Something Special Information

Something Special Fund FAQ

Foster children often feel alone and isolated and may go without simple pleasures of childhood. The Something Special Fund was founded by Promises2Kids to provide funding support for life-enhancing activities and services for children currently within the foster care system in San Diego County. Something Special is set up to support these needs not met through typical funding. Please be aware that this is a privately funded program; Promises2Kids will review all requests, but requests will be granted based on funding availability.

Beginning in May 2020, Promises2Kids will be accepting applications for general requests as well as requests for extracurricular activities only. As a result, all youth 18 years of age or under are eligible for up to $750 per fiscal year.

Who is eligible for Something Special Funds?

Children currently within the San Diego County foster care system that have open- dependency cases, are in out-of-home placements in San Diego County only, and 18 years or under. This program is currently available to foster youth residing in San Diego Youth living with their biological parents do not qualify. Funding is limited to the following:

Up to $250 - General Something Special Expenses
Up to $500 - Extra Curricular Activities
Tutoring - Up to 3 months at a time

*Expenses greater than the amounts listed above may be requested and are subject to approval.

Examples of previously funded requests:

General Something Special Requests: Any item or special request that a youth desires, may be considered. Examples include but are not limited to: tablets, bikes, speakers, watches, cameras, headphones, video games, jewelry, musical instruments, Zoo passes, Legoland passes, Sea World passes, hair extensions, designer shoes, art supplies and toys. (PLEASE NOTE: Due to the high volumes of orders on certain websites they flag us for fraud and won't process our orders. We cannot order from Nike.com, Goat.com, Flightclub.com, Gamestop.com, as well as any International shops such as Fashionnova.com, Hebeos.com, and Dhgate.com)
Extracurricular Activities: Sports uniforms or equipment, gymnastics, soccer, football, and basketball leagues, cheerleading, swim lessons, martial arts (NOT mixed), sports registration fees, music lessons.

Who may apply for Something Special Funds?
Something Special Fund applications may be submitted by County social workers, ILS case workers, CASA’s, city or county agencies, the Polinsky Children’s Center, the Public Defender’s office, attorneys, caregivers, or youth.

What can the Something Special Fund not pay for?

Childcare, food, clothing, basic needs, cell phones and accessories, gift cards, furniture, medical or dental supplies (such as glasses or braces), mixed martial arts/kick boxing, day care, school supplies, subscriptions, monthly boxes, items out of the country, or anything else not mentioned that the county or foster parents are obligated to provide. We are unable to provide reimbursements for pre-paid items. Theme park tickets are only available for youth 3 years of age and older.

Exceptions:

1) Special requests, such as applications requesting funds in excess of our limit will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and are subject to approval by the CEO.

2) Checks will only be written and mailed to businesses and service providers. Checks will not be granted to youth, caregivers or providers.

3) Please list accurate websites, details, colors, sizes and information for your items of request. Inaccurate information may lead to a delay in processing. If the items requested are no longer in stock or unavailable, similar item may be purchased instead.

4) If inaccurate links are provided or a youth requests an alternative item (other than what is requested in the application), we are unable to guarantee a refund, or alternative items. A new application request will need to be completed.

Thank you!

If the recipient of the funds is over age 6, a returned thank-you note is much appreciated. It supports us in obtaining future donations. Confidentiality and child’s identity will be respected.

Something Special Pre-Eligibility

Is the youth under the age of 19 at time of this application (today)?

Youth Demographic Information

First Name

Last Name

Date of Birth

Example format: 10/10/1984

Gender

Ethnicity

Phone

Email

Youth Address Information

Street Address

City

State

Zip Code

Youth Domicile Information

Is the youth a dependent in the foster care system?

Does the youth live with their biological parent(s)?

Is the youth in the process of adoption or already been adopted?

If in the process of adoption, please enter the month and year it will be completed (if known).

Registering Party Information (Adult making the request)

First Name

Last Name

Phone

Email

Address Line

City

State

Zip Code

What is your relationship to the youth?

Request Details

Type of Request

Grade Level

How much money is needed to fulfill the request?

Alternative Funding: Have you attempted to secure funding for your request from another organization or resource?

If alternative funding was requested, please share with whom, amount, and status.

What is the child requesting?

What are the exact details of the request (ex. days of camp, program needed)

How will fulfilling this request help the child?

Request Order Links/Supporting Documentation

For online requests, please include WEB LINK to the EXACT request (you can include more than one link below)

Upload Something Special Request Documentation

Payment Information

Please Note:
We cannot refund caregivers AND we cannot send checks directly to caregivers.

For CHECKS, please provide the Business/Vendor Name and Address.
For ONLINE, please provide a shipping address.

Payment Type

Theme Park Ticket Information

Most theme parks now require tickets be purchased for specific dates. If you are requesting theme park tickets, please add the dates you would like to go below.

Theme Park Request Date

MM/DD/YYYY

Business or Vendor Address - for "Check" payment (Note: We cannot send checks directly to caregivers OR refund caregivers).

Business Name or Vendor Name ("Check payable to Name")

Business/Vendor Phone

Business/Vendor Email

Street Address (to send check)

City (to send check)

State (to send check)

Zip Code (to send check)

Shipping Address - for delivery of order/item

First Name

Last Name

Address Line

City

State

Zip Code

Ineligible for Program

We are sorry, you do not meet the minimum program eligibility requirements. Please contact Promises2Kids with any questions you may have.

Promises2Kids Phone :
(858) 278-4400

Promises2Kids Email :
anne@promises2kids.org