Funding
There are many ways to fund hearing loops and other assistive listening systems, including individual contributions, campaigns, grants, regular budgets, etc. What have others done?
Approach. There are different ways to think about the assistive listening system:
- Deeply think about what accessibility means and the organization’s commitment towards inclusion.
- How did the ramp or elevator in your building get funded? Can a similar funding be used for the assistive listening system?
Save money with hearing loops
- Many sites have saved money because they installed a hearing loop during a remodel, new build, or when replacing tile, carpet, or other flooring.
- Use quality hearing loop installers who have a proven track record and meet international IEC standards for hearing loops. This can save time, money and stress in the long-run.
New buildings
- Similar to including a ramp for wheelchairs in a new building budget…include an assistive listening system as part of a new building budget. Then the system is “part” of the building and not an “add on.”
- Include assistive listening system as part of a new bond for a new building, such as for libraries.
Tax incentives
- IRS Tax Credits and Deductions. The tax deduction is available to all businesses up to $15,000 per year. To assist businesses with complying with the ADA, Section 44 of the IRS Code allows a tax credit for small businesses and Section 190 of the IRS Code allows a tax deduction for all businesses. ADA Quick Tips – Tax Incentives
Examples of what others have done
Lied Center in Kansas
Michigan: Holland-Zeeland Loop Initiative (this website) and article We’ve looped West Michigan. Could we loop America? 2008 (4 pages, pdf)
- Get Your Church in the Hearing Loop. Loop Wisconsin Blog post (website)
- Article “The cost of accessibility.” An audiologist shares tried-and-true fundraisers from worship places that wanted — and got — hearing loop systems. Church Executive. Part 1 (webpage) and Part 2 (2 pages, pdf)
- Donors. We will be installing a Hearing Loop assisted listening system in the Sanctuary and ___Hall, thanks to generous donations from ____ (in memory of ____) and ____. Over the next few months, hearing loops will also be installed in the sanctuary balcony and Chapel, thanks to ___ and ____ respectively.
- Some regional and national religious organizations offer some grants. Here’s a list Zotero online library.
Sertoma. A “Sound” Investment: A campaign for equal access, 2010. (1 page, pdf)
3 videos 2012 “A Sound Investment” Each about 2 minutes long.
- A Sound Investment #1 [Video recording].
- A Sound Investment #2 [Video recording].
- A Sound Investment #3 [Video recording].
Some local Sertoma chapters may help to fund projects. Here are some media mentions Zotero online library.
New Jersey: NJ offers $600K to make public spaces more accessible for hearing loss 1/27/24 (webpage) and NJ Human Services Awards Additional Grants to Improve Access to County Services for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Individuals (4/19/24, webpage)
Oregon: Travel Lane County is providing hotels, attractions, and venues with hearing loops at a fraction of the cost.
Templates
Emmanuel Church invited friends and family to join in a fund raising dinner for their hearing loop system. The food and fun was enjoyed by all and raised over $1500. Facebook graphic is below
Personal appeal letter (1 page, docx). [To download, right-click and select Save Link As…]
Invitation to event to learn more (1 page, docx). [To download, right-click and select Save Link As…]
Grants
Hometown Grant Program: Revitalizing Small Towns | T-Mobile
Perhaps you know a town that needs a hearing loop?
Possibly, funds could be used for hearing loops in places like community centers, theaters, senior centers, arts spaces, and so on. Requirements:
- Small towns only (50,000 people or fewer)
- Projects must “foster local connections, like technology upgrades, outdoor spaces, the arts, and community centers.”
- Elected officials, town managers/employees, tribal leaders, or nonprofit community leaders can apply.
The Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) is the only federal program exclusively for libraries. It is administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). State libraries use the funds to support statewide initiatives and also distribute the funds through subgrants or cooperative agreements to public, school, academic, research, and special libraries. There is a requirement for a state match, which helps stimulate approximately three to four dollars for every federal dollar invested.
The AARP Community Challenge grant program is part of the nationwide AARP Livable Communities initiative that helps communities become great places to live for residents of all ages. The program is intended to help communities make immediate improvements and jump-start long-term progress in support of residents of all ages.
Reauthorization Act of 2024. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Signed May 16, 2024. 2 paragraphs FAA-Reauthorization Act of 2024 (1 page, pdf) – “Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act…that ensure all gates (including counters), ticketing areas, and customer service desks covered under such section at airports are accessible to and usable by all individuals with disabilities”
See transportation (this website) for more information
- Grants. Explore Grants for Nonprofits Inside Philanthropy (webpage)
- Online library. Collection of stories, examples, and videos (60+ items in Zotero online library)