TERI-Campus of Life

TERI Receives $3 Million Challenge Grant from Tom and Mary

Tomlinson Foundation to Support Completion of TERI Campus of Life 

SAN MARCOS, Calif. (November 20, 2025) — TERI, a leading nonprofit dedicated to

serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families, has

received a $3 million challenge grant from the Tom and Mary Tomlinson Foundation.

This commitment accelerates the final phase of construction for the TERI Campus of

Life — a first-of-its-kind community designed to empower individuals and families of all

abilities through education, enrichment, and inclusion.

The grant will be distributed over three years at $1 million per year and is unlocked

through a 2:1 match. For every $2 raised by TERI’s supporters, $1 will be contributed by

the Tom and Mary Tomlinson Foundation — effectively tripling the impact of every gift. 



“The Tom and Mary Tomlinson Foundation has stood with TERI for decades, fueling our

vision to transform lives,” says Cheryl Kilmer, Founder and CEO of TERI Campus of

Life. “Their challenge grant ensures TERI’s innovative model of care can be replicated,

amplifying hope for generations to come and impacting countless families who need

lifelong, individualized care.” 

One in six children in the U.S. live with a developmental disability, according to the

Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and the 20-acre TERI Campus of Life is a nationally

recognized community redefining what is possible for individuals with autism and other

disabilities.

TERI was founded on the belief that a person’s ability to function in the world does not

only depend on how their brain and body work, but rather on the environment they live

in – a supportive environment, tailored to their needs to help individuals live as

independently as possible. Since 1980, TERI has been a lifeline for children, adults, and

families, providing personalized, evidence-based programs and support that foster

growth, independence, and joy.

The completion of the TERI Campus of Life will allow TERI to move their schools and

gym from their Oceanside location to San Marcos. TERI purchased the land for the

Campus of Life with one goal – to unite their programs and services alongside the

community into a purpose-built environment designed for growth, connection, and

opportunity. 

Today, half the Campus is built and thriving, including operations for TERI’s adult day

programs and equine therapy. It also serves as a welcoming place for the community

with casual dining at TERI Common Grounds Café & Coffee Bar and live entertainment

at The Bornemann Theatre, all open to the public. These sustaining social enterprises –

along with TERI Venue Rentals, Catering, and TERI Farms – generate revenue to help

maintain TERI’s high-quality programs, lower operating costs, and fund their growing

services to support families caring for loved ones with special needs throughout their

lifespan.

Every gift toward the Tom and Mary Tomlinson Foundation Challenge accelerates

TERI’s ability to finish the Campus and expand programs for those who urgently need

them. 

To learn more or contribute to this fundraising effort, visit tericampusoflife.org/donate.

About TERI 

Since 1980, TERI (Training, Education, & Resource Institute) has been pioneering

quality of life and inclusive opportunities where none existed for the special needs

community, empowering children, adults, and seniors to live their best life. The nonprofit

provides state-recognized services in education, vocational training, residential support

services, and enrichment programs that promote lifelong inclusion and independence.

The 20-acre TERI Campus of Life in San Marcos, Calif., is a visionary hub for TERI’s

mission-driven businesses (café, theatre, venue rentals, farm), public events, and

community gatherings, in addition to being the home of TERI’s 20-plus programs that
are the gold standard in behavioral care. Learn more at www.tericampusoflife.org.