Ability Central’s Community Impact Grants support nonprofit organizations that expand communication and information access for people who are Deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent.
We prioritize short-term, community-based projects that address urgent or critical access needs and promote meaningful inclusion and participation. This includes the use of existing resources to support equitable access and engagement.
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Our Priorities
We may fund projects that support:
Communication access programs or services
Accessibility supports that increases participation in programs and services
Funding Parameters
Grant Range: $500 to $5,000.
Annual Organization Limit: Up to 2 awards and $10,000 total per year
Spending Timeline: Funds must be expended/used within three (3) months of the award date
Eligibility Guidelines
Applicants must:
Be a registered 501(c)(3) or 501(h) nonprofit, or a qualifying educational institution
Have an annual operating budget under $1,000,000
Demonstrate ethical management and organizational capacity
Have reliable, ethical, and experienced personnel overseeing the organization and project
California Focus Requirement:
Ability Central only accepts applications for projects that serve the community and people in California. Grant eligibility is determined by where the program operates or where the population served resides (not the location of the nonprofit headquarters).
Ineligible Uses
Ability Central does not provide grants to fund:
Capital campaigns
Endowments
Debt repayment
Political or partisan activities
Regranting Funds to individuals
Organizations that discriminate in any way (age, race, national origin, gender, physical ability, sexual orientation, political affiliation or religious belief)
Misuse of funds will result in a permanent lifetime ban from all funding opportunities from Ability Central.
Review Timeline, Reporting, and Compliance
Rolling Review: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis
Decision Timeline: Decisions are communicated within 90 days of submission
Final Report: Funded organizations must submit a Final Report within three (3) months of the award date summarizing outcomes and use of funds
How to Apply:
Applications must be submitted electronically via the application link provided below in the “Apply Now” button.
Before You Submit:
Complete all fields in the online application
Upload a Letter of Intent (LOI) on organizational letterhead LOI Requirements (Letter of Intent)
Your LOI (on organizational letterhead) must describe:
The community need
The use of grant funds
The expected outcomes during the grant period
Key activities, timeline, and how funds will be used to support access