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.

Margarito P.

Margarito P.

The Foundation assisted Margarito who was being treated for breast cancer by paying her rent while she received treatment.

Grant made in February 2019.

The Annual Scott Carlson Thanksgiving Day Dinner

The Annual Scott Carlson Thanksgiving Day Dinner

The Rob Benzon Foundation once again supported the annual Scott Carlson Thanksgiving Day Dinner. The grant provided funds to assist organizers with the cost of the food needed to feed the underprivileged and homeless members of the LGBTQ community. The event is held annually at the San Diego LGBTQ Community Center on Thanksgiving Day.

Grant made in November 2018.

Crystal C.

Crystal C.

The Foundation assisted Crystal who was being treated for a rare bone cancer called Chordoma. Her treatments, which involved many lengthy hospital stays and much time off from work, caused her to miss months of work causing much financial distress. We paid her rent while she received treatment allowing her the time to heal with out the fear of becoming homeless.

Grant made in October 2018.

Eddie R.

Eddie R.

After a lengthy hospitalization due to being struck down by a hit and run accident while riding his bike, the Foundation assisted Eddie with his past due rent allowing him to avoid possible eviction from his home.

Grant made in September 2018.

Serenity K.

Serenity K.

The Foundation provided Serenity with rent and other household expenses while unable to work due to ongoing chemotherapy treatments for stage 4 breast cancer.

Grant made in July 2018.

Joseph P.

Joseph P.

After recent major surgery due to diabetes which amputated his left foot, the Foundation assisted Joseph with past due utility bills which successfully restored water to his home.  

Grant made in June 2018.

Tim C.

Tim C.

Assisted an local Indian tribe member and Korean War veteran with a terminal diagnosis of end stage renal disease and diabetes with a past due balance of his gas and electric bill.

Grant made in May 2018.

Rob Benzon Memorial Scholarship

Rob Benzon Memorial Scholarship

On May 19, 2018, the Rob Benzon Foundation awarded two scholarships at the annual Launching Leaders PFLAG Scholarship Awards to two LGBTQ students pursuing higher education. The Rob Benzon Memorial Scholarships were awarded to: (1) Sav Schlauderaff who is pursuing a graduate degree at San Diego State in Women’s Studies and (2) Taylor McElroy who is pursuing a law degree at California Western School of Law. 

Grant made in May 2018.

William V.

William V.

The Foundation provided assistance with rent for an individual who is unable to work due to terminal COPD syndrome.

 Grant made in April 2018.

Camp Erin

Camp Erin

The Foundation was able to support Camp Erin in partnership with the Center for Compassionate Care of the Elizabeth Hospice and part of network of free bereavement camps for children and teens ages 6 to 17 years of age who have experienced the death of someone close to them. Camp Erin’s counselors run specially designed activities to assist these children with the bereavement process and this grant provided funds for comfort items for the kids attending the camp. 

Grant made in April 2018.