Community News

Project Independence Receives a $100,000 Breakaway Fund Grant

 

by: Dan Pittman
Published: October 21, 2026

 

The grant will provide transportation for Project Independence clients, expanding their opportunities to live more independent lives. Champions for the rights of all people with developmental disabilities assembled in 2025 under the colorful balloon arch before beginning Project Independence's 15th Annual Walk & Health Fair held in Costa Mesa's TeWinkle Park.

 

COSTA MESA...Nonprofit 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.

For additional information about PI, please visit www.proindependence.org

Photo:Project Independence