Hear the Impact Fund Awards $768,000 in Grants

The generous people who establish funds at the Foundation come to us with a wide variety of philanthropic interests and aspirations, and our team takes pride in crafting custom-tailored solutions to accomplish their goals. That’s just what happened with the Hear the Impact Fund.

In the past few months, the Hear the Impact Fund has distributed $768,000 to grant partners ranging from deaf-led organizations to theaters eager to upgrade their assisted listening devices. Our staff made these investments through a grant round that we developed to carry out the wishes of the anonymous donor who started the fund.

Recognizing the Foundation’s ability to research and source timely grant opportunities, the donor opted to give our team full grantmaking discretion, said Bill Sternberg, a Philanthropic Advisor who stewards the Hear the Impact Fund.

Bill worked with our Impact Team to distribute the fund’s assets in line with the donor’s goals.

Sam Ndely, a Program Officer for Impact and Collective Giving at the Foundation, researched and developed a list of Minnesota organizations whose work aligns with the purpose of the fund, then invited them to submit proposals for funding. “We were intentional about curating a list of organizations that represent often-overlooked pockets of the deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing community,” he said. “By drawing on our experience and relationships, we ensured a more inclusive and representative approach to our outreach and funding.”

One grant is supporting the work of the Minnesota Deaf Muslim Community. “This grant has deeply empowered MDMC to expand its workforce solutions programming and create more Deaf Socials, combating isolation in our community while enabling us to serve more people,” said Valerie Shirley, the organization’s executive director. To further support the growth and success of its community, MDMC will also use its grant to launch classes on essential computer skills and financial literacy, she added.

Photo courtesy of the Minnesota Deaf Muslim Community.

• The Anderson Center received $55,000 to ensure a smooth leadership transition, enhance its sustainability, and expand its work through increased stipends, marketing, and professional content creation. The Red Wing-based Center supports creativity throughout Greater Minnesota through residencies and public engagement, including its Deaf Artist Residency Program, which has been conducted entirely in American Sign Language (ASL) since 2014.

• Charles Thompson Memorial Hall received $40,000 to support renovations to preserve its legacy, improve accessibility, and maintain its role as a central hub for the deaf community.  

• Deaf Equity received $30,000 to develop content and enhance its website accessibility. This organization advances equity for deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing communities through education, engagement, and advocacy. It partners with nonprofits to host workshops, panels, and health equity initiatives. 

• DeafBlind Services Minnesota (DBSM) received $45,000 to support quarterly support sessions for caregivers of deafblind individuals. A branch of Vision Loss Resources, DBSM provides one-on-one support for deafblind individuals, enhancing their independence, communication, and quality of life. 

• InControl received $30,000 for staff training, accessibility technology, and interpreter services that will help the organization expand its services. InControl is a for-profit social enterprise that promotes inclusivity through personalized wellness programs for people of all abilities, including deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing individuals. 

• Metro Deaf School (MDS) received $50,000 to support family ASL classes, after-school programming, athletics, and a playground shade structure. Located in St. Paul, MDS is one of the nation’s oldest charter schools, offering bilingual education in ASL and English to over 170 students. 

• Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid received $75,000 to better serve deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing communities by producing educational materials and ASL videos for its website. Legal Aid provides free civil legal services to low-income individuals and leads statewide disability advocacy through the Minnesota Disability Law Center. 

• Minnesota Deaf Muslim Community received $35,000 for its DGIP and Deaf Socials programs, which aim to reduce isolation, promote economic stability, and strengthen community connections.  

• Minnesota Deaf Queers received $40,000 for resources that foster understanding between deaf and hearing communities and promote LGBTQIA+ inclusivity.  

• Minnesota Deaf Senior Citizens received $45,000 to provide interpreter services for deafblind members, research housing opportunities, address transportation barriers, and support a project that aims to preserve leadership skills for future generations. 

• Minnesota DeafBlind Association received $45,000 for support service providers and co-navigator services and interpreter access for events, ensuring full inclusion for deafblind participants statewide. 

• Miracle-Ear Foundation received $45,000 for the 2025 Minnesota Hearing Aid Mission, which will provide hearing aids and care to underserved individuals, particularly in Indigenous communities.  

• Mixed Blood Theatre received $43,000 to upgrade assisted listening devices, enhance closed captioning, improve website accessibility, and rebuild relationships with blind, deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing communities.  

• PAWSitivity Service Dogs received $45,000 to research and pilot a program combining assistive devices with service dog training to support individuals with multiple disabilities, including deafness and hearing impairments.  

• Theatre in the Round received $30,000 to upgrade its closed captioning devices and develop an ASL interpretation program.  

• ThinkSelf, an organization that empowers deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing adults through education, advocacy, and support, received $75,000. ThinkSelf will use its grant to support operational expenses, establish a financial reserve, and build its capacity to deliver vital services to underserved communities. Funding will also support its domestic violence and adult ASL programs. 

• Wilderness Inquiry received $40,000 to foster inclusion, outdoor skills, and community building by expanding its Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing Youth Day Camp and Affinity Travel program.