Raymond M. Peterson Scholarship
Funding Amount
$500 - $3,000 per recipient; Up to $40,000+ awarded annually
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Grant Type
foundation
Overview
Raymond M. Peterson Scholarship
Funder: Foundation for Developmental Disabilities (FDD)
Geographic Scope: San Diego and Imperial Counties, California
Mission: Support emerging student leaders pursuing careers in intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DDs) and related fields. Dedicated to supporting post-secondary students and removing financial barriers to higher education.
- Established in honor of Dr. Raymond M. Peterson, a visionary advocate and leader in the I/DD community
- Provides financial assistance to university and college students pursuing careers focused on I/DDs or related disciplines
- Exclusive to residents of and students attending colleges/universities in San Diego and Imperial Counties
About the Scholarship
- Special education
- Social work
- Clinical services
- Behavioral analysis (ABA)
- Speech-language pathology
- Psychology
- School psychology (bilingual)
- Educational services
- Disability advocacy
- Service coordination
Eligible Fields
- Range: $500 - $3,000 per recipient
- Total awarded annually: Up to $40,000+ (e.g., 2025: $44,000 awarded to 10 recipients)
Award Amount
- Post-secondary student (undergraduate or graduate)
- Resident of San Diego or Imperial County OR attending college/university in these counties
- Pursuing career in intellectual and developmental disabilities field or related disciplines
- Demonstrated commitment to serving I/DD community
- Academic achievement and community involvement
Eligibility Requirements
- Ph.D. candidates
- Master's degree students (MSW, child and adolescent development)
- Credential program students (special education, bilingual)
- SDRC coordinators and professionals
- Individuals with lived experience (e.g., living with epilepsy)
Recent Recipients (2025)
Ten recipients awarded including:Contact Information
Foundation for Developmental Disabilities 6050 Santo Road, Suite 145 San Diego, CA 92124 Tel: 858-256-2222 Tax ID: 33-0209048 Website: foundationfordd.orgHow to Apply
Application Process
1. Download Application
- Visit https://www.foundationfordd.org/peterson-scholarship
- Download the application form
2. Submit Application
- Complete all required sections
- Submit by the annual deadline (typically April timeframe; specific dates vary by year)
3. Application Components (based on available information)
- Student information and contact details
- Education and enrollment information
- Career goals and commitment statement
- Community involvement and leadership experience
- Academic achievement documentation
- Personal statement addressing commitment to I/DD field
4. Selection Process
- Reviewed by FDD Scholarship Committee/Board
- Evaluation criteria: academic excellence, community involvement, commitment to I/DD services
- Winners announced and notified
5. Award Notification
- Scholarship recipients are interviewed and selected by committee
- Awards granted by FDD Board of Directors
What San Diego Imperial Counties actually gave
Source: IRS Form 990-PF, 2024 — the most recent filing with itemized grants
- Grants in 2024
- 22
- Total given
- $235K
- Median grant
- $10K
- Range
- $5,000–$15K
- By dollars: California 100%. Top recipient cities: San Diego, CA; La Mesa, CA; Carlsbad, CA.
- 0% of grants with a stated purpose were for general or operating support.
- 82% of recipients were new grantees, not repeat recipients.
Example grants
Amanda's Adaptive Martial Arts · San Diego, CA
Karate Kids and Cubs Program
$15K
Ucsd Nerodiversity in Tech Camp · La Jolla, CA
Summer Camp
$15K
SD Air & Space Museum · San Diego, CA
Engage individuals with I/DDs through hands on activities
$15K
Boys and Girls Clubs Oceanside · Oceanside, CA
Fit Fun Program
$15K
INCLUDE(ED) SD · La Mesa, CA
Early Childhood Inclusive Program
$15K
Focus Areas & Funding Uses
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