The Toby Wells Foundation welcomes funding requests from recognized 501 (c)(3) non-profit organizations operating programs within San Diego County for initiatives that support our work in enhancing the lives of youth, people with disabilities and animals. Please be sure to read our funding guidelines prior to submitting a request. Proposals must be submitted in hard-copy format by mail only.

If your organization is uncertain whether the program for which they are requesting funding qualifies, you may submit a letter of inquiry. Our Foundation staff will respond to your letter and help your organization determine whether to submit a full-funding proposal. Our board of directors makes funding decisions during meetings between October and December for contributions to be given during the next calendar year. While we do accept letters of inquiry and funding proposals throughout the year, please keep in mind funding decisions will not be determined until December. All proposals and supporting documentation must be received by our office no later than September 5th in order to receive consideration. All proposals submitted by the deadline will receive a written response to their request in January of the following year.

Youth
The Foundation is committed to improving the quality of life in our local community. The Foundation supports programs that encourage all individuals to reach their fullest potential. We have an interest in supporting programs that assist youth in developing a positive self-image, which we believe will expand their opportunities for a brighter future. We require that programs supported by the Foundation be available to any individual within our community to ensure equal opportunity for all. We have a strong interest in supporting programs, which bring youth and animals together for mutual benefit. We encourage and support programs that educate youth on how to interact with animals and the importance of being kind to them.

People with Disabilities
The Foundation requires that programs be available to any individual with a disability and living within the parameters of the organization's region that would benefit from involvement in the program. The majority of funding given by the Foundation in this area is to programs with an emphasis on enhancing the lives of individuals with spinal cord injuries. We have a particular interest in providing support for programs offered within San Diego County. The Foundation requires all programs to be certified with the State of California. Additionally, we require trainers, employees, volunteers, or any other individual assisting and interacting with recipients of the program to be certified or otherwise recognized within a field relevant to the program to which they are assisting. It is a priority of this Foundation to ensure that individuals partaking are well cared for and that their safety is held in the highest regard during the course of the program.