Deaf Organizations Fund

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Deaf Organizations Fund

Providing accessible grants and resources to deaf-centric nonprofit organizations across the U.S.

The Deaf Organizations Fund (DOF) seeks to strengthen organizations working with deaf communities through the provision of accessible grants and resources. In doing so, DOF envisions a future in which deaf communities thrive thanks to services provided by well-resourced deaf-centric nonprofits. The Fund, formerly known as CSD Unites Community Foundation, is fiscally sponsored by the 501(c)(3) nonprofit Communication Service for the Deaf (CSD).

04/29/2026

Looking to grow your donor base? Want tips and strategies on how to identify potential donors, ask for donations, and maintain donor relationships? Then this training is perfect for you!

The Basics of Donor Development, presented by Marilyn J. Smith, will take place on Zoom on Thursday, May 21st at 1PM CT. For more information including the registration link, visit:
https://deaforganizationsfund.org/training/

[VIDEO DESCRIPTION & TRANSCRIPT:

Marilyn, a white woman with shoulder-length gray hair, stands indoors in front of a light-colored wall with framed artwork. She wears a black top, a beaded necklace, and a smartwatch. She signs to the camera:

“Hello! Are you a deaf nonprofit organization trying to grow your donor program? Want tips and strategies on: 1. How to identify people to become donors? 2. How to ask for donations? 3. How to keep them involved with your organization? Interested? Then this training session is for you!”]

04/16/2026

Since 2024 we've worked to offer accessible resources for nonprofits in response to popular demand, such as our Directory of Deaf Organizations and Programs, and our Consultant Directory.

Today, we're announcing the launch of our newest program: the Training Institute! This will provide deaf organizations and programs with free and accessible sessions on fundraising, strategic planning, nonprofit finance, and more.

Check out DeafOrganizationsFund.org/training

Our first training session on fundraising with Marilyn J. Smith is on May 21 at 1PM CT. Don’t miss out!

03/09/2026

JUST ONE DAY LEFT TO APPLY!

Our 2026 Impact Grant for Deaf Organizations will close on Tuesday, March 10 at 5 PM CT.

After that, we will begin the grant evaluation process and announce our funding decisions in May 2026.

Visit bit.ly/2026ImpactGrant

[IMAGE DESCRIPTION: A purple and teal graphic reads “IMPACT GRANT APPLICATION DUE SOON”. A teal ribbon-style banner reads “REMINDER”. White text below says, “DEADLINE” in coral above “Tuesday, March 10, 5:00 PM CT,” followed by the link “bit.ly/2026ImpactGrant” in teal. The teal Deaf Organizations Fund logo is shown at the bottom.]

02/27/2026

As we shared earlier this month, the 2026 Impact Grant for Deaf Organizations is accepting applications through March 10th at 5PM CT.

Priority consideration will be given to proposals by deaf organizations and programs that address: 1) the immediate, urgent needs of your community AND/OR 2) the sustainable, long-term needs of your organization.

Learn more at bit.ly/2026ImpactGrant

[IMAGE DESCRIPTION: A purple and teal graphic reads “OUR IMPACT GRANT IS NOW OPEN”. White text below says, “We are accepting applications for the 2026 Impact Grant for Deaf Organizations!” with the link “bit.ly/2026ImpactGrant” in teal. A coral “DEADLINE” label appears above “Tuesday, March 10, 5:00 PM CT.” The teal Deaf Organizations Fund logo is shown at the bottom.]

02/25/2026

This time in ASL! Watch for some of our questions and answers from the grant webinar on February 10. To access the webinar materials for the 2026 Impact Grant for Deaf Organizations, visit bit.ly/2026ImpactGrant

[SEE VIDEO DESCRIPTION AND TRANSCRIPT IN COMMENTS]

02/22/2026

Here are some of our frequently asked questions from the webinar Q+A on February 10. For more information about the 2026 Impact Grant for Deaf Organizations, visit bit.ly/2026ImpactGrant

[SEE IMAGE DESCRIPTIONS IN COMMENTS]

02/19/2026

Couldn't make it to our grant webinar last week?

That's not a problem! Find the webinar recording and presentation materials at bit.ly/2026ImpactGrant.

[IMAGE DESCRIPTION: A purple and teal graphic reads “MISSED OUR IMPACT GRANT WEBINAR?” followed by “THAT'S OKAY!” in bold white text. Below, teal and white text says “Visit bit.ly/2026ImpactGrant to access the webinar materials.” The teal Deaf Organizations Fund logo appears near the bottom above the text “2026 Impact Grant for Deaf Organizations.”]

02/09/2026

Friendly reminder: our informational webinar for the 2026 grant program is TOMORROW.

Register now at bit.ly/2026ImpactGrantWebinar or visit the link in our bio. Friendly reminder: our informational webinar for the 2026 grant program is TOMORROW.

Register now at bit.ly/2026ImpactGrantWEbinar or visit the link in our bio.

