2026 Impact Grant for Deaf Organizations

Geographic Scope: United States only

Award Amount: $20,000 per grant to ten (10) selected deaf nonprofits and programs (total $200,000 in grantmaking)

Focus Areas

DOF has doubled grantmaking in response to challenges within the nonprofit sector and funding barriers faced by deaf nonprofits. Priority is given to proposals addressing:

• Community: Immediate, urgent needs such as food, housing, safety, and access to mental health services
• Organization: Sustainable, long-term needs such as cost-sharing of resources among partner organizations, development efforts, and administrative needs

Eligibility

Eligible Organizations:

• Deaf-centric organizations and programs that primarily work with members of deaf communities
• Deaf-serving programs within larger mainstream organizations (eligible as long as grant proposal is tied to the funding needs of the deaf-centric program)
• DOF defines "deaf-centric" as: at least 50% of the organization or program's leadership (executive director, staff, advisory committee, and/or governing boards) identify as members of deaf communities
• Must primarily work with members of deaf communities
• Members of deaf communities include people who identify as Deaf, DeafBlind, Hard of Hearing, or DeafDisabled
• Must be based in the U.S. with 501(c)(3) tax exempt status, OR have a fiscal sponsor based in the U.S. with 501(c)(3) tax exempt status

Eligibility Requirements:

• Meets all eligibility requirements
• Sufficient information provided in application to make informed decision
• Past and current grantees are encouraged to apply

What DOF Cannot Fund

• Capital projects such as construction, renovations, or physical expansions
• Events, festivals, or conferences
• Individuals not affiliated with a nonprofit organization (scholarships, loans, sponsorships, funds for personal assistive devices)
• Organizations without 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status in good standing or without a fiscal sponsor with 501(c)(3) status in good standing
• Organizations based outside the U.S. without a 501(c)(3) tax exempt fiscal sponsor

Evaluation Criteria

• Impact: Alignment between the organization's proposal to its mission and community they serve
• Equity: Degree to which the organization strives to center the experiences and wisdom of deaf community members who have less access to power and representation, or marginalized deaf communities historically excluded from opportunities
• Feasibility: Applicant's ability to meet the goals outlined in their proposal

Reporting Requirements

• Brief interim report halfway through project
• Brief final report at completion
• 3 to 5 questions on reports accessible in American Sign Language and English
• Grantees may respond in ASL, English, or Spanish
• Option to participate in video meeting to answer reporting questions instead of written responses
• Optional participation in at least one video-based meeting with DOF team member
• May be asked to share testimonial via ASL video or written English/Spanish

Contact Information

Deaf Organizations Fund (DOF)

• Tax ID: 92-3792141
• 501(c)(3) public charity
• Website: deaforganizationsfund.org

Additional Information

• Maximum request: $20,000 (as of application deadline)
• One-year grants only (no multi-year funding)
• One application per organization per grant cycle
• Organizations can reapply for future grant opportunities
• Funded projects may be extended past 12 months if organizations need additional time to complete and spend down grant monies
• Fiscal sponsorship agreements must be signed before application submission
• Fiscal sponsors typically charge 3-12% fee
• Application available in American Sign Language, English, and Spanish

Overview

All applications must be submitted on the Submittable platform.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Create/Log In to Account
   • Create an account on Submittable application portal
   • If you have applied for a grant with DOF previously, log into your existing profile
2. Eligibility Screening
   • Answer basic questions to determine if organization meets DOF's eligibility criteria
   • If organization does not meet eligibility criteria, you will not be able to proceed to full application
3. Complete Full Application
   • If organization meets eligibility criteria, proceed to full application
   • Application accessible in American Sign Language and English
   • Grantees may respond to questions in ASL, English, or Spanish
4. Submit Application
   • Submit completed application through Submittable
   • Receive notification via Submittable if application has been approved

Application Materials and Questions

Application Sections:

• Organization Overview
• Proposal
• Optional Questions
• Conflict of Interest Disclosure

Video Response Requirements (if submitting in ASL):

• Overview Questions: 2-minute video maximum per question
• Proposal Questions: 3-minute video maximum per open-ended question
• Optional Questions: 1-minute video maximum per open-ended question
• Video files must be uploaded to YouTube and URL provided in response field

Conflict of Interest Disclosure:

• Required full disclosure of any actual or perceived conflicts of interest with anyone on Grant Review Committee, DOF, or CSD's staff and board
• Actual Conflict: Personal interest or affiliation with member(s) of grant review process that conflicts with integrity of grant evaluation or creates unfair influence
• Perceived Conflict: Public perception of potential conflict of interest
• Examples of conflicts include:
  • Close family members or personal relationships with people affiliated with DOF
  • Individual on Grant Review Committee, DOF, or CSD's staff/board is also director, officer, contractor, consultant, agent, or staff member of applicant organization
• Disclosure does not automatically disqualify applicant
• Failure to disclose conflicts may result in denial of grant application

Collaboration

You can invite others to assist with application by making them a "collaborator" via Submittable:

• Click "Invite Collaborator" at top of application portal
• Send link to individuals you want to work with
• Multiple people can simultaneously work and review application
• Only account holder can submit application when ready

Application Preview

Organizations can review 2026 application questions before applying:

• English version (PDF)
• American Sign Language (ASL) version (YouTube video)
• Spanish version (PDF)

Webinar and Support Materials

• Informational webinar held February 10, 2026 at 1:00 PM CT
• Facilitated in American Sign Language
• English voice interpreting and captioning provided
• Recording available on application page
• Additional materials available:
  • Slide deck (PDF)
  • Webinar FAQ (PDF)

Questions and Support

Contact DOF for guidance on eligibility, conflicts of interest, or application process questions.