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.
Nick O.
Nick O.
Nick is the sole provider for he and his wife. His testicular cancer was initially misdiagnosed which cost him valuable time and allowed the tumor to grow even larger and the recovery and time away from work more difficult. RBF helped Nick and his wife with Kaiser medical bills which mounted quickly. The good news is the Nick’s surgery was successful and he appears to be cancer free!
Donation made in July 2010 | Click here for a note from the recipient
Sherrill W.
Sherrill W.
71 year old Sherrill W. is battling cancer while taking care of her 51 year old mentally challenged son. Sherrill was the victim of theft and left virtually penniless. Her only income is Social Security and SSI for her son. She wants to work but no one is hiring a 71 year old cancer patient. With her savings gone her Social Security is not enough for her rent, bills, medical insurance, etc. Sherrill is getting some food from a church who also helps take her to medical appointments. RBF paid one month’s rent and provided a food card so she could put groceries in her home. We also referred Sherrill to other charities and organizations who could give her longer term assistance.
Donation made in June 2010 | Click here for a note from the recipient
Laurel P.
Laurel P.
12 year old Laurel P. was recently diagnosed with brain cancer. She has had 13 weeks of chemo and 2 tumor removal surgeries. Most patients die within 2 years of getting this type of brain cancer. The family needed money to take her to NYC to have her evaluated for a special experimental treatment. The family lost their business and went bankrupt in January. It is a very sad and desperate situation. More information is on their website: http://fortheloveoflaurel.org/default.htm. RBF helped pay one month’s rent to provide some relief during this challenging time.
Donation made in April 2010
Marina L.
Marina L.
Marina is the sole provider for her family of 5. On 2/24/10, she was walking down the street when an accident with a bus occurred and she was pinned to the wall by the bus. She was rushed to the hospital where her leg had to be amputated at mid thigh. Her other leg was broken in several places. Marina has no insurance and no income and asked for assistance with food and shelter for the children. Others provided short term housing assistance and RBF was able to provide funds for a reliable steady source of food for the children.
Donation made in March 2010
PFLAG/San Diego 2010
PFLAG/San Diego 2010
Donation made for the PFLAG Rob Benzon Scholarship Fund which is awarded to a bisexual, transgender, lesbian or gay student planning to attend a post-secondary educational institution. The recipient this year was Nicole Levin who is pursuing degrees in Nursing and International Security and Conflict Resolution with a minor in Public Health at San Diego State University. Nicole’s career goal is healthcare advocacy, especially with refugee populations, since she is herself an American expatriate. She has been active in LGBT issues in Slovenia, Australia and California. Her letter of recommendation mentions her character and determination in creating a position for herself as the sole English-speaking editor for a subgroup of the UN Development Program in Ukraine.
Donation made in March 2010
Christopher
Christopher
Christopher escaped a house fire with his life and his dog – and nothing else. Christopher had no fire insurance and lost everything. RBF provided funds within 12 hours of learning of the tragedy to help Christopher get emergency clothing, toiletries, and shelter. We also helped Christopher replace his mobile phone so he could contact friends and family.
Donation made in March 2010
Chris F.
Chris F.
Chris is a self-employed contractor who was hospitalized for several days for a very serious condition. Chris has no health insurance and as a self-employed person lost his income while unable to work. RBF paid one month’s rent to keep him from losing his housing.
Donation made in February 2010
30 Local Families via The Center
30 Local Families via The Center
RBF responded to a call for assistance for 30 local families in distress who had been screened by The Center. RBF provided gift cards for food and medicine for 30 local families.
Donation made in December 2008
Scott Carlson Thanksgiving Dinner
Scott Carlson Thanksgiving Dinner
RBF was glad to be able to again provide significant support for the annual Scott Carlson Thanksgiving Dinner. Started 21 years ago by Scott Carlson as a dinner for HIV/AIDS patients, the tradition of giving continues to provide a hot meal for those in need in our community on a day we earmark to give thanks. The dinner now includes people with cancer and other ailments, homeless people, and anyone needing a safe and inviting place to come together as a community on this holiday. More than 150 people benefited from this year’s annual dinner.
Donation made in November 2009
Jose S.
Jose S.
A young man who was the bread-winner for his family until he was laid off and then suffered a serious leg injury rendering without insurance and unable to work. RBF paid one month’s rent to keep him and his family from losing their housing.
Donation made in September 2009