Dorothy E. Ann Fund (D.E.A.F.) Grants
The Dorothy E. Ann Fund (D.E.A.F.) Grants support innovative educational and leadership programs for deaf and hard-of-hearing youth in central Ohio, with a focus on literacy, technology, and skill development.
Funder: Columbus Foundation
Due Dates: March 15, 2026 (Teacher Mini-Grant) | May 15, 2026 (Teacher Mini-Grant) | October 15, 2026 (Teacher Mini-Grant) | December 15, 2026 (Teacher Mini-Grant, Traditional Grants, Technology That Supports Literacy Mini-Grant) | March 1, 2027 (Scholarship)
Funding Amounts: Teacher Mini-Grants: up to $500 (or full cost if equipment exceeds $500); Technology Mini-Grants: up to $1,000 per teacher; Traditional Grants: amount varies; Scholarships: amount varies.
Summary: Supports programs and projects that build career and life skills for youth who are deaf or hard of hearing, including leadership, literacy, and post-secondary scholarships.
Description
The Dorothy E. Ann Fund (D.E.A.F.) Grants, administered by the Columbus Foundation, are designed to strengthen the potential of youth who are deaf or hard of hearing in central Ohio. The fund supports a range of opportunities, including teacher mini-grants for innovative classroom projects, technology mini-grants to enhance literacy, traditional organizational grants, and scholarships for post-secondary education. The program emphasizes leadership development, self-esteem, goal setting, and community participation for deaf and hard-of-hearing youth.
