News and Updates

A stylized halftone graphic shows a white woman with a medium-length dark hair signing “organization” in ASL with both hands.

We're Doubling Our Grants. Here's Why.

February 3, 2026

Over six grant cycles, we had the honor of distributing nearly $500,000 to 32 grant projects overseen by deaf organizations and programs. What incredible achievements these grant projects were -- more than we ever dreamed. None of this work was possible without a community that keeps showing up for each other. But times have changed, and not in favor of deaf organizations. […]

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A Path Forward for Deaf Nonprofits: Legislative Advocacy

January 7, 2026

By Randy Pituk, Community Advocate

I’ve learned that there’s tremendous power in showing up, in being seen and heard, and in taking a stand on issues that affect our communities. And I learned that from a surprising person and place: a drag queen in Texas. Last year, during […]

Chris Soukup, a white man with a shaved head, signs in front of a large screen that displays the message “1% IS NOT ENOUGH” in bold text, inside a modern event space.

Why Deaf Organizations Matter

November 19, 2025

By Chris Soukup, Board President of Deaf Organizations Fund

As the CEO of Communication Service for the Deaf, Inc. (CSD), one of the largest deaf nonprofits that just celebrated 50 years of service, I aim to ensure that other deaf organizations reach and surpass the same milestone. In alignment with this vision, […]

A group of people seated outdoors watching a presentation. One woman stands and signs in ASL while another stands beside her. The audience faces a colorful mural wall with string lights above.

The 1% Crisis Affecting Deaf Nonprofits

September 12, 2025

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 […]

A group of four people sit around a table in a dimly lit room, engaged in discussion. A woman in a maroon shirt leans forward on the table, looking attentive, while another woman writes on a large sheet of paper. A man in the foreground gestures with his hands, and another woman sits nearby listening. Gift bags are visible in the background.

One-Stop Shop: Experts Who Get Deaf Nonprofits

July 14, 2025

The Funding Disparity With just 1% of overall philanthropic dollars going toward disability justice organizations, well-resourced deaf organizations are few and far in between. This funding disparity puts deaf organization leaders at a significant disadvantage in terms of financial sustainability, operational growth, and […]

A collage of thirteen people smiling and posing in “Dash for Deaf Organizations” t-shirts. Some make running poses or sign “I love you,” showing their participation in the virtual race supporting deaf nonprofits.

Lessons from a Virtual Fundraiser

May 16, 2025

Deaf Organizations Fund (DOF) relies on community support to help make our annual Impact Grant for Deaf Organizations possible. Because our grant program and nonprofit resources are offered nationwide by a team working remotely, we do not have a geographic-specific donor base. This […]

A group of people gather around a tall table at an event, conversing in American Sign Language and smiling as they share food and drinks.

First-of-Its-Kind Directory for Deaf Nonprofits

October 10, 2024

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 […]