In a significant stride towards fostering inclusivity and leadership among individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), the Taco Bell Foundation has awarded a $75,000 grant to Best Buddies in Arizona. This generous contribution highlights Taco Bell Foundation’s commitment to empowering communities and supporting impactful programs that drive positive change.

Best Buddies is dedicated to creating opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, and inclusive living for people with IDD. With this substantial grant, Best Buddies in Arizona will be able to expand its local programs, ensuring greater reach and deeper impact within Arizona.

“Receiving this generous grant from the Taco Bell Foundation is an incredible honor and a tremendous boost for our programs,” said Lisa Cleary, State Director of Best Buddies in Arizona. “This funding will allow us to expand our initiatives, creating more opportunities for individuals with IDD to form meaningful friendships, secure employment, and develop leadership skills. We are deeply grateful for the support from the Taco Bell Foundation and look forward to making an even greater impact in our community.”

Neil Borkan, Chairman of the Taco Bell Foundation, highlighted the unique aspect of the foundation’s Community Grants program, stating, “Our Community Grants program is unique, because the funds are dispersed back to organizations in the local community they are raised in. We are so thankful for the generosity of our partners, customers, and Taco Bell team members that make it possible for us to continue serving youth across the country.”

Since its inception in 1992, the Taco Bell Foundation has reached over 5 million young people across the United States and has awarded more than $188 million in grants and scholarships. These efforts have been crucial in advancing education and career readiness among the youth, reinforcing the foundation’s role as a pivotal force in community development.