Call for Proposals: Ukraine’s Cities, Inclusive by Design

The Global Disability Fund (GDF) has launched the Ukraine’s Cities: Inclusive by Design – Disability-Inclusive Relief, Recovery and Reconstruction for Cities and Communities Call for Proposals. The programme provides grants of up to USD 500,000 to support disability-inclusive humanitarian response, urban recovery, and reconstruction projects in Ukraine through multi-stakeholder partnerships that include Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs).

The initiative aims to ensure that accessibility, inclusion, and disability rights are embedded into Ukraine’s rebuilding process, enabling persons with disabilities to actively participate in planning, implementation, and governance.

Global Disability Fund Ukraine Call for Proposals

The Global Disability Fund (GDF) is inviting eligible organisations working in Ukraine to submit proposals under its Ukraine’s Cities: Inclusive by Design funding programme.

The initiative supports projects that integrate disability inclusion into humanitarian relief, early recovery, urban development, and long-term reconstruction. Rather than treating accessibility as an afterthought, the programme promotes inclusive planning from the earliest stages of rebuilding cities and communities.

Projects must be implemented through collaborative partnerships that place Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) at the center of planning, implementation, and decision-making.

Programme Objectives

The programme aims to:

• Promote disability-inclusive recovery and reconstruction across Ukraine.
• Improve accessibility in infrastructure, housing, transport, and public services.
• Strengthen inclusive urban governance and financing.
• Support innovative approaches for inclusive service delivery.
• Improve humanitarian assistance for persons with disabilities.
• Increase leadership and participation of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs).
• Build resilient and accessible cities during Ukraine’s recovery process.

Why This Funding Matters

Ukraine’s ongoing recovery presents an opportunity to rebuild cities that are accessible and inclusive for everyone.

Many persons with disabilities have experienced:

• Conflict-related injuries
• Forced displacement
• Trauma
• Limited access to healthcare
• Disruptions to education and social services
• Barriers to transportation and public infrastructure

This programme helps ensure these challenges are addressed through inclusive planning instead of retrofitting accessibility after reconstruction.

The initiative also promotes compliance with disability rights principles while creating stronger and more resilient communities.

Priority Focus Areas

Projects should contribute to one or more of the following areas:

• Disability-inclusive recovery and reconstruction
• Accessible urban planning
• Inclusive housing development
• Accessible transport systems
• Inclusive public services
• Disability-inclusive humanitarian response
• Early recovery initiatives
• Inclusive governance systems
• Accessible financing models
• Leadership by Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs)
• Coordination between humanitarian and development actors
• Improved service delivery for persons with disabilities

Funding Information

The programme is divided into three funding lots.

Lot 1 – Scale What Works

Supports proven disability-inclusive recovery and reconstruction models.

Maximum funding:

• Up to USD 350,000 per programme

Lot 2 – Build What’s Missing

Supports innovative approaches for inclusive urban service delivery.

Maximum funding:

• Up to USD 500,000 per programme

Lot 3 – Reach Those in Crisis

Supports disability-inclusive humanitarian response and early recovery initiatives.

Maximum funding:

• Up to USD 500,000 per initiative

Project Duration

Successful projects may run for:

• Up to 24 months
• Implemented in two phases

Budget Requirement

Applicants must allocate:

• At least 10% of the total project budget directly to the participating Organization of Persons with Disabilities (OPD).

This funding supports OPDs in implementing activities and managing programme funds.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• Organisations legally working in Ukraine.
• Organisations meeting the eligibility requirements for the selected funding lot.
• Multi-stakeholder partnerships committed to disability inclusion.

Consortium Requirements

Applications cannot be submitted by a single organisation alone.

Each proposal must include:

• A multi-stakeholder consortium.
• At least one Organization of Persons with Disabilities (OPD) as an official consortium partner.
• Meaningful participation of OPDs throughout project implementation.
• Shared decision-making and resource allocation.

What Types of Projects Can Be Funded?

Examples include:

• Inclusive urban reconstruction projects.
• Accessible public infrastructure.
• Disability-inclusive emergency response.
• Community-based rehabilitation initiatives.
• Accessible public transportation improvements.
• Inclusive housing programmes.
• Strengthening disability-inclusive governance.
• Service coordination for displaced persons with disabilities.
• Innovative accessibility solutions for cities.
• Capacity-building for OPDs.
• Inclusive recovery planning and implementation.

How the Programme Works

The funding supports projects across the entire recovery continuum.

This includes:

1. Responding to immediate humanitarian needs.
2. Supporting early recovery activities.
3. Strengthening local service delivery.
4. Improving accessibility in rebuilt infrastructure.
5. Building inclusive governance systems.
6. Creating long-term disability-inclusive urban development.

How to Apply

Applicants should follow these steps:

1. Review the requirements for the appropriate funding lot.
2. Form a multi-stakeholder consortium.
3. Include at least one eligible Organization of Persons with Disabilities (OPD).
4. Develop a disability-inclusive project with measurable outcomes.
5. Allocate at least 10% of the budget to the OPD partner.
6. Prepare a detailed implementation plan covering both project phases.
7. Submit the proposal through the Global Disability Fund application process before the deadline.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Applying without an OPD consortium partner.
• Treating disability inclusion as a secondary project component.
• Allocating less than the required 10% budget to the OPD.
• Proposing activities unrelated to inclusive recovery or reconstruction.
• Failing to demonstrate meaningful participation of persons with disabilities.
• Submitting unclear implementation or governance plans.
• Designing projects without measurable accessibility outcomes.

Tips for a Strong Application

• Engage OPDs from the earliest planning stage.
• Demonstrate long-term sustainability.
• Include measurable accessibility indicators.
• Show collaboration among multiple sectors.
• Align activities with humanitarian and reconstruction priorities.
• Clearly explain how persons with disabilities will benefit.
• Build projects that can be replicated in other Ukrainian communities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply?

Eligible organisations working in Ukraine may apply through a multi-stakeholder consortium that includes at least one Organization of Persons with Disabilities (OPD).

Is an OPD partner mandatory?

Yes. Every application must include at least one OPD as a formal consortium partner.

How much funding is available?

Projects can receive:

• Up to USD 350,000 under Lot 1.
• Up to USD 500,000 under Lot 2.
• Up to USD 500,000 under Lot 3.

How long can projects last?

Projects may run for a maximum of 24 months and will be implemented in two phases.

Is there a minimum budget allocation for OPDs?

Yes. At least 10% of the total project budget must be allocated to the participating OPD.

What types of activities are encouraged?

The programme supports disability-inclusive reconstruction, humanitarian response, accessible infrastructure, inclusive governance, urban service delivery, and recovery initiatives that improve participation and accessibility for persons with disabilities.

Why is the consortium model required?

The consortium model ensures that Organizations of Persons with Disabilities actively shape project planning, implementation, governance, and resource management rather than serving only as beneficiaries.

Conclusion

The Global Disability Fund’s Ukraine’s Cities: Inclusive by Design Call for Proposals provides a significant opportunity for organisations to contribute to Ukraine’s recovery through disability-inclusive solutions. By supporting accessible infrastructure, inclusive public services, humanitarian response, and OPD leadership, the programme helps ensure that reconstruction benefits everyone, especially persons with disabilities. Organisations with strong partnerships and inclusive approaches are well-positioned to create lasting social impact while contributing to a more resilient and accessible Ukraine.