Dorothy E. Ann Fund (D.E.A.F.) Grants

About this program

The Columbus Foundation’s Dorothy E. Ann Fund provides grants and scholarships to support hands‑on experiences and skill development for youth who are deaf or hard of hearing, offering Traditional Grants for central Ohio organizations, Teacher Mini‑Grants (up to $500 or full cost for a single item exceeding $500), Technology that Supports Literacy Mini‑Grants (up to $1,000 per teacher per year), and postsecondary scholarships. Eligible applicants are central Ohio nonprofits serving children and youth who are deaf or hard of hearing (Traditional Grants), K–12 teachers of these students (Teacher Mini‑Grants), school administrators applying on behalf of teachers (Technology grants), and scholarship applicants who graduated from high schools in Delaware, Fairfield, Franklin, Licking, Madison, Pickaway, or Union counties, have substantial hearing loss, strong academics, financial need, and good character. Key deadlines and processes include Dec. 15 for Traditional and Technology grant applications (awards in January), quarterly mini‑grant deadlines (Mar 15, May 15, Oct 15, Dec 15; awards within 6–8 weeks), scholarships due March 1 with interviews in late April, and required progress/final reports; staff contacts include Tess Tannehill, Alicia Szempruch (scholarships), and Lee Pepper (mini‑grants/technology).