CFPs: Disability-Inclusive Climate Action in the Pacific Region

Deadline: 01-Feb-2026

The Global Disability Fund, with support from Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, invites proposals for Disability-Inclusive Climate Action across Pacific Island Countries. The initiative funds programmes up to USD 450,000 over 24 months that scale systemic, inclusive climate solutions, strengthen governance, and enhance multi-stakeholder collaboration with persons with disabilities in co-leadership roles.

Overview of the Opportunity

The call for proposals seeks ambitious, evidence-based programmes that drive systemic change at local and national levels, while contributing to regional and global learning on disability inclusion in climate action.

Key objectives include:

• Scaling proven inclusive climate solutions across relevant sectors

• Strengthening multi-stakeholder collaboration, ensuring organizations of persons with disabilities co-lead initiatives

• Enhancing inclusive governance, policy, and financing for climate action

• Expanding evidence-based knowledge and lessons for wider regional and international adoption

Eligibility Criteria

Geographic Scope:
Eligible Pacific Island Countries include:

• Fiji

• Papua New Guinea

• Samoa

• Solomon Islands

• Vanuatu

• Smaller island states in the Pacific region

Eligible Applicants:

• UN agencies

• Development banks with Pacific portfolios

• International and national NGOs

• Academic or research institutions with climate action expertise

Key Requirements:

• Demonstrated experience managing large, multi-partner grants

• Robust financial management capacity

• Evidence of government or institutional buy-in for systemic change

Programme Focus and Requirements

• Duration: Up to 24 months

  • Phase 1 (6 months): Transition and prepare to scale

  • Phase 2 (up to 18 months): Scaling and accelerating change

• Budget: Up to USD 450,000, delivered in two phases

• Applicants must select one core thematic priority area of climate action

• Programmes must address large-scale systemic barriers faced by persons with disabilities, targeting institutional, policy, or governance-level changes rather than single interventions

• Proposals should clearly demonstrate scalability and regional learning potential

How to Apply

1. Define the Core Objective: Focus on a country-specific systemic challenge faced by persons with disabilities

2. Develop a Programme Plan: Include evidence-based approaches, scaling strategy, and governance framework

3. Demonstrate Stakeholder Engagement: Show local and national government support and co-leadership by organizations of persons with disabilities

4. Prepare Budget and Implementation Timeline: Cover the two phases, ensuring measurable outputs and outcomes

5. Submit Proposal: Follow the application guidelines provided by the Global Disability Fund

Why It Matters

• Ensures persons with disabilities are central to climate action decision-making

• Addresses systemic barriers that prevent inclusive participation in climate solutions

• Promotes sustainable, large-scale change rather than pilot-level initiatives

• Facilitates regional and global learning, supporting replication across Pacific nations

• Strengthens governance, policy, and financing mechanisms for inclusive climate action

Tips for Applicants

• Focus on systems-level impact rather than single technical solutions

• Demonstrate a clear pathway to scale beyond the project’s initial scope

• Highlight evidence-based approaches and lessons learned from prior work

• Ensure co-leadership and meaningful involvement of organizations of persons with disabilities

• Include robust monitoring, evaluation, and reporting mechanisms for accountability and learning

FAQ

1. Who can apply?
UN agencies, development banks with Pacific portfolios, NGOs, and academic/research institutions with climate action expertise.

2. What countries are eligible?
Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and other Pacific Island countries.

3. What is the total funding and project duration?
Up to USD 450,000 over 24 months.

4. Can projects be pilot initiatives?
No, programmes must target systemic change and scalability, not just pilot-level activities.

5. Is government support required?
Yes, proposals should demonstrate meaningful local or national government buy-in.

6. What types of outcomes are expected?
Institutional, policy, governance, or systemic-level changes that enhance disability-inclusive climate action.

7. Are multi-partner proposals allowed?
Yes, collaborative programmes with strong financial management and coordination capacity are encouraged.

Conclusion

The Global Disability Fund – Disability-Inclusive Climate Action call represents a unique opportunity to accelerate inclusive climate solutions across the Pacific. By funding systemic, scalable programmes led in partnership with organizations of persons with disabilities, the initiative seeks to create lasting local, national, and regional impact, strengthen governance, and contribute to global learning on disability-inclusive climate action.

For more information, visit Global Disability Fund.