About
The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) is the oldest and largest nationwide organization of blind Americans. Founded on November 16, 1940, and headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland, the NFB consists of affiliates, chapters, and divisions in all fifty states, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico. The Federation describes itself as an organization that believes in the full capacity of blind people because it is made up of blind people, from its democratically elected leaders to its diverse nationwide membership.
Mission
Through its network of blind members, the NFB coordinates programs, services, and resources to defend the rights of blind Americans, provide information and support to blind children and adults, and build a community that creates a future full of opportunities. Since 1940 the Federation has worked to improve the lives of blind people throughout the country; it marked its eighty-fifth anniversary in 2025.
What they do
- Advocacy: legislative priorities advanced through the annual Washington Seminar, policy statements, and a legal program that includes the Jacobus tenBroek Disability Law Symposium.
- Education: the NFB BELL Academy for Braille and literacy, NFB STEM2U, the National Center for Blind Youth in Science, and Braille certification courses in transcribing and proofreading.
- Accessibility: the Center of Excellence in Nonvisual Accessibility, the International Braille and Technology Center for the Blind, and self-advocacy toolkits for reporting inaccessible websites and apps.
- Direct services: NFB-NEWSLINE audio news service, a free white cane program, the Independence Market, and blind parent mentoring.
- Scholarships and awards, including the national scholarship program and the Dr. Jacob Bolotin Awards.
- Publications and media, including the Braille Monitor, Future Reflections, the Journal of Blindness Innovation and Research, and the Nation's Blind Podcast.
Scale and impact
The NFB has state affiliates in every state, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, alongside national divisions, committees, and groups, plus affiliated training centers. Its national headquarters, the NFB Jernigan Institute, is located at 200 East Wells Street at Jernigan Place in Baltimore, Maryland.
Financials
According to Form 990 data on ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer, the National Federation of the Blind reported total revenue of $24,397,357 and total expenses of $18,534,746 for the fiscal year ending December 2025, with total assets of $42,572,146 and net assets of $41,622,766. The NFB is a 501(c)(3) organization.
Governance
Mark A. Riccobono serves as President, leading a board of directors of elected members. Past presidents include founder-era leader Jacobus tenBroek, Kenneth Jernigan, and Marc Maurer.