About DEAF-MADC

MADC and DEAF-MADC: What's the difference?

People often are confused about the purposes of the Minnesota Association of Deaf Citizens, Inc. (MADC) and DEAF-MADC. DEAF-MADC was created to gain 501(c)3 status under MADC, according  to the rules of the Internal Revenue Service.

MADC has been a 501(c)4 organization for many years; DEAF-MADC is a 501(c)3 organization. What’s the difference between those two statuses? The answer is all about money and how we can spend or can’t spend it.

A 501(c)4 status means that MADC is allowed to spend money to lobby for the purpose of advocating for deaf people’s rights to communication access. People who donate to a 501(c)4 organization cannot use the donations as tax deductions. It is also very difficult for 501(c)(4) organizations to apply for grants. Still, MADC relies upon donations for its advocacy efforts.

A good example of how MADC’s 501(c)4 status helps the Minnesota Deaf community: Minnesota passed a law in 1994 that requires school interpreters (K-12) to hold certification showing their qualifications to interpret for deaf children in schools. Each year, school districts or interpreters ask legislators to weaken the law. Some interpreters are afraid they can’t get certification because their sign language skills are too weak. Some school districts are afraid they won’t be able to find enough certified interpreters because. MADC fights against this through lobbying and advocacy efforts.

DEAF-MADC's 501(c)3 status means that people can donate money and claim tax deductions. It is also easier for DEAF-MADC to receive grant money. However, DEAF-MADC cannot use its funds to lobby or advocate with legislators or political parties. On the other hand, it can use money to train deaf people in leadership or self-advocacy.

Still confused? Just let us know and we’ll be happy to discuss this further with you

What does DEAF-MADC do?

DEAF-MADC strives to provide workshops and other forms of education that will increase leadership skills and self-advocacy skills of deaf adults and children.

Programs and Services:

*Miss Deaf Minnesota Pageant
*TCDeaf.com
*Deaf Hospice Education Project (DHEP)
*Deaf Community Development Committee
*Youth Committee
*Leadership and Self-advocacy training workshops