Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Organizations Applying for Grants between USD $5000 and $30,000


Questions about Eligibility

Questions about Application Procedures and Technical Issues

Questions about Activities that DRF Supports

Questions about Financial Forms and Budget

Questions about Relationships with Grantees

Questions about Eligibility

Q: Who are the target grantees for this stream of funding from the Disability Rights Fund?
A: The Disability Rights Fund focuses all grantmaking on disabled persons’ organizations (DPOs) working within countries at the national and local level.

Q: What is a DPO?
A: In DRF’s understanding of the term “DPO,” DPOs are representative organizations or groups of PWDs, where PWDs constitute a majority of the overall staff and board, and are well-represented in all levels of the organization. It includes organizations of relatives of PWDs (representing children with disabilities, people with intellectual disabilities, or the deafblind) where a primary aim of these organizations is empowerment and the growth of self-advocacy of persons with disabilities. In addition, DPOs have an understanding of disability in accordance with the social model.
For this funding stream, applications are encouraged from DPOs operating at sub-national levels. Applications for projects which specifically strengthen the voice of marginalized sectors of the disability community will be viewed favorably. Partnerships are encouraged.

Q: From which countries are you accepting proposals?
A: In this second round of 2009, the Disability Rights Fund is accepting proposals from organizations and groups based in the following countries only:
In Latin America: Ecuador, Nicaragua and Peru
In Asia: Bangladesh
In Africa: Ghana, Namibia and Uganda
In the Pacific Islands: Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu
The inclusion of the Pacific Island Countries represents an expansion from our 2008 grantmaking focus, which was on seven countries. As the Fund grows, we plan to further expand our geographic scope. Organizations not based in current target countries are welcome to check back on the DRF website to see what additional countries may be added in future years.

Q: Can organizations from anywhere in the target countries apply?
A: Yes.

Q: Why or how did you choose the target countries?
A: The selection of these countries was completed after a lengthy process, which included conversations with our Global Advisory Panel, who recommended the criteria for country selection, and our Steering Committee, who approved specific countries recommended by staff.

Q: Do you fund international organizations or organizations not based in the target countries?
A: No, we do not fund international organizations, nor do we fund organizations not based in our target countries.
We understand that there are strong organizations all over the world and that you may be doing good work elsewhere, and we applaud your efforts. While we cannot support organizations in other countries/localities financially through grantmaking, our resource page is designed to provide information to a broader audience interested in disability rights promotion across the globe.

Q: My organization is not based in the DRF target country. Will funds ever be available for organizations or groups in my country?
A: The Disability Rights Fund foresees a continued expansion in terms of geographical coverage. The rate and extent of this expansion depend on our resources and ability to make substantive grants in the selected countries.

Q: What types of organizations are eligible?
A: In the request for proposals, available online, we indicate that the following organizations, partnerships and groups are eligible for funding:

The applicant organization must be based in and conduct the majority of their activities in the target countries described above.

Q: We are an organization or foundation that works with people with disabilities. Can we apply?
A: The Disability Rights Fund is primarily interested in direct funding to organizations and groups of people with disabilities. You can apply if you meet any one of the following three conditions:

  1. if your organization or foundation is of people with disabilities, meaning that people with disabilities constitute a majority (more than 50%) of staff and board members;
  2. if your organization or foundation is a fiscal sponsor to a new disabled persons’ organization (and they are heavily involved in the application process); or
  3. if you host self-help or self-advocacy groups of people with disabilities who do not have legal registration.
    If your organization partners with organizations or groups of people with disabilities, joint applications would be welcome as long as the group or organization of people with disabilities is the lead applicant (meaning that they are responsible for managing the project and the finances).

If your organization or group meets any of these conditions, we would welcome an application from you. Please send an email to us at info@disabilityrightsfund.org if you are unsure if your organization or group qualifies.

Q: We are a school / university and we’d like to apply. Are we eligible?
A: No, we cannot directly provide funds to schools or universities.
A school or university can be a partner to a project led by a DPO; however no DRF funds can go towards that school/university.

Q: We are a governmental entity that works with PWDs. Can we apply?
A: No, we are unable to provide funds to governmental entities.
A governmental entity can be a partner to a project led by a DPO; however no DRF funds can go towards that governmental entity.

Q: We are a business or company that serves PWDs. Can we apply?
A: No, we are unable to provide funds to businesses or companies. In addition we do not support service provision.

Q: We have filed for registration and are awaiting approval from the relevant authorities. Can we apply?
A: To apply, an organization needs to have completed all registration, including any registration necessary to enable receipt of funds from foreign entities. For instance, organizations in Bangladesh must provide their NGO Affairs Bureau registration in addition to their registration as a civil society organization.
If your organization has not completed its registration, then the only way to apply is through a fiscal sponsor. A fiscal sponsor is a registered non-governmental organization that is able to receive funds from abroad and agrees to channel those funds to your organization. If you select to apply via a fiscal sponsor, you must submit as part of your application the following additional documentation:

  1. Proof of legal registration of the fiscal sponsor;
  2. Copy of the fiscal sponsor’s Incorporation Documents, Constitution or By-Laws (if possible, in English);
  3. A memorandum of understanding that outlines the relationship between your organization and the fiscal sponsor and specifies that the fiscal sponsor agrees to forward funds it receives on your behalf to your organization.

