Deadline: 16-Feb-2026
The ATscale Secretariat has launched a call for proposals to fund a Small Grants Programme for World Day for Assistive Technology in Asia. With grants of up to USD 15,000, the initiative supports Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) and partners to lead awareness and visibility activities around assistive technology ahead of World Day for Assistive Technology on or around 4 June 2026.
The ATscale Secretariat, hosted by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) in Geneva, Switzerland, is inviting proposals to implement a regional Small Grants Programme for World Day for Assistive Technology in Asia.
This initiative aims to strengthen awareness, visibility, and engagement around assistive technology through locally led campaigns and activities coordinated at a regional or global level.
Program Overview
The Small Grants Programme is designed to empower Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) and other stakeholders to raise awareness about assistive technology and its role in inclusion, health, education, and equality.
The selected grantee will manage and administer a small grants mechanism, providing sub-grants to OPDs across Asia to implement campaigns linked to World Day for Assistive Technology.
Grant Size and Funding Modality
• Maximum budget: USD 15,000 per grant
• Currency: United States Dollars (USD)
• Grant type: Small grants programme implementation
Activities must be delivered across eligible countries in Asia.
Alignment with Global Development Goals
The initiative directly supports multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ensuring global policy coherence and impact.
Supported SDGs
• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 4: Quality Education
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequality
By promoting access to assistive technology, the programme advances inclusive health systems, equitable education, and social participation for persons with disabilities.
Focus of the Small Grants Programme
Under this call for proposals, the selected organization will be responsible for:
• Designing and managing a small grants mechanism
• Supporting OPDs to implement awareness or visibility activities
• Coordinating initiatives linked to World Day for Assistive Technology
• Ensuring regional reach across diverse Asian contexts
World Day for Assistive Technology
• Observed on or around: 4 June 2026
• Focus: Awareness, advocacy, and visibility of assistive technology
• Approach: Locally led initiatives with regional or global coordination
Activities should highlight the importance of assistive technology in enabling independence, participation, and inclusion.
Who Can Apply?
The call for proposals is open to a wide range of eligible organizations with relevant experience.
Eligible Applicants
Applicants may include:
• Global or regional umbrella organizations of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities
• Other relevant non-profit organizations
• Academic or research institutions
• National non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
• Community-based organizations
• United Nations entities that meet the eligibility criteria
Applicants should demonstrate the capacity to manage grants, coordinate regional initiatives, and engage OPDs effectively.
Eligible Countries in Asia
Supported activities must take place in one or more of the following eligible countries and territories:
Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, Armenia, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, China, China (Hong Kong SAR), China (Macao SAR), Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Georgia, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, State of Palestine, Syrian Arab Republic, Taiwan (Province of China), Tajikistan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Türkiye, Turkmenistan, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Viet Nam, Yemen.
Activities may span multiple countries, reflecting the regional nature of the programme.
Why This Call for Proposals Matters
Access to assistive technology remains limited for many people with disabilities across Asia due to low awareness, stigma, policy gaps, and affordability challenges.
This initiative matters because it:
• Strengthens the voice and leadership of OPDs
• Promotes inclusive development and disability rights
• Raises public and policy awareness of assistive technology
• Encourages locally driven advocacy and innovation
• Supports regional collaboration and knowledge exchange
What the Selected Grantee Will Do
The successful applicant will act as the programme implementer and coordinator.
Key responsibilities include:
• Establishing transparent criteria for sub-grants
• Issuing calls for applications to OPDs
• Selecting and supporting sub-grantees
• Monitoring implementation and results
• Reporting to the ATscale Secretariat
Strong financial management, coordination, and accountability systems are essential.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
• Proposing activities not linked to World Day for Assistive Technology
• Weak engagement with OPDs or disability-led organizations
• Limited regional reach or unclear country focus
• Insufficient grant management or oversight mechanisms
• Activities that are not aligned with SDGs 3, 4, and 10
Tips for a Competitive Proposal
• Clearly explain how OPDs will be supported and empowered
• Demonstrate experience managing small grants programmes
• Show strong regional networks or partnerships in Asia
• Propose clear, measurable awareness or visibility outcomes
• Align activities with assistive technology advocacy and inclusion
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is issuing this call for proposals?
The call is issued by the ATscale Secretariat, hosted by UNOPS in Geneva, Switzerland.
What is the maximum grant amount?
The maximum budget is USD 15,000 per grant.
Who will receive the sub-grants?
Sub-grants are intended for Organizations of Persons with Disabilities to run awareness or visibility activities.
When is World Day for Assistive Technology observed?
World Day for Assistive Technology is observed on or around 4 June 2026.
Can activities take place in multiple countries?
Yes. Activities may cover one or more eligible countries in Asia.
Are United Nations entities eligible to apply?
Yes. United Nations entities that meet the outlined criteria are eligible.
Conclusion
The ATscale Small Grants Programme for World Day for Assistive Technology in Asia presents a strategic opportunity to amplify disability-led advocacy and awareness across the region. By supporting OPDs to lead local campaigns connected to a global observance, the initiative advances inclusive health, education, and equality outcomes.
Eligible organizations with strong regional reach and grant management experience are encouraged to apply and contribute to strengthening assistive technology awareness and access across Asia.
For more information, visit UNOPS.
