Request for Proposals: Disability Inclusion Fund 2026 (US)

The Disability Inclusion Fund is offering grants to support disability-led, cross-movement collaborations in the United States. Funding of up to $150,000 over two years is available for joint initiatives that advance disability justice, inclusion, and systemic change. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations working collaboratively, with at least one disability-led partner.

Overview of the Fund

The Disability Inclusion Fund supports collaborative efforts that center disability justice and promote equitable participation in society.

The fund prioritizes partnerships between disability-led organizations and other social justice movements to create lasting, systemic impact.

Key Focus Areas

Disability Justice and Inclusion

• Advancing accessibility and equity
• Centering lived experiences of disabled individuals

Intersectionality

• Addressing overlapping identities (race, gender, class, sexuality)
• Supporting marginalized disability communities

Leadership by Disabled People

• Prioritizing leadership of disabled individuals
• Emphasis on disabled people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and women

Cross-Movement Collaboration

• Partnerships with movements such as:
  • Racial justice
  • Climate justice
  • Immigration rights
  • Labor rights
  • Queer and trans liberation

Advocacy and Systems Change

• Policy reform and advocacy initiatives
• Community organizing and grassroots mobilization

Narrative Change and Creative Expression

• Arts, media, and storytelling
• Challenging ableism and stereotypes

Program Objectives

• Strengthen disability-led organizations
• Promote inclusive and accessible communities
• Foster collaboration across social justice movements
• Support grassroots organizing and advocacy
• Drive long-term systemic change

Funding Details

• Grant duration: 2 years
• Funding amount: Up to $75,000 per year
• Total funding: Up to $150,000 per collaboration
• Budget limit: Cannot exceed 25% of an organization’s total budget

Who is Eligible?

Eligible Applicants

• U.S.-based or U.S. territory-based nonprofit organizations
• 501(c)(3) organizations or fiscally sponsored entities

Key Requirements

• Joint applications from at least two organizations
• At least one partner must be disability-led
• Combined annual budget must be under $3 million
• Strong alignment with disability justice principles

What Types of Projects Are Supported?

Projects should:

• Be collaborative and cross-movement in nature
• Center disability justice and inclusion
• Engage communities directly impacted by injustice
• Include advocacy, organizing, or policy change
• Promote accessibility and remove barriers
• Use creative approaches such as storytelling or media

How the Collaboration Model Works

1. Two or more organizations form a partnership
2. Define shared goals and impact areas
3. Develop a joint project plan
4. Submit a unified application
5. Implement activities collaboratively with shared leadership

How to Apply

Follow these steps:

1. Build a partnership with aligned organizations
2. Define a shared vision and project goals
3. Develop a collaborative proposal
4. Prepare budget and financial details
5. Submit the application through the official fund process

What to Expect After Selection

• Funding support over two years
• Strengthened partnerships and networks
• Implementation of advocacy and community initiatives
• Opportunities for scaling impact
• Reporting on outcomes and learnings

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying as a single organization (collaboration is required)
• Weak alignment with disability justice principles
• Lack of meaningful participation from disabled leaders
• Overlooking intersectionality
• Unrealistic budgets or unclear project plans

Tips for a Strong Application

• Center leadership of disabled individuals
• Build genuine, long-term partnerships
• Demonstrate clear community impact
• Align with multiple social justice movements
• Include strong advocacy or systems change components

Why This Fund Matters

Promotes Disability Justice

Supports equitable participation and inclusion

Strengthens Grassroots Movements

Empowers smaller organizations and collaborations

Encourages Cross-Movement Solidarity

Builds bridges across social justice sectors

Drives Systemic Change

Focuses on long-term policy and societal transformation

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the main goal of the fund?

To support disability-led collaborations that advance justice, inclusion, and systemic change.

2. How much funding is available?

Up to $150,000 over two years per collaboration.

3. Who can apply?

U.S.-based nonprofit organizations working in collaboration.

4. Is collaboration mandatory?

Yes, applications must include at least two organizations.

5. Does one partner need to be disability-led?

Yes, at least one organization must be disability-led.

6. What types of projects are funded?

Advocacy, organizing, policy change, and creative initiatives promoting disability justice.

7. Is there a budget limit?

Yes, funding cannot exceed 25% of an organization’s total budget.

Conclusion

The Disability Inclusion Fund 2026 offers a powerful opportunity for organizations to collaborate across movements and advance disability justice in meaningful ways. By supporting inclusive leadership, grassroots action, and systemic change, the fund helps build a more equitable and accessible society for all.