Dear Friend:
Blind people know something that most of the world is still learning: blindness is not the characteristic that defines us or our future. We know this because we live it every day. To us, it is a self-evident truth grounded in the lived experience of thousands of blind people. Blindness is just one part of who we are. It does not determine the dreams we pursue, the careers we build, the businesses we run, the families we raise, or the contributions we make to our churches, schools, and neighborhoods. But the world does not always understand this truth. Too often, expectations for blind people are limited by stereotype and misconception rather than possibility.
That is why we share our stories.
Every program, initiative, and collective effort described below exists because blind people are living the lives we want and because we believe our stories can transform expectations for the next generation, as the stories of those whose shoulders we stand on did for us. When blind children learn Braille and travel confidently with a white cane, when blind professionals advance in their careers, when blind entrepreneurs build successful businesses, and when we gather to share knowledge and encouragement, we are demonstrating something powerful: blindness does not hold us back when we have the tools, training, and opportunity to succeed.
The work highlighted in this report—from early childhood and Braille literacy programs to employment initiatives and our national convention—reflects a movement that is growing stronger, bolder, and more connected each year.
None of this happens by accident. It happens because we choose to lead courageously. Leading courageously means challenging low expectations. It means building programs that empower blind people with the skills and confidence to live independently. It means standing together to demand equal opportunity and supporting one another in achieving our goals. And it means inviting supporters like you to join us in building a future where blind people can participate fully and equally in every aspect of society.
Your support makes this work possible. Because of you, blind children are discovering that there are no limits to their dreams. Blind adults are gaining equal access to the world’s information, education and employment opportunities, and a supportive community. Together, we are demonstrating, through our actions and our stories, that blindness is not what defines us.
Thank you for standing with the National Federation of the Blind and helping us turn shared belief into courageous action.
Warmly,
Mark Riccobono, President
National Federation of the Blind
Building Community for the Next Generation
We share our stories to build a stronger community, raise expectations, and ensure that blind people can fully participate in all aspects of society.
"I am infinitely thankful to my parents who at a very early age instilled a ‘no limit’ attitude in me, they taught me to embrace my blindness and to be always unapologetically me. They introduced me to the NFB BELL® program at four years old and the power of Braille literacy and self-advocacy. I look forward to continuing my journey of independence, resilience, and advocacy." – NFB Scholarship Recipient
- Early Childhood Initiatives: 644 families received early cane travel activities and instruction, and family-friendly Braille pre-literacy materials and support.
- NFB BELL® Academy: 18 Braille enrichment for literacy and learning programs were held across the country, connecting 153 students to blind teachers and mentors.
- STEM Enrichment: 118 blind youth participated in in-person and online programs that introduced them to accessible science lessons and demonstrated that STEM careers are possible.
Helping Blind People Stay Connected
- NFB-NEWSLINE®: In 2025, our free Braille and audio, news, media, and job-listing service was accessed 52,824,886 times.
- Free White Cane Program: We sent out 6,048 free long white canes—an essential tool for freedom and independence—helping blind people engage in their communities with confidence.
- 2025 National Convention: The premier event for training, support, and information for the blind community was held in New Orleans, where more than 2,600 people came together in addition to 550 who participated virtually.
"For most of my life, I was the only blind person in the room. I didn't have a clear picture of what it could mean to live as a blind person with confidence. l used a cane, but l didn't walk with pride. I did what I had to do, but I didn't know I could expect more. When I came into the Federation, everything shifted. I met blind people who weren't hiding, who weren't shrinking, who weren't trying to ‘pass’. They were living, leading, and thriving." – NFB Member
Sharing Stories of Collective Achievement
- Blind Owned and Operated Marketplace: In 2025, the NFB launched a new initiative to amplify blind entrepreneurs. In just the first six months, 60 blind-owned businesses joined the marketplace and were connected with a wider audience.
- Employment Initiatives: Our career fairs, career mentoring programs, and Where the Blind Work webinars raise expectations for blind people in the workforce. In 2025, 274 blind professionals connected with 45 employers looking to hire.
