The nonprofit received a $1000,000 grant to support the purchase of two passenger vans, including one adapted to accommodate a wheelchair
The nonprofit received a $1000,000 grant to support the purchase of two passenger vans, including one adapted to accommodate a wheelchairNonprofit Project Independence (PI) of Costa Mesa will receive a $100,000 Breakaway Fund grant from the Samueli Foundation.The grant will support the purchase of two passenger vans, including one adapted to accommodate a wheelchair.
For nearly five decades, PI has been a lifeline for one of the county’s most challenged populations, adults with developmental and physical disabilities.
“We are honored to receive this generous grant from the Samueli Foundation,” said PI CEO Robert Watson.“Having two new passenger vans will help strengthen our capacity to safely and economically transport adults with developmental and other disabilities to and from their residences, expanding their opportunities to live more independent lives.”
In just two years, the Samueli Foundation has awarded $40 million through the Breakaway, Build OC, and OC+ Funds, fueling bold ideas, stronger organizations, and new ways of working together across Orange County.With this additional round of funding, the 2026 Breakaway Fund will have invested $8.1 million in 105 local nonprofit partners.
In 2027, PI will commemorate 50 years of service in Orange County.Eighty-seven cents of every dollar raised by PI goes directly to support its vital programs.
About Samueli Foundation
The Samueli Foundation’s mission is to make Orange County, California a vibrant mosaic of community well-being. We support and unite catalytic forces whose innovations yield a high quality of life for everyone. The Foundation works closely with the constellation of Samueli Family-backed for-profit and nonprofit organizations to ensure that giving back to the community is central to everything they do. These include the Anaheim Ducks Foundation, the San Diego Gulls Foundation, the Irvine Ice Foundation, The Rinks Foundation, and OC Sports & Entertainment, which oversees the family’s sports and entertainment assets, including the Anaheim Ducks, the San Diego Gulls and the Honda Center.Over the last 25 years, the Samueli Family, through its various entities, has contributed more than $1 billion in charitable grants. https://www.samueli.org
