Dean Ritter Trust for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
The Dean Ritter Trust for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing is a private foundation based in St. Elmo, Illinois. It supports educational opportunities for Illinois students who are deaf or hard of hearing, primarily through scholarships for postsecondary education.
Key facts about Dean Ritter Trust for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
In short: Dean Ritter Trust for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing gave $20K across 21 grants in 2025 (avg $928.571), mostly in Illinois. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
- EIN
- 46-1750281
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2025
- Annual giving (2025)
- $19,500
- Grants made (2025)
- 21
- Average grant
- $929
- Median grant
- $800
- Total assets
- $266,811
- Primary geography
- Illinois (100% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- How to apply
- The 2024 filing says applicants submit an application form available through the foundation’s website or by mail. Full details ↓
- Deadline
- None stated on the 2024 filing.
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2025; updated October 2026. Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Financial Overview
From 2025 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$267K
-9.6% YoY
Annual Giving
$20K
-18.4% YoY
Grant Count
21
+0.0% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$928.571
-18.4% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Dean Ritter Trust for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing reported a distributable amount of $15K for 2025 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
How Dean Ritter Trust for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing gives
- Giving fell 37% from 2022 to 2025. Method
- In 2025 it paid out 130% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
From the foundation's IRS Form 990-PF filings. Methodology.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation’s stated mission is to provide educational opportunities for students who are deaf or hard of hearing. Its 2024 filing describes its direct charitable activity as providing scholarships to deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals from Illinois to attend accredited universities or technical schools.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, the foundation reported 21 grants totaling $19,500. Grant amounts ranged from $600 to $3,800, with a median of $800. The largest reported grant was a $3,800 scholarship; other listed scholarships included awards of $1,100, $1,000, and $800.
The foundation’s website lists qualifications including Illinois residency, high school senior status in good standing, and significant hearing loss in one or both ears. It says financial need receives special consideration, but scholarship decisions are not based solely on financial circumstances. The 2024 filing specifies that recipients must be graduating seniors in good standing from Illinois who are deaf or hard of hearing and intend to enroll in an accredited university or technical school.
Review Cycle
None stated on the 2024 filing.
How to Apply
The 2024 filing says applicants submit an application form available through the foundation’s website or by mail. The website provides a scholarship application form.
Ready to take the next step with Dean Ritter Trust for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The website and 2024 filing specify Illinois residency for scholarship applicants. All reported grant dollars in filing year 2025 went to recipients in Illinois.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 21 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2019 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $20K (2025) to $49K (2019). In 2025 it made 21 grants totaling $20K.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Grant Size Distribution
108 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 108 grants of 108 (100%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 21 grants to individuals Recipients not named | — | $19,500 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $266,811 | $27,215 | $55,398 | $19,500 |
| 2024 | $294,994 | $24,532 | $57,018 | $23,889 |
| 2023 | $327,480 | $21,725 | $57,451 | $21,000 |
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $266,811 | $294,994 | $327,480 |
| Revenue | $27,215 | $24,532 | $21,725 |
| Expenses | $55,398 | $57,018 | $57,451 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $19,500 | $23,889 | $21,000 |
| Distributable Amount | $15,031 | $15,743 | $16,885 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2019 (received by the IRS January 24, 2020)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS January 19, 2022)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS January 10, 2023)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS January 30, 2024)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS March 29, 2025)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS December 8, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2019–2025
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Byron Michael Davis as trustee and Heather Nelson as director. The foundation’s website identifies Heather Nelson as executive director and Mike Davis as chairman of the board.
Dean Ritter Trust for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing's 2025 filing lists 2 officers; 1 of 2 officers listed in 2025 is compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Heather Nelson
Director
On filings since 2019
$30K (2019) → $34K (2025)
Byron Michael Davis
Trustee
On filings since 2019
No compensation reported
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2019–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $34K, to Heather Nelson (Director).
Contact
Application contact: Heather Nelson
Mailing address: 2413 Algonquin, Algonquin, IL 60102
Phone: (847) 804-8910
Email: heather@deanritter.org
Website: https://www.deanritter.org
Frequently asked questions about Dean Ritter Trust for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
How much does Dean Ritter Trust for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing give each year?
Dean Ritter Trust for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing gave $20K across 21 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2024 it gave $24K across 21 grants.
What is Dean Ritter Trust for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing's typical grant size?
Dean Ritter Trust for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing's median grant in 2025 was $800, and its average grant was $929, across 21 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
Where does Dean Ritter Trust for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing give grants?
Dean Ritter Trust for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing gives mostly in Illinois: 100% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there.
Does Dean Ritter Trust for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing give general operating support?
Not in 2025: none of the 21 grants with a stated purpose on Dean Ritter Trust for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing's 2025 IRS Form 990-PF were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Scholarship" (20 grants).
How large is Dean Ritter Trust for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing?
Dean Ritter Trust for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing reported $267K in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $20K in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $15K (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does Dean Ritter Trust for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing fund?
The foundation’s stated mission is to provide educational opportunities for students who are deaf or hard of hearing. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Dean Ritter Trust for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing?
The 2024 filing says applicants submit an application form available through the foundation’s website or by mail. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Dean Ritter Trust for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing's EIN?