Q: We are an organization based in Bangladesh. Do we need NGO Affairs Bureau registration to apply?
A: Yes. If you do not have NGO Affairs Bureau registration, the only way you can apply is through a fiscal sponsor.

Q: Is registration considered legitimate only if it is governmental registration (some organizations are registered with national non-profit NGO centers, for example)?
A: Yes; only governmental registration (at community or national levels) is legitimate.

Questions about Application Procedures and Technical Issues

Q: Is there a letter of inquiry process?
A: No, there isn’t a letter of inquiry process.

Q: Do we need to use your grant application form and suggested proposal format?
A: Yes, you do.

Q: Do we need to complete all forms on the checklist?
A: If you are applying for less than USD $20,000, you need to make sure you submit the following documentation (all this information is on the checklist in the grant application form):


I. Project and Applicant Summary Information

II. Narrative Request for Support (Content described in Part II of the Application Form), including
Time-line
One-paragraph resumes of Key Staff

III. Project Budget

IV. Organizational Information, including:
List of Board of Directors or other governing body
Two References who can be contacted about your work.
Copy of Organization’s Incorporation Documents, Constitution or By-Laws (if possible, in English)
Copy of Organization’s Legal Registration (if possible, in English)

V. Organizational Financial Information
Organizational Budget for Current Financial Year

VI. Signature

If you are applying for more than USD $20,000, in addition to all of the above items, you must also submit income and expense statements for the past two years.

Q: What is the deadline for proposals?
A: The deadline for all proposals is 15 September 2009.

Q: What is the expected timeline for projects?
A: Projects are expected to begin 1st January 2010 and end 31 December 2010.

Q: Advocacy efforts take longer than one year. Can't we apply for multiple year funding?
A: No, at the moment we are not able to provide multiple year grants.

Q: In what languages can proposals be submitted?
A: Organizations can apply in English and Spanish. Applications in those languages will be considered equally. Please use the application form that is in the same language in which you are applying.

Q: I am having trouble opening or saving the application forms from the website. What should I do?
A: Please send us an email and we will send you the application forms as attachments or fax them to you, whichever you prefer.

Q: Can applications be mailed to the DRF office rather than submitted electronically, and if so, what is the deadline?
A: The proposal can be sent by mail, fax or email. Our mailing address is:
Disability Rights Fund
89 South Street, Suite 203
Boston MA, 02111
USA

Our fax number is: 1-617-261-1977
Our email address is: grants@disabilityrightsfund.org

Application packages (with all supporting documentation) must be received by 15 September 2009.

Q: Do you need copies of our registration? Does the registration need to be translated into English? How should we send this to you?
A: We do need documentation which shows that you are legally registered as a civil society organization in your country. The documentation does not have to be translated into English. If you are able to send a translation, though, it would be appreciated. The copy of the registration can be sent by fax, scanned and sent via email, or sent by mail. The deadline for all application materials is 15 September 2009. If you are sending material by mail close to the deadline, please let us know.

Q: We are applying with a partner organization. Do you need registration information for all partner(s)?
A: We only need the registration of the applicant organization. If you have a fiscal sponsor, we will need the registration information for the fiscal sponsor.

Q: When will we know whether our proposal has been approved?
A: By December 2009.

Q: Where can I find more information about other funding sources, and resources and tools on disability?
A: Our resource page on our website has this kind of information. If you have a specific question, please let us know and we will try to direct you to an appropriate place.

Questions About Activities that DRF Supports

Q: What are DRF priority areas?
A: In the small grants category there are two priority areas:

  1. Increasing DPO skills in addressing the CRPD by:

DRF believes that social change requires accountable, inclusive and collaborative effort. Grants in this category are aimed at supporting DPOs to expand their membership or networks to include more marginalized sectors of the disability community, and/or to enter into partnerships which increase their ability to address ratification or implementation of the CRPD.

2.      Rights Advocacy and Monitoring Through:

In Article 33, the CRPD institutes a new requirement for national implementation and monitoring. Governments are required to consult with DPOs in developing and carrying out a system for implementation and monitoring. Grants in this category are aimed at supporting DPOs to advocate for participation at state or local levels where implementation or monitoring of the CRPD is occurring.

Q: Can we submit a proposal that focuses on more than one priority area?
A: This year we have two priority areas (increasing DPO skills in addressing the CRPD; and rights advocacy and monitoring) for organizations applying for small grants. Each priority area has components pertaining to the advancement of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. For detailed information and examples of activities which fit under each priority area, please see this link on the DRF website.
Proposals must focus on at least one of the components of the priority areas, but proposals that focus on more than one component or priority area are also welcome.
Please note: our selection of proposals will be based on the quality of the proposal, not the number of priority areas or components included in the proposal. Thus, proposals focusing thoroughly on one component of one priority area may be more likely to receive funding than proposals addressing multiple components and both priority areas.