[IMAGE DESCRIPTION: A purple and teal promotional graphic reads “JOIN OUR IMPACT GRANT WEBINAR with” and underneath that, in cursive: “Sasha Ponappa”. Event details with white text: “Tuesday, February 10 at 1:00 PM CT”, alongside the Deaf Organizations Fund logo in teal, a teal ribbon-style banner reading “REMINDER,” a circular portrait of a brown woman with long dark hair and bangs wearing gold hoop earrings and a light blue sleeveless top, and the link bit.ly/2026ImpactGrant at the bottom.]

02/04/2026

Does your deaf organization or program want to apply for the 2026 Impact Grant for Deaf Organizations, but you have questions? Then our informational webinar on Tuesday, February 10 at 1:00 PM CT is for you!

Can’t make it? A recording of the webinar and presentation materials will be made available within a week.

Register now at bit.ly/2026ImpactGrantWebinar

[IMAGE DESCRIPTION: A purple and teal promotional graphic reads “JOIN OUR IMPACT GRANT WEBINAR with” and underneath that, in cursive: “Sasha Ponappa”. Event details with white text: “Tuesday, February 10 at 1:00 PM CT”, alongside the Deaf Organizations Fund logo in teal, a circular portrait of a brown woman with long dark hair and bangs wearing gold hoop earrings and a light blue sleeveless top, and the link bit.ly/2026ImpactGrant at the bottom.]

02/03/2026

It’s that time of the year again: our 2026 Impact Grant for Deaf Organizations is now open!

In response to the challenges within the nonprofit sector and barriers that deaf nonprofits and programs often face, we will provide $20K grants to 10 selected applicants in May.

To learn more, go to: bit.ly/2026ImpactGrant

[VIDEO DESCRIPTION & TRANSCRIPT: Sasha, a brown woman with long dark hair, stands indoors in front of a light-colored wall with framed artwork behind her. She is wearing a black top and cardigan. Sasha is facing the camera and signing: “Hi! Our annual Impact Grant for Deaf Organizations is now open! Three things to know: 1) Deaf organizations and programs can apply for up to $20,000. 2) Funding continues to be unrestricted. But priority is given to proposals that address two areas: immediate, urgent needs of your community, and/or long-term sustainability needs of your organization. 3) Applications are due by Tuesday, March 10 at 5:00 PM CT. Want more information? Register for our grant webinar on Tuesday, February 10 at 1:00 PM CT or check out our website. Yay! We look forward to receiving your applications.”]

01/21/2026

Sometimes you find inspiration in unlikely places, which was the case for Randy Pituk, a long-time community advocate.

One day, while watching a presentation by a drag queen in Texas, something ignited in him. From there, he decided he had to do more for his local communities and organizations. In our latest blog post, get insights on how you can get involved in legislative advocacy.

Here are some quotes from his piece. To read his blog post in full, visit https://deaforganizationsfund.org/deaf-nonprofits-legislative-advocacy/

[IMAGE DESCRIPTIONS: All images have a dark blue background with centered bold white text. Images 1–6 each include a turquoise quotation mark icon above the quote, a short turquoise line below the text, and a red “SWIPE” with three arrows in the bottom right. Image 1 text reads: “DEAF NONPROFITS ARE CONSTANTLY STRUGGLING TO STAY AFLOAT, FIGHTING FOR RESOURCES AND VISIBILITY.” Image 2 text reads: “AUSTIN IS HOME TO ONE OF THE LARGEST DEAF POPULATIONS IN THE COUNTRY, YET OUR COMMUNITY WAS MISSING FROM FUNDERS AND POLITICIANS’ TABLES. SO I SHOWED UP FOR US.” Image 3 text reads: “WHEN WE BUILD CROSS-COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS, MORE EFFICIENT SUPPORT CAN BE PROVIDED TO OUR COMMUNITIES.” Image 4 text reads: “LOCAL AND STATE GOVERNMENTS CANNOT MEET EVERY COMMUNITY’S NEEDS. AND THIS IS WHY ORGANIZATIONS FILL THOSE GAPS.” Image 5 text reads: “TOO OFTEN, DEAF ORGANIZATIONS ARE LEFT OUT OF MEANINGFUL CONVERSATIONS—WHICH MAKES IT IMPORTANT FOR US TO BE PRESENT IN THESE SPACES.” Image 6 text reads: “They gave me food and clothes.” Image 7 text reads: “SHOWING UP AS A DEAF PERSON CAN BE ISOLATING DUE TO COMMUNICATION BARRIERS. SO, BRING FRIENDS, BUILD ALLIES, AND KEEP RETURNING. Image 8 text reads: “READ RANDY’S PITUK’S BLOG POST AT OUR WEBSITE” Below is a light turquoise paint-stroke graphic with the words “Link in bio” in white text, and “DeafOrganizationsFund.org” at the bottom.]

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Austin, TX

Website

https://deaforganizationsfund.org/

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