Any deaf-centric organization including deaf-serving programs within hearing organizations can apply as long as it is tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or has a tax-exempt fiscal sponsor.

DOF defines deaf-centric as an organization or program that primarily works with members of deaf communities. Members of deaf communities include people who identify as Deaf, DeafBlind, Hard of Hearing, or DeafDisabled.

An unrestricted grant is funding that supports the overall mission of an organization. There are no rules governing how the grant dollars are spent, as long as the spending aligns with the organization’s mission and operations.

The maximum request for funding is $20,000.

No, organizations are asked to submit one application. Organizations can reapply for future grant opportunities, although careful attention must be paid to our eligibility criteria should any changes be made in the future.

You can invite others to assist with your application by making them a “collaborator” via the Submittable application portal. At the top of your application portal, click on the “Invite Collaborator” link and send the link to the individuals you want to work with on the grant application. By collaborating with others, you can simultaneously work and review the application together, but you – the account holder – will be the only person who can submit the application when ready.

DOF understands that our deaf communities are small and interconnected. In recognition of this, and to ensure a transparent and fair evaluation process for all applicants, we require full disclosure of any actual or perceived conflicts of interest with anyone on the Grant Review Committee, DOF, or CSD’s staff and board.

Definitions: An actual conflict of interest arises when an applicant has a personal interest or affiliation with member(s) of the grant review process that conflicts with the integrity of the grant evaluation. Similarly, an actual conflict of interest exists where there is an unfair influence on the grant review process. A perceived conflict of interest exists where there may be a public perception of a potential conflict of interest.

Examples of Conflicts: Both actual and perceived conflicts of interest extend to close family members or personal relationships (e.g., an applicant’s spouse holds an affiliation, such as a consultancy or advisory role with DOF). Conflicts of interest may occur when an individual on the Grant Review Committee, DOF, or CSD’s staff and board, is also currently a director, officer, contractor, consultant, agent, or staff member of the applicant organization.

Disclosure of conflict of interest: In the application, organizations should specify who the conflict is with and what the conflict is. Disclosing a conflict will not automatically disqualify an applicant organization. DOF will review all potential conflicts and determine the appropriate actions, including but not limited to ensuring the person(s) involved do not participate in evaluating the application.

If unsure whether something constitutes a conflict, please inform the DOF team and ask for guidance. Failure to disclose conflicts of interest in a timely manner may result in the denial of your grant application.

Grantees will submit a brief interim report halfway through their project and a brief final report at the completion of the project. The 3 to 5 questions on these reports can be accessed in American Sign Language and English; grantees may also respond to the questions in these languages. Grantees can also choose to participate in a video meeting to answer reporting questions in lieu of submitting written or pre-recorded video responses. Grantees are also invited to optionally participate in at least one video-based meeting with a DOF team member for support, progress sharing, and other dialogue as needed.

Lastly, organizations receiving funding will be asked to share a testimonial via ASL video or written English of what they have accomplished and how the money has been spent.