- Podcasts: The growing listener base of the Nation’s Blind and Access On podcasts hear stories from regular blind people, get news and access technology updates, and share their own perspectives and questions.
"Despite many barriers, blind business owners are successful every day. Our movement is committed to amplifying these businesses and helping them to thrive through the support of our community." – Mark Riccobono
Accountability & Transparency
The National Federation of the Blind meets the most rigorous standards for charity accountability and has earned the Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency and a CharityWatch "A" rating.
Financial Statement
Fundraising and Management and General Expenses as a percent of Contributions and Government Grants and Contracted Services. To read our 2025 annual report, visit nfb.org/annual-report.
*All contributions received in the year not spent on management and general or fundraising are available for program funds.
Turn Shared Belief into Bold Action
Because of you, our movement continues to grow stronger, more connected, and more determined than ever. Thank you for your support of blind Americans.
Contribute Online
Make a credit card contribution at nfb.org/donate.
Give By Phone
Call 410-659-9314, extension 2430.
Contribute By Mail
Send checks made out to “National Federation of the Blind” to the National Federation of the Blind, attention Outreach, at 200 East Wells Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21230.
Increase Your Impact
There are many easy and tax-advantaged ways to support the blind community. Learn more at Ways to Give or call 410-659-9314, extension 2430.
Who We Are
The National Federation of the Blind, headquartered in Baltimore, defends the rights of blind people of all ages and provides information and support to families with blind children, older Americans who are losing vision, and more. Founded in 1940, the NFB is the transformative membership and advocacy organization of blind Americans—with affiliates, chapters, and divisions in the fifty states, the district of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. We believe in the hopes and dreams of blind people and work together to transform them into reality.
Leadership
We believe in blind people because we are blind people—from our democratically elected leaders to our diverse nationwide membership. Members of the board of directors of the National Federation of the Blind are a diverse group of leaders who are elected at our national convention and dedicate their time, professional expertise, and strategic vision to advancing our mission.
Officers
- Mark A. Riccobono, President—Maryland
- Pam Allen, First Vice President and Board Chair—Louisiana
- Everette Bacon, Second Vice President—Utah
- Norma Crosby, Treasurer—Texas
- Barbara Manuel, Secretary—Alabama
Board Members
- Jessica Beecham–Colorado
- Shawn Callaway—District of Columbia
- Marci Carpenter—Washington
- Ben Dallin—Wisconsin
- Marilyn Green—Illinois
- Jim Marks—Montana
- Tom Page—Kansas
- Grace Pires—Rhode Island
- Donald Porterfield—Arizona
- Jamie Richey—Nebraska
- Tracy Soforenko—Virginia
- Sheila Wright—Missouri
Our Mission
The National Federation of the Blind advances the lives of its members and all blind people in the United States. We know that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams. Our collective power, determination, and diversity achieve the aspirations of all blind people.
Financial Statement
Statements of Activities
Year Ended December 31, 2025
Revenue and Gains and Other Support
Public Support
Contributions: 20,127,256 dollars
Donated Services: 7,787,665
Government Grants and Contracted Services: 1,543,251
Total Public Support: 29,458,172 dollars
Revenue
Sales - Independence Products and Publications 346,467
NET Investment Income 3,576,936
Total Revenue: 3,923,403
Total Revenue and Gains and Other Support: 33,381,575 dollars
Expenses
Program Services
Blindness Integration 9,937,120 dollars
Civil Rights, Advocacy, and Self-Organization 8,896,698
Nonvisual Access Technology, Methods and Systems 5,819,260
Total Program Services: 24,653,078
Supporting Services
Management and General 735,576
Fundraising 933,757
Total Supporting Services: 1,669,333
Total Expenses: 26,322,411 dollars
Overall
Changes in Net Assets: 7,059,164 dollars
Net Assets - Beginning of Year: 34,563,602 dollars
Net Assets - End of Year: 41,622,766 dollars