Traditional and Technology Grant proposals are due December 15.

Teacher Mini Grant proposals are due March 15, May 15, October 15, and December 15.
  Deaf Initiatives, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Dorothy E.
Ann Fund

The Dorothy E. Ann Fund (D.E.A.F.) was created in March 1997 to address the needs of deaf and hard of hearing youth. A comprehensive assessment of those needs indicated that community agencies, schools, professionals, and associations, which work with this population, do not always have the resources available to assist and support their clients and members.

D.E.A.F. was established to support schools, agencies and organizations which are interested in strengthening the potential of and providing positive growth opportunities for youth who are Deaf or Hard of hearing, D.E.A.F. is administered by The Columbus Foundation.

The Mission of D.E.A.F. is:

1. To promote "hands on" experience where youth who are Deaf or Hard of hearing can develop skills and values necessary for successful careers.
2. To encourage organizations to provide youth who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing with personal development opportunities, such as: leadership training, goal setting, self-esteem building and interpersonal/communication skills.
3. To achieve a better understanding between the Deaf culture and the community-at-large.
4. To support projects which will advocate for Deaf or Hard of Hearing children's total quality participation in education, the family and the community.
5. To foster collaborative relationships amongst agencies which serve youth who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

General Information:

The Dorothy E. Ann Fund encourages requests for grants. The following general guidelines will be helpful to those considering such a request.

D.E.A.F. makes grants to organizations which serve the Central Ohio area.

D.E.A.F. makes grant to organizations which are 501 (c) 3 public charities or that are tax-exempt public entities. Grants are not made to individuals. D.E.A.F. support a broad range of organizations.

D.E.A.F. will only consider projects which are geared towards youth who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. Projects may include seminars, workshops, camps, scholarships, equipment, special programming or projects promoting positive growth opportunities or which advocate for equal opportunities. all projects must demonstrate positive outcomes and make a difference in the lives of Deaf children and their families.

D.E.A.F. will consider new, as well as existing programs. D.E.A.F.'s interest will be directed to programs designed to fill a need and not merely duplicative of existing services.

D.E.A.F. will make grants on the basis of one year only, with no commitment for subsequent years.

Consistent with the mission, D.E.A.F. is taking an active role in initiating several projects that were identified as priorities by key participants in the initial planning stages. Examples of Grants awarded include:

  • Deaf Kids and Teens Club
  • Summer Literacy Tutoring
  • Equestrian Therapy Program
  • Summer Camp Scholarships
  • Computer Camp
  • Leadership Programs
  • Equipment and Literature for Parent Resource Room
  • Family Learning Day
  • Closed Captioning Equipment
  • Summer & After School Tutoring

D.E.A.F. also has awarded Teacher-Initiative Mini-grants to local teachers who serve deaf and hard of hearing students. The projects that were funded address hands-on opportunities, leadership training, self-esteem issues, and community outreach. Examples of Teacher Mini-grants include:

  • Family Learning Day
  • Literacy for Challenged Readers
  • Sign Language Classes
  • Living in the Real World
  • Ceramic Painting Party

The newest Grant Opportunity from D.E.A.F. is TSL (Technology that Supports Literary). To apply for a Grant from the Dorothy E. Ann Fund, contact the Columbus Foundation at http://www.columbusfoundation.org

The Dorothy E. Ann Fund (D.E.A.F.) will provide Technology that Supports Literacy Mini-Grants to teachers who develop projects that "strengthen the potential" of deaf and hard of hearing youth through innovative techniques used in the classroom.

For Grant Application or to learn more about the The Dorothy E. Ann Fund. http://www.columbusfoundation.org Go to the Columbus Foundation

D.E.A.F. is directed by a Board of Advisors, which is made up of deaf, hard of hearing and hearing professionals involved with the deaf or hard of hearing community. The growth of the Fund is intended to help ensure that needed programs and services for youth that are deaf or hard of hearing are expanded and enhanced in our community. Those wishing to make a contribution to The Dorothy E. Ann Fund may do so by contacting The Columbus Foundation at (614) 251-4000.
© 2009 Deaf Initiatives