From Stories to Evidence: Using Data to Strengthen Funding Requests

IMAGE DESCRIPTION

Two-tone dark blue and teal image with a Training Institute logo on the top left. Below the logo is the following text: From Stories to Evidence: Using Data to Strengthen Funding Requests with Dr. Carrie Lou Bloom. On the right is a circular headshot of Carrie Lou, a smiling white woman with shoulder-length, curly brown hair, wearing a black blouse and glasses, with a white pillar behind her.

Strong funding proposals require more than a compelling mission—they also need clear evidence of community needs, organizational reach, and program impact. This practical training will help deaf-led organizations understand 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. Participants will learn approachable strategies for documenting needs, describing who they serve, tracking program reach and results, and using that information to develop stronger grant narratives and funding requests.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Build a clear argument
Utilize existing data
Convert data into a strong need statement

ABOUT THE PRESENTER:

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.

To Apply Or Not To Apply: The Realities of Grant Writing

IMAGE DESCRIPTION

Two-tone dark blue and teal image with a Training Institute logo on the top left. Below the logo is the following text: To Apply or Not to Apply: The Realities of Grant Writing with Darian B. Gambrell. On the right is a circular headshot of Darian, who is a Black woman with short hair and glasses, smiling warmly at the camera. She is wearing a bright red blouse with small earrings.

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.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Clear and strong mission statement
Power of networking and collaboration
Remaining optimistic

ABOUT THE PRESENTER:

Darian B. Gambrell is currently the Executive Director for DEAF, Inc. in the Greater Boston area of Massachusetts, where she oversees 5 Eastern regional offices. Prior to arriving at DEAF, Inc., Gambrell was a manager at the Raleigh regional center of the North Carolina Division of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services, which has seven regional centers across the state. She was employed at Gallaudet University for over 15 years and was known for her student-centered management; she oversaw the Office of Student Success and had a leadership role in the university’s JumpStart and Peer Mentoring programs for incoming students. Gambrell has worked in several positions in non-profit, colleges, and state agencies throughout her career. She is a current member on the Board of Trustees at Gallaudet University and a former board member for Arts Access, Inc. in Raleigh, NC. Gambrell hosts community conversations and workshops and has since cultivated a reputation as an engaging facilitator. She received her certificate from the Institute for Nonprofit Practice in May 2023 and is a member of the 2024 YW LEADBOSTON Cohort.