Deadline: 16-Feb-2026
ATscale, hosted by UNOPS in Geneva, is inviting eligible organizations to participate in a small grants programme to support World Day for Assistive Technology activities across Africa. The initiative empowers Organizations of Persons with Disabilities to lead advocacy and awareness campaigns on assistive technology, with individual grants of up to USD 15,000 to be implemented around 4 June 2026.
Overview
The ATscale secretariat, hosted by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) in Geneva, Switzerland, has launched a small grants programme to support activities marking World Day for Assistive Technology.
The programme is designed to strengthen the leadership, advocacy capacity, and visibility of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities by enabling them to carry out awareness and advocacy initiatives on assistive technology at national and local levels across Africa.
The overall goal is to foster more inclusive societies where persons with disabilities can fully participate, access essential services, and thrive.
Strategic Purpose and Global Alignment
The initiative aligns with international development and inclusion priorities, particularly the Sustainable Development Goals.
Key SDG alignments include:
Good Health and Well-Being under SDG 3
Quality Education under SDG 4
Reduced Inequalities under SDG 10
By promoting awareness and access to assistive technology, the programme addresses systemic barriers faced by persons with disabilities in health, education, and social participation.
What the Programme Supports
The small grants programme supports advocacy, awareness, and visibility initiatives related to assistive technology.
Supported activities may include:
Public awareness campaigns on assistive technology
Advocacy initiatives led by Organizations of Persons with Disabilities
Media and communication activities to increase visibility of assistive technology
Community engagement events linked to World Day for Assistive Technology
Knowledge-sharing and educational activities focused on assistive technology access
All supported activities should be implemented on or around World Day for Assistive Technology, observed on or around 4 June 2026.
Grant Size and Funding Scope
Each small grant awarded under this programme has a maximum budget of USD 15,000.
The selected lead grantee will be responsible for:
Managing and allocating the small grants
Providing oversight and accountability
Supporting OPDs to successfully implement funded activities
Ensuring alignment with ATscale objectives and reporting requirements
Geographic Coverage
The programme covers a wide range of African countries, ensuring broad regional representation and impact.
Eligible countries include:
Angola, Botswana, Chad, Eritrea, Gabon, Gambia, Lesotho, Ghana, Liberia, Malawi, Libya, Mauritania, Niger, Mali, Mauritius, Morocco, Central African Republic, Senegal, Guinea-Bissau, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, Namibia, Mozambique, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Sierra Leone, Togo, Algeria, Uganda, Tunisia, United Republic of Tanzania, Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan, Comoros, Somalia, Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea, Djibouti, Guinea, Congo, Benin, Zambia, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, South Africa, Rwanda, Madagascar, Ethiopia, Egypt, Eswatini, Burundi, and Sudan.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
Eligible applicants for this opportunity include organizations that can manage and administer small grants to OPDs.
Eligible entities include:
Global or regional umbrella organizations of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities
Other relevant non-profit organizations with experience in disability inclusion
Academic or research institutions
National non-governmental organizations
Community-based organizations
United Nations entities
Applicants must demonstrate the capacity to manage sub-grants, support OPDs, and oversee multi-country or regional initiatives.
Role of the Selected Grantee
The selected organization will act as the programme manager for the small grants scheme.
Key responsibilities include:
Issuing and managing sub-grants to OPDs across Africa
Providing guidance and support to OPDs implementing activities
Ensuring accountability, monitoring, and reporting
Strengthening OPD capacity for advocacy and awareness work
Amplifying the visibility and impact of World Day for Assistive Technology initiatives
How the Programme Works
Step-by-step process:
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Eligible organizations apply to manage the ATscale small grants programme
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ATscale selects a lead grantee based on capacity and experience
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The lead grantee launches a call for small grants to OPDs
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OPDs implement awareness and advocacy activities around 4 June 2026
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Results and lessons learned are documented and shared
Why This Programme Matters
The ATscale small grants programme is important because it:
Centers leadership of persons with disabilities in advocacy efforts
Expands awareness of assistive technology across diverse contexts
Strengthens OPD capacity at national and local levels
Promotes inclusion in health, education, and social participation
Supports regional collaboration across Africa
Contributes directly to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals
Tips for a Strong Application
Demonstrate experience working with OPDs or disability-focused initiatives
Show strong grant management and oversight capacity
Explain how OPDs will be supported and empowered
Highlight experience in advocacy, awareness, or communications campaigns
Demonstrate regional or multi-country coordination experience
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Lack of clear strategy for sub-grant management
Insufficient focus on OPD leadership and empowerment
Weak monitoring and reporting frameworks
Proposals not aligned with assistive technology advocacy
Unclear plans for World Day for Assistive Technology activities
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the purpose of the ATscale small grants programme?
The programme supports advocacy and awareness initiatives on assistive technology led by Organizations of Persons with Disabilities.
What is the maximum grant amount?
Each small grant has a maximum budget of USD 15,000.
Who can apply to manage the programme?
Eligible applicants include umbrella OPD organizations, non-profits, academic institutions, NGOs, community-based organizations, and UN entities.
When must activities take place?
Activities should be implemented on or around World Day for Assistive Technology, observed on or around 4 June 2026.
Which countries are covered by the programme?
The programme covers a wide range of African countries across all regions of the continent.
Does the programme directly fund OPDs?
OPDs will receive funding through sub-grants managed by the selected lead organization.
Conclusion
The ATscale Small Grants Programme for World Day for Assistive Technology offers a strategic opportunity to strengthen disability-led advocacy and raise awareness of assistive technology across Africa.
By empowering Organizations of Persons with Disabilities, supporting regional collaboration, and aligning with global development goals, the initiative contributes to more inclusive societies where persons with disabilities can access the tools they need to live, learn, and participate fully.
For more information, visit UNOPS.
