Special Initiatives Grants

Special Initiatives Grants

Special Initiatives Grants

Overview

Supporting mission-driven projects and organizations

From time to time the AAA-ICDR Foundation will pursue Special Initiatives outside of the Annual Grant Cycle that align with the Foundation’s mission. Potential grantees are identified by the Foundation and invited to apply.
$2.29M+
IN GRANTS FUNDED
In 2025 the Foundation funded $555,000 in Special Initiatives Grants.
$329K+
AVERAGE GRANT
The average Special Initiatives Grant amount since inception.
7
PROJECTS FUNDED
The Foundation has awarded 7 organizations in support of Board Initiatives.
Dignity Best Practices

Organization

Dignity Best Practices

Grant Purpose

This grant aims to establish field mediation response teams responding to 911 calls in 2-3 pilot cities, demonstrating proof of concept towards a movement making this service mainstream.  If successful, thousands of residents will experience the benefits of in-the-moment professional support, rather than a police response, during crises of interpersonal conflict.

GRANT AMOUNT

$555,000

California Panel Partners Pilot Program

Organization

Bar Association of San Francisco | Conflict Intervention Service (CIS)

Grant Purpose

This Panel Partners Program grant will expand capacity to integrate Restorative Justice (RJ) into supportive and affordable housing in San Francisco. Funding will enable CIS to provide consistent RJ services, through our expanded panel of neutrals and housing partners.
 

GRANT AMOUNT

$10,000

Organization

Community Boards | Mediation Accessibility Project for Underserved Communities (MAP)

Grant Purpose

This Panel Partners Program grant will establish a regular on-site presence at community centers and public spaces across San Francisco to offer mediation intake, conflict coaching, referrals, and restorative services. This consistent neighborhood outreach will build trust and make conflict-resolution resources more accessible to residents.

GRANT AMOUNT

$10,000

Organization

Veterans Legal Institute | Veterans Access to Justice Legal Clinic

Grant Purpose

This Panel Partners Program grant will provide support for Veterans Legal Institute’s monthly legal clinic at the Long Beach VA Hospital, delivering free, trauma-informed counsel that resolves disputes early through negotiation, mediation, and administrative advocacy. The clinic will assist well over 100 low-income veterans confronting housing instability, VA-benefit denials, and family-law conflicts.

GRANT AMOUNT

$5,000

APPLICATION PROCESS

Potential grantees are identified by the Foundation and invited to apply. There is no open application process for Special Initiatives Grants.