First-of-Its-Kind Directory for Deaf Nonprofits

We know one thing for certain: deaf organizations provide incomparable services to deaf communities, yet many are struggling.  

Since 2020, Deaf Organizations Fund (DOF) has received 300 funding requests from deaf organizations. Nearly half reported operating on less than $100K per year, highlighting the fact that organizations working with deaf communities are underfunded and under-resourced. Their services are fully accessible to their deaf communities, yet they are frequently limited in their capacity to pay rent, expand programming, hire staff, provide training, develop boards, and conduct strategic planning, among countless similar challenges. 

“As an agency that serves the Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing, it can be difficult to find funding partners who understand the needs and culture of the communities we serve.” - DOF Impact Grant Applicant 

If you work for a foundation or are a grantmaking institution interested in supporting the work of deaf organizations, we’ve developed a resource to not only foster cross-organizational collaborations, but also to connect you, the funder, with these incredible yet oft-overlooked nonprofits.  

Called the Deaf Organizations and Programs Directory, this resource is a continually expanding list of nonprofits and programs working to meet the needs of deaf communities within the United States. The directory is searchable by geographic region and/or by cause area, such as advocacy, education, racial justice, and more.  

As an example: if you are affiliated with a community foundation that’s interested in locating and potentially resourcing deaf organizations in your state that address a particular need, use our directory to initiate your search!  

With deaf nonprofits receiving less than 1% of the $37.2 billion in grants awarded globally by funders each year, this is an optimal opportunity for you to help leverage the playing field.