Dear Friends,
I hope this message finds everyone well.
As we prepare to launch a bold new chapter for the Colin Farrell Foundation, I want to take a moment to speak directly to those who’ve supported us through our first year. Your passion, questions, and belief in what’s possible have fueled every conversation we’ve had about the future. As the foundation is just beginning its journey to provide essential support to pre-existing programs around the country – we are happy to share the news of our grant process. Here’s what we want you to know:
Grant Application Program – Launching June 1st
We’re thrilled to share that we are just weeks away from opening the application process for the Colin Farrell Foundation’s first Innovation Grant Program.
This grant initiative is part of a national call to action for creative, inclusive solutions to some of the most persistent challenges facing individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Our 2025 funding priorities will focus on:
We’re working closely with a team of consultants to ensure that our communications and rollout reflect the transparency, structure, and thoughtfulness you expect—and deserve. If you’re interested in applying, be sure to subscribe to our mailing list and follow us on social media for updates.
Second Annual CFF Family Gathering
Our First Annual CFF Family Gathering in Chicago was amazing. It was so very special to share in the power and splendor of togetherness and community. I am pleased to let you know that we are planning our Second Annual CFF Family Gathering, tentatively to be held in the Los Angeles area in the spring of 2026. We are envisioning a day-long family- friendly event with lots of games, family activities, and food and entertainment, and after considering a variety of locations, Los Angeles emerged as a great choice due to its weather, accessibility, and wide range of outdoor venues.
Though the location of our coming together is changing, the message and opportunity for us to celebrate in our trials and our victories and ultimately our love and hope for our children, remains the same. I’m personally so looking forward to seeing many of the familiar faces that I’ve been blessed to spend time with through the years. And of course, I’m so excited to see new faces and meet new families as we continue to expand into each other’s lives.
Our Vision and Commitment to Donor Accountability
We recognize that as the Foundation’s structure and visibility have grown, many of you have had important questions about how donations are used across our initiatives: education, awareness, and innovative programs. We have great ambitions for the foundation and in working towards that commitment we’ve come to appreciate the importance of learning how to walk before we run. We needed to partner with, support, and learn from existing advocates to see exactly how we can be most effective. So, we are starting by awarding grants and learning from the real heroes who do this at ground level. We want to assure you that the Foundation remains guided by an active Board of Directors and is fully committed to investing in community-driven solutions that promote inclusion, independence, and meaningful connection.
Communication Going Forward
We hear you—and we agree. As we transition this year, we are actively integrating new tools and staffing to provide more consistent, transparent, and meaningful updates. We will be using the website, Facebook and Instagram to announce events and upcoming activations. As of June 1st– we will direct all general communication via info@cfarrell.org and not have commenting on social media. We want to make sure info is clear and correct and communicated from the foundation.
For additional questions, please reach out to Hayley Sayrs at Hayley@cfarrell.org.
From My Heart to Yours
To everyone who’s stood by us through the first year—thank you. You are the reason we’re still here. You are the why behind every next step we take.
All my Love,
Colin