Q: What is the Request for Proposals and where can I find it?
A: The Request for Proposals is a document that provides information about the objectives of the Disability Rights Fund and guidance for organizations interested in applying for funds from DRF.
The Request for Proposals is available at this link on the DRF website.

Q: Are there particular CRPD articles that DRF wants organizations to focus on?
A: No, our assessment is based on the strength of your proposal.

Q: Can one organization submit more than one project proposal, if they cover different priority areas?
A: Yes, if the DPO has the capacity or expertise to manage the activities. However, we strongly encourage submitting only one proposal. In case you would still like to submit multiple proposals, please note that proposals should be substantially different and that only one grant per organization may be awarded.

Q: If two partner organizations are interested in different activities, can they apply for more than one priority area in the same application?
A: If partner organizations do not envision working together on activities, we would question why there is a partnership. Partnerships should be entered into with joint goals in mind.

Q: Can a partnership or a coalition be made between a DPO and other non-governmental organizations (non-DPOs)?
A: Yes, as long as the DPO is the applicant organization and that people with disabilities are the leaders of the project efforts.

Q: We would like to do some lobbying as part of our proposal. Would DRF fund these activities?
A: Due to legal regulations, DRF is not able to provide financial support to organizations that conduct lobbying activities as defined by laws in the United States. US laws have a strict definition of what constitutes lobbying, as opposed to the more general term, advocacy.
Often the two terms are used inter-changeably, so here we provide guidance on the distinctions:

Lobbying occurs when an individual or group expresses their views on a specific legislation to a legislator or when an individual or group asks members of the public to speak to legislators about specific legislation or when activities are based on supporting a candidate for office. Disability Rights Fund cannot provide funds for lobbying.

Advocacy is a more general term that describes awareness raising activities, research or analysis, convening of public fora to discuss policy issues, and activities directed at enforcement of existing legislation.


Q: Do you provide funds for general operating expenses?
A: While a small portion of the funds can be used to cover general operating expenses, the majority of the funds need to be used for the specific activities of your proposed project.

Q: Does the Fund support individuals with disabilities applying for travel or other fees related to attendance at international conferences, congresses, seminars, or gaining training in other countries?
A: No. 

Q: Does the fund support organizations that provide services including income generation?
A: No, we do not provide grants for these types of activities.

Q: What do you mean by "service provision"?
A: Service provision is a term used to describe a wide range of activities, including the provision of assistive devices, rehabilitation services, occupational therapy and health services.

If you have a question about whether the activities you would like to implement constitute service provision, please email us at info@disabilityrightsfund.org

Questions about Financial Forms and Budget

Q: We are a new organization, and do not have financial statements for the past two years. Can we apply?
A: Yes, you may apply. If you are a new organization, then you should apply for a grant of less than $20,000 (since organizations that apply for more than this amount must also include past income and expense statements). 

Q: We do not have much access to funding. Can we apply even if we do not have funding at the moment or if we have never received a grant to implement a project?
A: Yes, you can apply. In your proposal you need to show DRF that your organization has been able to manage funds in the past. If you are unable to demonstrate this, we would recommend that you apply with an organization that could serve as a fiscal sponsor.

Unless your organization (or leadership) has evidence of good financial management in the past, we strongly recommend that you apply for the lowest grant level (USD 5000).

Q: Do we have to use the DRF budget format to submit our project budget?
A: No. As long as you include all of the information requested on the DRF budget format, you may submit your project budget in a different format.

Q: We need funding for activities in October – December 2009; will monies be disbursed in time?
A: No, the funds will be disbursed by mid-December 2009 for a project start date of 1 January 2010.

Q: Can the budget be formulated in our local currency or should it be formulated in US dollars?
A: We strongly recommend that organizations formulate their budget in USD. However, if this is not possible, the budget can be formulated in your local currency. Please note that if you submit the budget proposal in your local currency, you will have to provide us with official documentation of the currency exchange rate at the time your budget was formulated. That rate will be the reference we use to determine the exact amount of USD your organization is requesting from DRF.

Q: In case our proposal is successful, do we need to create a specific bank account to manage the grant funds? Do we need to have a US dollars account?
A: No, you can use your regular bank account as long as it allows international wire transfers.
No, you don’t need to have an account in US Dollars.

Questions about Relationships with Grantees

Q: Once a grant is approved, will reporting need to be completed in English or can other languages be used for reporting?
A: Reporting can be done in English or Spanish.

Q: What are the reporting requirements?
A: We require a midterm and final narrative and financial report, and we make site visits during the grant year to grantees. More detail about these requirements will be provided to organizations that have been selected as grantees.

Q: Is the support given by the Disability Rights Fund only financial or are other forms of support available, e.g. equipment, training?
A: We provide financial support only. We do, however, see grantees as partners and aim to support grantees with information, advice, referrals and other such aid during the course of the relationship.

Back to Top