Funding Breakdown: No-cost training is our goal

Where our funding comes from in order to for our programs to be no/low-cost to students

No-cost Training: A Donka Tradition

For the last 37 years, Donka has been on a mission in our communities – DuPage County, Kane County, and often beyond – to empower individuals with disabilities through technology.  While most people know us for our assistive technology computer training and job placement programs, what most people are unaware of is that we do not charge our students for their services:  no charge for tuition, no charge for manuals and other training materials, and no charge for job placement services.  Beginning with our founder, Don Von Haveren, providing no-cost services has always been part of Donka’s mission and vision.

With that said, the current cost for Donka to train a student runs between $9,000 and $11,000.

What’s Included in Our Training Costs:

• • • Evaluation and assessment for assistive technology needs, training goal, and baseline computer skills
    • 90-100 hours of personalized curriculum and one-on-one instruction
    • Textbooks and other training materials
    • Option of in-person or virtual training
    • Loaner laptop and AT are provided to students who need equipment and AT
    • Help setting up home technology for students who require extra help
    • Final exam towards gaining IBHE Certificate of Completion
    • Job placement services upon graduation – a minimum of an additional 20 hours of engagement with job placement specialist
    • Assistance connecting to additional community resources

Each year, Donka trains between 25-30 individuals with disabilities and engages 15 graduates in our job placement services.  We do a lot of fundraising and count on our friends, government agencies, civic groups, foundations, and corporations to keep services free to our students.

Funding Sources in 2023:

• • • Grants & Corporations: 55%
    • In-Kind (items and office space): 18%
    • Government: 17%
    • Individuals & Service Clubs: 6%
    • Other (fundraisers, fees, etc.): 4%

Approximately 85% of students who enroll in our services are partially funded by government agencies, and their contribution covers 17% of Donka’s annual budget – through which Donka receives their referrals for our training and job placement services. 

Agencies We Work with Through Contracts and Agreements:

• • • Illinois Department of Rehabilitation Services
    • Bureau of Blind Services Illinois
    • Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs
    • WIOA Illinois (Workforce Initiative Opportunity Act)

Depending upon the agency, approximately half of our hourly training fee – $90 – is paid to Donka for referred students who enroll in our training and job placement.  The remainder is matched through our fundraising efforts.

Donka is so grateful to our community for providing the resources and revenue necessary to continue our tradition of no-cost training and job placement for people with disabilities.  Our students face many barriers and challenges to gain independence and thrive.  The contributions we receive remove one of those barriers to help them achieve life goals we all take for granted.