Communication Service for the Deaf Awards Covid-19 Micro-Grants to Six Nonprofits Supporting the Deaf Community


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Many marginalized populations face longstanding barriers that are now compounded by this crisis. By reinforcing organizations impacted by the pandemic or offering new services in response, we substantially expand our collective reach.

Communication Service for the Deaf (CSD), the world’s largest deaf-led social impact organization, today announced the issuance of six micro-grants to support deaf and hard of hearing non-profit organizations under a Covid-19 program administered by its CSD Unites Foundation.

Funds from these CSD Unites micro-grants will support non-profit organizations struggling with resources, managing funds, or adapting services as a result of Covid-19. This may include organizations that supply basic needs, including, but not limited to, food, relief from rent and other household expenses, and access to healthcare.

“CSD believes that strong organizations are fundamental to assuring the needs of everyone in our community,” stated CSD CEO Chris Soukup. “Many marginalized populations face longstanding barriers that are now compounded by this crisis. By reinforcing organizations impacted by the pandemic or offering new services in response, we substantially expand our collective reach.”

“The pandemic has disrupted the lives of so many, especially underserved communities like ours and the organizations that serve them,” said Sasha Ponappa, CSD Unites Director. “We are very pleased to offer these micro-grants during such a difficult time and help deliver funding where it can have a significant and positive impact on the deaf and hard of hearing community.”

The six recipients receiving grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 and their awarded projects include:

  • Arizona State Schools for the Deaf and the Blind, Tuscon, AZ, for “Supporting Navajo Nation Families with Children who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or DeafBlind”
  • CaringWorks, Atlanta, GA, for “Expanding Health Resources for Homeless Deaf Clients”
  • Health Signs Center, Frederick, MD, for “Developing Deaf Inclusive Policy Initiatives During National Emergencies”
  • Helping Educate to Advance the Rights of Deaf Communities (HEARD), Washington, DC, for “COVID-19 & Prison Education Campaign”
  • Partners in Deaf Health, Rochester, NY, for “Removing Health Disparity by Developing Accessible Covid-19 Information for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community Nationwide”
  • The Learning Center for the Deaf, Framingham, MA, for “Purchase Tablets to Provide Telehealth for Wraparound Services for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Youth and Families”

For additional information regarding the CSD Unites program, the above micro-grant recipients and their awarded projects please visit CSD Unites.

About CSD

Communication Service for the Deaf (CSD) is the largest deaf-led social impact organization in the world. For more than four decades, CSD has been a leader in creating and providing accessible and innovative solutions for the deaf community. Today, CSD continues its work to create opportunities for personal and economic growth within the deaf community, specifically addressing leadership and employment. CSD’s Social Venture Fund is one of the first angel funds and incubators in the world supporting deaf entrepreneurs and deaf owned and operated businesses. For more information please visit CSD.

Media Contacts:

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Alana Cowan

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Karen Durkin

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