Deadline: 03-Feb-2026
UNICEF invites expressions of interest for a grant to strengthen child protection systems for children with disabilities in Bangladesh. The initiative focuses on inclusive services, capacity building for social workers, community awareness, and empowerment of children and youth. Projects aim to create safe, equitable, and supportive environments while addressing gaps in education, protection, and social participation.
Overview
The UNICEF grant seeks to enhance inclusive child protection systems in selected communities in Bangladesh. The focus is on children with disabilities, who remain among the most marginalized populations, facing barriers to health, education, protection, and participation.
Key Challenges Addressed:
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Social stigma and discriminatory practices limiting access to services
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Institutional and environmental barriers
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Lack of awareness and technical capacity among families, communities, and service providers
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Increased vulnerability of girls with disabilities
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Risks exacerbated by climate shocks such as floods and cyclones
The grant prioritizes projects that transform systems, shift harmful norms, and create inclusive environments where children with disabilities can thrive safely.
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants are organizations and initiatives capable of:
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Supporting children with disabilities in Bangladesh
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Strengthening the capacity of social service workers to identify and respond to abuse
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Promoting inclusive education, social participation, and workforce engagement for adolescents and youth with disabilities
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Enhancing coordination among disability organizations, self-help groups, and other stakeholders
Why the Grant Matters
Children with disabilities in Bangladesh face multiple barriers:
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Extremely low participation in early childhood and school education
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Limited access to social safety nets and protection services
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Insufficient technical skills among social workers and local authorities
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Gaps in implementation of national legislation and international commitments such as the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
This grant opportunity enables projects that:
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Empower families and caregivers to support children with disabilities
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Build community understanding of protection principles and reporting mechanisms
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Strengthen referral pathways and coordination among service providers
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Reduce exposure to violence, neglect, and exploitation
Key Focus Areas
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Capacity Building: Train social service workers, community leaders, and caregivers to identify and respond to abuse.
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Empowerment Programs: Skills development and employment support for adolescents and youth with disabilities.
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Inclusive Services: Improve access to education, health, and social protection programs.
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Awareness and Advocacy: Promote understanding of children’s rights and inclusive practices within communities.
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Coordination & Referral: Establish effective networks among disability organizations, self-help groups, and government agencies.
How to Apply
Step 1: Prepare Expression of Interest
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Outline proposed project objectives, expected outcomes, and target communities
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Describe capacity building and empowerment strategies
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Include details on partnerships and coordination mechanisms
Step 2: Submit Required Documentation
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Organization profile and track record
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Technical and financial capacity to implement the project
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Compliance with child protection and ethical standards
Step 3: Follow Submission Guidelines
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Complete submission in accordance with UNICEF requirements
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Ensure all supporting documents and project descriptions are accurate and complete
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Submit by the specified deadline (refer to UNICEF call notice)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Failing to target children with disabilities specifically
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Proposing projects without measurable child protection outcomes
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Inadequate description of capacity building or coordination strategies
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Omitting ethical compliance documentation
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Overlooking community engagement and caregiver involvement
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who can apply for this grant?
Organizations working in child protection, disability inclusion, or community development in Bangladesh.
2. What age group does this initiative focus on?
Children and adolescents with disabilities in selected communities, including early childhood to youth.
3. Are climate-related risks considered in project design?
Yes, projects should address vulnerability to floods, cyclones, and other shocks affecting children’s access to services.
4. What is the expected outcome of funded projects?
Stronger inclusive child protection systems, empowered children and caregivers, and improved access to education and social services.
5. Must projects include capacity building for social workers?
Yes, strengthening skills of social service workers is a core component.
6. Is collaboration with local organizations required?
Yes, effective coordination with disability organizations, self-help groups, and local authorities is encouraged.
7. Are girls with disabilities a priority group?
Yes, the program emphasizes reducing vulnerability for girls with disabilities who face compounded risks.
Conclusion
This UNICEF grant provides a critical opportunity to strengthen inclusive child protection systems for children with disabilities in Bangladesh. Projects that focus on capacity building, empowerment, and community engagement can transform social attitudes, improve access to essential services, and protect children from abuse and neglect. By addressing systemic gaps and promoting safe, inclusive environments, funded initiatives will contribute to ensuring that all children with disabilities can grow up with dignity, safety, and equal opportunities.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.