
Donation made in Feb 2011
Maria M.
Maria M.
Maria is a wonderful hard working San Diegan who had been struggling financially for a long time due to her husband being unemployed. Things got worse when Maria lost her Mother on 12/23/10. They had no life insurance and were in financial distress so the body of Maria’s mom remained in the morgue until they could come up with the money to have her cremated. RBF paid the crematorium the balance owing for Maria’s mother’s cremation.
Donation made in January 2011 | Click here for a note from the recipient