Training Institute
The Training Institute offers deaf organizations and programs practical and fully accessible training opportunities designed to strengthen your internal capacity and support long-term sustainability. Here, you can find upcoming training sessions, a library of recorded videos from nonprofit experts, and toolkits to help you apply information to your organization’s specific needs. All sessions and materials are provided at no cost.
Navigating Funding Challenges
Join us for a panel discussion on October 22nd at 12 PM CT with leaders of three deaf organizations:
- Patty Liang, Deaf Spotlight
- Sherri Collins, Deaf Seniors of America
- Dr. Lorne Farovitch, Global Deaf Research Institute
They'll chat about strategies they use to navigate nonprofit funding challenges. Learn more about our panelists here.
This panel will be facilitated in American Sign Language (ASL), with English voice interpreting and captioning. Requests for additional accommodations must be made at least 2 weeks in advance. The panel will be recorded and emailed to all registered attendees.
A background split horizontally in navy and teal. Top left corner is a small Training Institute logo. Title text: Navigating Funding Challenges: A Panel of Deaf Organization Leaders, October 22nd at 12PM CT. Row of headshots across the bottom with names and titles: Patty Liang, Deaf Spotlight; Sherri Collins, Deaf Seniors of America; Dr. Lorne Farovitch, Global Deaf Research Institute.
From Stories to Evidence: Using Data to Strengthen Funding Requests
Strong funding proposals require more than a compelling mission—they also need clear evidence of community needs, organizational reach, and program impact. During this training session, Dr. Carrie Lou Bloom explained to deaf organizations what kinds of data can strengthen a funding request, how to collect that information responsibly and accessibly, and how to combine quantitative data with community stories.
The September 17th session has concluded, and materials will be posted here soon.
Register NowThe September 17th session has concluded, and materials will be posted here soon.
Carrie Lou Bloom, PhD, is Director of the National Deaf Center on Postsecondary Outcomes and a faculty member at The University of Texas at Austin. With experience securing more than $42 million in grant funding, she brings extensive expertise in using data, research, and community needs to build compelling cases for investment. Her work focuses on improving education and career opportunities for deaf people by examining where systems fail—and changing the systems, not deaf people.
ID: Carrie Lou Bloom, a smiling white woman with shoulder length, curly brown hair, is wearing a black blouse and glasses, with a white pillar behind her.
ID: Carrie Lou Bloom, a smiling white woman with shoulder length, curly brown hair, is wearing a black blouse and glasses, with a white pillar behind her.
Our Library of Training Materials
To Apply Or Not To Apply: The Realities of Grant Writing
There are so many different competitive funding opportunities out there, yet many deaf organizations and programs have limited time and resources. It can be tough to decide whether your organization should pursue certain grants. In this session, Darian B. Gambrell will share her years of experience and lessons learned in grant-seeking. You will learn how to vet grants for best fit, and when to pass on opportunities that don't sufficiently align with your organization.
Learn More
Basics of Donor Development
Are you a deaf organization or program that is looking to grow your donor base? In this introductory "Basics of Donor Development" session, Marilyn J. Smith explores why organizations need donors and the different strategies for cultivating donor relationships.
Learn More
The Deaf Nonprofit Crisis
Aracelia Aguilar of DeafHope, Darian B. Gambrell of DEAF, Inc., and Zachary Ennis of Rochester Deaf Kitchen are three leaders from deaf organizations who shared how they have been navigating the current nonprofit crisis and its impact.
Learn More
Federal Actions Impacting Deaf Nonprofits
The presentation was led by Maria Wilson and Bobby Siebert, legal and compliance experts from CSD. Key topics covered: Executive Orders, Texas v. Becerra, and assessing risks to nonprofits.
Learn MoreTo Apply Or Not To Apply: The Realities of Grant Writing
There are so many different competitive funding opportunities out there, yet many deaf organizations and programs have limited time and resources. It can be tough to decide whether your organization should pursue certain grants. In this session, Darian B. Gambrell will share her years of experience and lessons learned in grant-seeking. You will learn how to vet grants for best fit, and when to pass on opportunities that don't sufficiently align with your organization.
Basics of Donor Development
Are you a deaf organization or program that is looking to grow your donor base? In this introductory "Basics of Donor Development" session, Marilyn J. Smith explores why organizations need donors and the different strategies for cultivating donor relationships.
The Deaf Nonprofit Crisis
Aracelia Aguilar of DeafHope, Darian B. Gambrell of DEAF, Inc., and Zachary Ennis of Rochester Deaf Kitchen are three leaders from deaf organizations who shared how they have been navigating the current nonprofit crisis and its impact.
Federal Actions Impacting Deaf Nonprofits
The presentation was led by Maria Wilson and Bobby Siebert, legal and compliance experts from CSD. Key topics covered: Executive Orders, Texas v. Becerra, and assessing risks to nonprofits.
Special thanks to our partners
The Glenn and Martha
Wilson Fund
Wilson Fund
Are you interested in partnering with us to support the Training Institute?
If applicable, our company sponsorship form may be reviewed here. Otherwise, please reach out to us to discuss further.
