The 1% Crisis Affecting Deaf Nonprofits

There's too much at stake for deaf nonprofits right now, from threats to their tax-exempt status to federal funding cuts resulting in loss of services and ramped up competition for all other types of grants.

What's more, just 1% of the $37.2 billion (yes, billion) in grants awarded annually goes toward disability justice organizations. 1% is not enough.

What They're Saying

65% of deaf organization leaders who attended our webinars earlier this year reported feeling uncertainty related to future funding. Another 55% said they were being affected by or anticipating a decrease in funding, with 45% also experiencing an increased demand for their services.  

This pressure on nonprofits, whose programs and services are the backbone of our deaf communities, cannot continue unchecked.

Our Call to Action

Our commitment to deaf organizations and communities is unwavering. With the ever-increasing need to ensure the survival of deaf organizations, we’re looking to double the number of DOF grants awarded next year. By spring of 2026, our goal is to distribute at least $200,000 among 10 deaf organizations and programs. 
 
DOF is uniquely positioned as the nation's only grantmaking institution by and for deaf organizations. Whether you are reading this as someone affiliated with a deaf organization, a member of our deaf communities, another funding entity, or a donor, you have the power to help us change the course of history.  

Join us in funding deaf organizations today, ensuring their incomparable work for deaf communities continues in the decades to come.