Dean Ritter Trust for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 46-1750281. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2025.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Here's the math on researching Dean Ritter Trust for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing by hand.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Dean Ritter Trust for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Similar funders in Illinois
The Chicago Community Trust
Chicago, IL
The Chicago Community Trust funds eligible nonprofits working to narrow the wealth gap and meet urgent needs, with priorities including economic mobility, education, jobs, homeownership, and community development in metropolitan Chicago and Cook County. Its 2025 grants had a median of $26,500, though amounts varied widely; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$7.1B
Grants
4,316
Total Given
$1.2B
The Allstate Foundation
Northbrook, IL
The Allstate Foundation funds youth empowerment, efforts to prevent and address relationship abuse, nonprofit leadership, and related economic opportunity and equity work. Its 2024 grants ranged from $250 to $2 million, with a median of $1,000, and awards must support work in the United States. It accepts proposals from organizations beyond a preselected list; proposals are reviewed as received.
Assets
$89.3M
Grants
2,010
Total Given
$38.0M
Elks National Foundation Inc
Chicago, IL
The Elks National Foundation funds scholarships, youth programs, veterans’ services, and charitable projects through Elks Lodges and state associations across the United States. Its 2026 grants had a median size of $10,000, though awards varied widely; the profile describes application routes for specific Lodge and scholarship programs but does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$954.1M
Grants
1,536
Total Given
$36.5M
John D and Catherine T Macarthur Foundation
Chicago, IL
The MacArthur Foundation funds work advancing a more just, verdant, and peaceful world, including climate solutions, criminal justice, journalism, technology, and Chicago. In 2024, its grants had a median of $160,000, though awards ranged widely; it generally does not accept unsolicited requests, with possible exceptions for specific open calls or proposals that meet program guidelines.
Assets
$9.3B
Grants
1,086
Total Given
$356.1M
Arie and Ida Crown Memorial
Chicago, IL
Arie and Ida Crown Memorial supports education, the environment, health and human services, gun violence prevention, homelessness prevention, and Jewish community and Israel initiatives, with a strong focus on Chicago and giving across the U.S. and internationally. In 2024, its grants ranged from $500 to $3 million, with a median of $55,000. It uses an invitation-only process and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$1.4B
Grants
897
Total Given
$115.2M
Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago
Chicago, IL
The Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago funds human services, Jewish education and community programs, crisis response, and support for Israel and Jewish communities worldwide, primarily through Chicago-area agencies and initiatives. In 2025, its grants had a median of about $20,000, though awards ranged widely; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$1.1B
Grants
896
Total Given
$166.6M
Circle of Service Foundation
Chicago, IL
The foundation funds community services, education, Jewish community, and medical research, with grantmaking concentrated in Cook and Lake Counties, Illinois, though it also funds organizations elsewhere. Its 2024 grants had a median of $25,000 and ranged from $50 to about $1.74 million; it accepts unsolicited pre-applications for community services and for Jewish community requests in Cook or Lake County, but not for the other stated categories or out-of-area Jewish community requests.
Assets
$592.0M
Grants
637
Total Given
$37.0M
Ea Mellinger Educational
Monmouth, IL
The foundation primarily awards undergraduate scholarships and also makes grants to qualified organizations for educational purposes. In 2025, awards ranged from $183 to $15,000, with a median of $2,100; its scholarship focus is applicants from six Illinois counties, and most grant dollars went to Illinois. Scholarship applications are accepted online during the annual March 1–April 30 period; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited organizational grant requests.
Assets
$25.0M
Grants
582
Total Given
$1.2M
Polk Bros Foundation Inc
Chicago, IL
Polk Bros Foundation funds community-driven Chicago nonprofits working to close the life expectancy gap, build community wealth, and foster participatory, multiracial democracy. Recent grants ranged from $100 to $250,000, with a median of $25,000. It does not accept unsolicited requests during its transition period, which ends in fall 2026; it currently offers targeted RFPs.
Assets
$334.3M
Grants
568
Total Given
$19.3M
National Council of YMCAs of the USA
Chicago, IL
Y-USA funds program support for YMCA organizations and affiliated members of the World Alliance of YMCAs, including work in youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. In 2024, grants ranged from $5,000 to $799,726, with a median of $55,000, and went to recipients across the United States. The profile describes proposal review for eligible organizations but does not say whether unsolicited requests are accepted.
Assets
$260.5M
Grants
540
Total Given
$44.1M
The Joyce Foundation
Chicago, IL
The Joyce Foundation funds policy research, development, and advocacy advancing racial equity and economic mobility, across areas including education, the environment, democracy, culture, gun violence prevention and justice reform, and journalism. Its grants primarily support work in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin; the 2024 median grant was $80,000, with awards ranging from $685 to $1 million. It accepts online letters of inquiry year-round, but formal proposals are by invitation only.
Assets
$1.3B
Grants
470
Total Given
$52.2M
More Funders in Illinois
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Dean Ritter Trust for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 4, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/dean-ritter-trust-for-the-deaf-and-hard-of-hearing-morg_541c58b0bae1412da47e365832dc2a74
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_461750281_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Dean Ritter Trust for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/dean-ritter-trust-for-the-deaf-and-hard-of-hearing-morg_541c58b0bae1412da47e365832dc2a74},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-04. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from Dean Ritter Trust for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
Dean Ritter Trust for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing down — hundreds of funders to go?