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.
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 practical training, Dr. Carrie Lou Bloom 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.
Register below to attend this training session on September 17 at 12 PM CT. This session will be facilitated in American Sign Language (ASL), with English voice interpreting and captioning services provided. Requests for additional accommodations must be made at least 2 weeks in advance.
Register NowRegister below to attend this training session on September 17 at 12 PM CT. This session will be facilitated in American Sign Language (ASL), with English voice interpreting and captioning services provided. Requests for additional accommodations must be made at least 2 weeks in advance.
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.
To Apply or Not to Apply:
The Realities of Grant Writing
To Apply or Not to
Apply: The Realities of Grant Writing
Have you found yourself wondering if your deaf organization or program should apply for certain grants? Darian B. Gambrell shares her years of experience and lessons learned in grant-seeking.
The July 23rd session has concluded, and materials will be posted here soon.
The July 23rd session has concluded, and materials will be posted here soon.
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 Institute for Nonprofit Practice in May 2023 and is a member of 2024 YW LEADBOSTON Cohort.
ID: Darian, a Black woman with short hair and glasses, smiles warmly at the camera. She is wearing a bright red blouse and small earrings. The photo of Darian is framed centered within a circular crop and surrounded by a thick teal circular border.
ID: Darian, a Black woman with short hair and glasses, smiles warmly at the camera. She is wearing a bright red blouse and small earrings. The photo of Darian is framed centered within a circular crop and surrounded by a thick teal circular border.
To Apply or Not to Apply:
The Realities of Grant Writing
To Apply or Not to
Apply: The Realities of Grant Writing
Have you found yourself wondering if your deaf organization or program should apply for certain grants? Darian B. Gambrell shares her years of experience and lessons learned in grant-seeking. The July 23rd session has concluded, and materials will be posted here soon.
Stay tuned for our next live session in September.
Register NowStay tuned for our next live session in September.
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 Institute for Nonprofit Practice in May 2023 and is a member of 2024 YW LEADBOSTON Cohort.
ID: Darian, a Black woman with short hair and glasses, smiles warmly at the camera. She is wearing a bright red blouse and small earrings. The photo of Darian is framed centered within a circular crop and surrounded by a thick teal circular border.
ID: Darian, a Black woman with short hair and glasses, smiles warmly at the camera. She is wearing a bright red blouse and small earrings. The photo of Darian is framed centered within a circular crop and surrounded by a thick teal circular border.
Our Library of Training Materials
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 MoreBasics 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.
