FAQ

What are the GAFD values?

The Greater Austin Foundation for the Deaf™ is dedicated to empowering the Deaf community and its allies by igniting cultural enrichment, expanding educational horizons, nurturing personal growth, and preserving a lasting legacy.

Are GAFD events open to everyone?

Yes. GAFD events are open to everyone.

GAFD has never hosted invitation-only or closed community events. Our events are designed to bring people together, including Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Deaf-Blind, hearing allies, families, professionals, students, and community supporters.

As a community-focused organization, GAFD believes access, inclusion, and participation are central to our mission. Whether the event is a workshop, lecture, sports activity, cultural program, performance, or holiday gathering, GAFD welcomes anyone who wishes to attend, connect, learn, and support the Greater Austin Deaf community.

What defines “Greater Austin”?

Travis, Hays, Williamson, Bastrop, and Burnet Counties are collectively referred to as “Greater Austin.”

Does GAFD have a Grant/Sponsorship Program?

The GAFD Grant/Sponsorship Program was discontinued after a thorough review starting in 2019. The Board determined that the program was not achieving its intended community impact and decided to phase it out in 2022. Here’s why:

In May 2019, GAFD received a letter from the IRS notifying us that we were not meeting the public support criteria required to maintain our 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. In response, we made several changes to our operations—including discontinuing the grant/sponsorship program and other activities that did not align with the IRS’s Public Support Test requirements. In response to the IRS’s Public Support Test requirements, we made several operational changes. These included discontinuing the grant/sponsorship program and other activities that didn’t align with the requirements. We also established a Foundation Director to operate daily, lead and host events to support the GAFD mission and values.

GAFD completed the IRS reinstatement process and received official reinstatement of its 501(c)(3) status effective April 8, 2021, retroactive to the date of revocation. GAFD remains committed to nonprofit compliance, transparency, and responsible governance.

For transparency, GAFD’s Form 990 filings and nonprofit information are publicly available through platforms such as GuideStar, the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search, and other nonprofit information databases.

Looking ahead, GAFD is focusing on hosting and leading community events as a more effective way to serve the Greater Austin Deaf community. While the grant/sponsorship program is no longer active, we continue to welcome partnerships and collaborations that create meaningful benefits for the community.

So what happens without the Grant/Sponsorship Program?

GAFD’s former Grant/Sponsorship Program has been phased out. Instead of giving grants or sponsorships, GAFD will focus on directly hosting, leading, and organizing events that benefit the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Deaf-Blind, and allied communities in Greater Austin.

This means GAFD’s resources will be used for programs, activities, and events that GAFD plans or helps lead in partnership with the community.

GAFD’s ability to fund events each year depends on available financial resources and investment performance. Because of this, GAFD cannot guarantee the same level of funding every year. However, the Board remains committed to making community investment a priority whenever possible.

When resources allow, GAFD’s goal is to host or support at least three community-centered activities each year. These may include sports events, workshops, leadership or professional development opportunities, lectures, cultural programs, art performances, and other activities that bring the community together.

GAFD also plans to continue its tradition of hosting the Annual Holiday Gala, which serves as a year-end celebration and gathering for the Greater Austin Deaf community, allies, families, and supporters.

Can individuals apply for money from GAFD?

No. GAFD no longer accepts individual funding requests or applications for financial assistance. GAFD’s resources are now focused on events, programs, and activities that GAFD directly hosts, leads, or organizes in partnership with the community.

Will GAFD be board or member based?

GAFD is currently comprised of between nine and eleven board members. Board members may be deaf, hard of hearing, or hearing, but all have strong ties to the deaf and hard of hearing communities, particularly in the Austin, Texas and its surrounding counties. We are not a member based organization. The GAFD Board meets quarterly.

Does GAFD support Austin Deaf community vendors?

Yes. GAFD is committed to supporting vendors, professionals, and service providers from within the Austin Deaf community whenever possible to help with our events.

Over the years, GAFD has worked with Deaf designers, photographers, videographers, interpreters, entertainers, guest speakers, Deaf-Blind access providers, and other community-based professionals to help support our events, programs, and outreach efforts.

This reflects GAFD’s belief that community investment should not only happen through events, but also through the people and businesses we choose to work with. Whenever possible, GAFD seeks to reinvest resources back into the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Deaf-Blind, and allied communities we serve.

Can GAFD help with paying bills, operating expenses, facility repairs, or communication access?

No. GAFD does not provide financial assistance for personal bills, organizational operating expenses, facility repairs, rent, utilities, staffing, or communication access expenses for events outside of GAFD.

GAFD’s resources are focused on programs, activities, and events that GAFD directly hosts, leads, or organizes in partnership with the community. This allows GAFD to use its funds in ways that align closely with its mission and create broad, meaningful benefits for the Greater Austin Deaf community.

Will GAFD get involved in legislative activities?

GAFD is a 501(c)(3) public charity and does not engage in partisan political activity or support or oppose political candidates. Our focus is charitable, educational, and community-based service. GAFD may provide nonpartisan information on issues affecting the Deaf community, and any legislative advocacy will be limited, mission-related, and compliant with IRS rules.