For Grantseekers
Our Grants
Since 2008, the Disability Rights Fund is committed to funding grassroots, national, and regional organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs). We believe that a vibrant disability rights movement reflects the diversity of communities.
Given our commitment to intersectionality in our new strategic plan, Disability-Led Futures for a Just World, we are interested in receiving applications from activists and organizations at the intersection of disability rights and our cross-cutting priorities: gender justice, LGBTQI+ rights, economic justice, climate justice, racial justice, youth rights, and Indigenous rights.
Many thanks to all of the organizations who participated in our 2025 grant round–our first ever open call for Africa, Asia, and the Pacific. In total, we received close to 2000 Letters of Interest and were able to make just over 150 grants supporting disability rights work locally, nationally, and regionally through 2026.
Most grants awarded in 2026 will be under $50,000, and will support 12 months of work.
2026 Grant Round—Now Open!
Our 2026 call for Letters of Interest from Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) in sub-Saharan Africa, South and South-East Asia, and Pacific Island Countries is now open. We open submissions through our portal which you can access by clicking here: application portal link.
Our portal is now open for submissions. Please take note of the following key deadlines:
- Deadline to submit your LOI: Sunday, 21 June 2026 at 23:59 EDT (Eastern Daylight Savings Time, e.g. New York and Port-au-Prince time)
- Invitations to successful applicants: Tuesday, 28 July 2026
- Deadline for full applications (invited organizations only): Sunday, 23 August 2026
- Final grantmaking decisions: December 2026
- Successful projects start: 1 January 2027
We also invite you to register for a virtual information session in your region should you like more information and an opportunity to ask questions of DRF’s team. You’re also welcome to download this PDF version of an LOI User Guide.
East and West Africa (in English)
Thursday, June 4 – 2:00 PM WAT (UTC + 1)
Registration link: https://disabilityrightsfund-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_DhN_RVmITNyZXMY71tNS1Q
Francophone Africa & Haiti (in French)
Thursday, June 4 – 10:00 AM EDT (UTC-4)
Registration link: https://disabilityrightsfund-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_3z__FqzsQoSTY4M7z5evqg
Central & Southern Africa (in English)
Monday, June 8 – 10:00 AM CAT (UTC + 2)
Registration link: https://disabilityrightsfund-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_UDdpD8C9Q-2QrSuE8ojn9Q
Indonesia & Timor Leste (in Bahasa Indonesian)
Tuesday, June 9 – 9:00 AM WIT (UTC+7)
Registration link: https://disabilityrightsfund-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_VHNbbktaQDqForMWsGbjGw
South & South-East Asia (in English)
Monday, 8 June – 11:00 BST (UTC + 6)
Registration link: https://disabilityrightsfund-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_P6pLG8ENRnSfqP0DtqBaVw
Pacific Island Countries (in English)
Thursday, June 4 – 11:00 AM WST (UTC + 13)
Registration link: https://disabilityrightsfund-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_mWnzVFWaRI2qHLS9M6_-XQ
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do you define an organization of persons with disabilities (OPDs)?
We consider an OPD to be an organization where the majority of staff, volunteers, and/or board members are persons who identify as people with disabilities and/or their family members.
Where have you funded in the past; and where do you fund now?
For many years, DRF/DRAF funding targeted specific countries, including Haiti, Nigeria, Malawi, Rwanda, Uganda, Indonesia, Nepal, and countries in the Pacific Islands. However, beginning in 2025, DRF now offers an open call to organizations in Sub-Saharan Africa, South and South-East Asia, Pacific Island Countries, and Haiti.
Do you provide emergency grants?
Not at this time. We currently do not have a rapid response or emergency grant opportunities.
Who qualifies to apply for a regional grant?
Regional grants are open to organisations that are registered at the regional level and are actively operating in more than three countries.
In what languages can I submit a proposal?
Due to our staff capacity, we accept proposals in English, Bahasa, French, and Portuguese only.
Do you fund scholarships and conference attendance or training?
No, not at this time.
We have an active multi-year grant from DRF, which ends in December 2026. Can we apply for the 2026 round?
Yes, all OPDs with grants ending in December 2026 can apply.
Would you fund me for my individual activism and travel to the UN?
No. We do not fund individuals.
Do you fund capital projects or specific projects to make buildings more accessible?
No, we currently do not fund building projects; however we do encourage organizations to budget for organizational needs which could include investments in infrastructure, among other things.
Do you provide funds for service provision, including income generation?
No, we don’t provide grants for service provision.
We are a governmental entity that works with persons with disabilities. Can we apply for funding?
No, we cannot provide funds to governmental entities.
We are a public school/university, and we would like to apply for funding. Are we eligible?
No, we cannot provide funds to public institutions.
Can any organization apply for General Operating Support?
No, not all organizations are eligible to apply for General Operating Support. To be considered, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Be a disability-led or disability-focused organisation with a demonstrated track record of successful disability rights advocacy as well as:
- Have a diverse and representative membership that reflects the communities of persons with disabilities served
- Have leadership that is diverse and representative of persons with disabilities at staff and/or board level
- Demonstrate meaningful collaboration within and across disability organizations and movements
- Have established connections across movements, with evidence of successful cross-movement work
- Have visibility and recognition among government authorities, community members, and other civil society organizations
- Be a repeat DRF grantee with a consistent record of respecting donor reporting requirements and adhering to agreed timelines
What is a fiscal sponsor, and how do I apply?
A fiscal sponsor is a registered non-governmental organization, community-based organization, or other organization that is able to receive foreign funds and agrees to disburse the funding to the grantee organization. If you select to apply via a fiscal sponsor, you must submit as part of your application the following additional documentation:
- Proof of legal registration of the fiscal sponsor
- Copy of the fiscal sponsor’s incorporation documents or constitution
- A memorandum of understanding that outlines the relationship between your organization and the fiscal sponsor and includes the signatures of the legal representative of the fiscal sponsor and your organization
- Fiscal sponsor’s organizational background, key personnel and contact information
- Bank account of the fiscal sponsor that is based in country of incorporation
Can we form a coalition and submit a joint application?
Yes, organizations wishing to submit applications as coalitions are still welcome to do so. Please note that submitting a coalition application does not necessarily result in a larger budget amount. Explicit “Mid-level” and “National Coalition” grants are no longer offered as part of this grant round. All applications at local and national levels will be evaluated based on the same criteria whether they are submitted by one organization or a coalition (or consortium) of multiple organizations.
Do all members of a coalition have to be OPDs?
No; however, the MAJORITY of organizations in the coalition should be OPDs. In addition, the lead applicant organization or managing partner of the coalition must be an OPD. Partnerships with human rights organizations or other entities, such as the media, are encouraged.