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"Thanks to the financial award from AG Bell, I was able to keep doing the sport I love—Rowing!"
At AG Bell, we care deeply about children who are deaf or hard of hearing and their families. We want every child to have support as they learn to listen, talk, and thrive. We are sharing an important update about our financial aid programs for 2027.
For many years, one funding source helped pay for many of our financial aid programs. That funding is no longer available. Because of this, AG Bell is making careful changes to use the funds we do have in the best way possible.
In 2027, we will start a new program called the AG Bell First Sounds Fund. This new program will bring together two of our current programs: Parent & Infant and Preschool. It will help families with children from birth through age five. These early years are very important for listening and spoken language development.
We know this change may be hard for some families. Please know that we made this decision with great care. AG Bell will continue to support children and families. We will share more details about who can apply, when to apply, and what comes next in the coming months.
Thank you for trusting AG Bell. We are grateful to be part of your child’s journey.
If you have questions about this announcement, please contact us at financialaid@agbell.org.
Why is AG Bell changing its financial aid programs?
For many years, one funding source helped support several AG Bell financial aid programs. That funding is no longer available. Because of this, AG Bell is making careful changes to use available funds where they can have the greatest impact.
Will you offer financial aid in 2027?
Yes! AG Bell does have funds to support a financial aid program, just at a smaller level than previous years. Our new program will focus on supporting children ages birth through age 5 years.
Why is AG Bell focusing on children ages birth through 5 years old?
The early years are an important time for Listening and Spoken Language development. AG Bell is focusing its available resources on supporting families during these critical years.
Will you offer programs for children over 5 years old, such as School Age or Arts & Sciences?
Unfortunately, we will not offer these programs in 2027. We cannot guarantee if or when these programs may return.
When can I apply for financial aid in 2027?
AG Bell’s revised financial aid program, called the First Sounds Fund, will be available in early 2027. Guidelines, criteria, and application dates will be posted on this page when available. To stay up to date, please sign up for AG Bell’s mailing list and follow us on our social media channels.
Can families get help if they need money but do not meet the age or hearing loss criteria?
We know that every family has different needs. We wish we could help every family. But we have limited funds, so we cannot make exceptions to the criteria. Financial aid will go to families who qualify for the new financial aid program.
My family received an award for the 2026 cycle; does this affect us?
No, families who received an award in the 2026 cycle will still receive their funds.
Where else can I look for support?
While AG Bell’s financial aid programs for children over the age of 5 will not be available in 2027, we do offer several opportunities for school-age children to grown and connect with each other. Consider signing up for our Learning Experience & Adventure Program (LEAP) for middle school-age children; Leadership Opportunities for Teens (LOFT) program for high school age children; or Bridging Futures Mentoring Program for students ages 12-18. Applications for all these programs are open November 2026 – February 2027 and details are found on the agbell.org website.
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