Friendship Foundation secures $500,000 grant to launch creative arts studio for neurodiverse learners

The Friendship Foundation, a nonprofit organization that supports individuals with learning, developmental, and physical disabilities through education, vocational training, and community programs, has secured a $500,000 grant from the W.M. Keck Foundation.

The funding will help develop a creative arts studio at the upcoming Friendship Campus, an inclusive educational and job-training facility set to open in early 2026.

The W.M. Keck Foundation Creative Arts Studio will provide training in digital media, visual arts, sound, craftwork, and music. The facility is part of the Friendship Campus: The Greenberg Family/Skechers Center, which aims to support individuals with intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities in gaining vocational skills and workforce opportunities.

Nearly 200,000 students are enrolled in special education programs in Los Angeles County, with more than 15% of all K-12 students receiving Individualized Education Plan (IEP) services. The Friendship Campus is designed to bridge the gap between traditional education and vocational opportunities for neurodiverse individuals as they transition into the workforce.

The new arts studio will offer skills training in fields such as graphic design, coding, filmmaking, woodworking, and audio production. In addition to instruction, the space will serve as a cultural hub, featuring student exhibitions, mentorship opportunities, and industry collaborations.

Yossi Mintz, Friendship Foundation Executive Director and Co-Founder, said:

"We are deeply grateful to the esteemed W.M. Keck Foundation for believing in our vision and making this game-changing facility a reality. Their extraordinary generosity is paving the way for a first-of-its-kind Creative Arts Studio at the Friendship Campus, where neurodiverse students will have the opportunity to discover their vocational passion, unleash their unique talents, and build fulfilling careers."

The Friendship Campus, a 62,000-square-foot facility, is currently under construction in Redondo Beach. The project, which began in February 2023, is expected to be completed by early 2026. It will offer programs for individuals aged 8 to 35+, focusing on job training, personal development, and social and emotional wellness. The campus is being developed in partnership with architecture firm Gensler, general contractor Project Delivery Group (PDG), and brand strategists Saatchi & Saatchi.

Construction of the $55 million campus has been funded entirely by private donations and grants. The W.M. Keck Foundation joins a list of donors, including the Greenberg Family/Skechers, The Ramesh & Kalpana Bhatia Family Foundation, and The Eisner Foundation, among others. More than 120 community donors have contributed, with $3 million remaining in capital fundraising.

An endowment fund, established in 2024, aims to secure the long-term sustainability of the campus. The fund has received an initial $23 million, with a $10 million commitment from Mike & Rose Kaplan, a matching challenge from Charlie & Joanne Kaplan, and a $3 million anonymous donation.

Mintz added:

 "This is more than just a studio—it’s a launchpad for creativity, empowerment, and inclusion. Thanks to the W.M. Keck Foundation, we are not only transforming lives but also reshaping the future of the Southern California workforce, fostering greater acceptance and appreciation for all abilities."