Deadline: 21-Jun-2026
The Disability Rights Fund (DRF) provides financial support to disability-led organizations working to advance disability rights and strengthen inclusive, disability-led movements globally. The fund supports grassroots, national, and regional organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs) engaged in advocacy, policy influence, and systemic change.
The program prioritizes initiatives that strengthen disability rights while engaging with intersecting justice movements, including gender equality, LGBTQI+ rights, economic justice, climate justice, racial justice, youth rights, and Indigenous rights. DRF aims to build inclusive, cross-movement approaches that advance equity and human rights for persons with disabilities.
Program Overview
The Disability Rights Fund focuses on strengthening organizations of persons with disabilities through targeted grantmaking that supports advocacy and rights-based initiatives.
The fund emphasizes:
- Disability rights advocacy and systemic change
- Leadership by persons with disabilities
- Cross-movement collaboration and intersectional justice
- Strengthening OPD capacity and sustainability
- Inclusion of marginalized disability communities
- Policy influence and human rights advancement
The program is designed to support organizations working at grassroots, national, and regional levels.
Geographic Scope and Funding Structure
Since 2025, DRF has operated through an open-call funding approach in selected regions:
- Sub-Saharan Africa
- South Asia
- South-East Asia
- Pacific Island Countries
- Haiti
Recent funding rounds indicate:
- Over 150 grants awarded in the latest cycle
- Nearly 2,000 Letters of Interest received
- Most grants under $50,000
- Typical project duration up to 12 months
Funding is generally intended for short-term, high-impact advocacy and capacity-building initiatives.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible applicants include:
- Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs)
- Disability-led or disability-focused organizations
- Grassroots, national, or regional advocacy organizations
Applicants must demonstrate:
- Clear leadership by persons with disabilities
- Strong commitment to disability rights advocacy
- Operational presence in eligible regions
- Capacity to manage and report on funding
Regional Grant Eligibility
Regional-level organizations may apply if they:
- Are formally registered at the regional level
- Operate in more than three countries
- Demonstrate active engagement across multiple jurisdictions
Organizations unable to receive international funding may apply through a fiscal sponsor, provided proper documentation is available.
Coalition Applications
Coalition or joint applications are permitted and encouraged. However:
- Coalition status does not guarantee increased funding amounts
- Each proposal is assessed based on merit and impact
- Collaboration must demonstrate clear shared objectives and governance
Funding Priorities
The fund prioritizes projects that:
- Advance disability rights advocacy and policy reform
- Strengthen OPD leadership and representation
- Address intersecting inequalities across multiple justice areas
- Build inclusive and sustainable disability movements
- Increase visibility and participation of persons with disabilities
- Support rights-based systemic change rather than service delivery
Ineligible Activities and Applicants
DRF does not fund:
- Individuals
- Government entities or public institutions
- Service delivery programs
- Scholarships or academic study
- Conference participation or attendance
- Training-only initiatives without advocacy outcomes
- Emergency relief activities
- Infrastructure or accessibility building projects
The focus remains strictly on disability rights advocacy and movement-building.
General Operating Support
Some organizations may be considered for general operating support if they demonstrate:
- Strong disability rights advocacy track record
- Representative leadership and membership of persons with disabilities
- Active collaboration within the disability rights movement
- Engagement across intersecting social justice issues
- Strong grant management and reporting history with DRF
- Recognition and trust among stakeholders
This support is reserved for organizations with proven capacity and sustained impact.
Key Application Characteristics
Successful applications typically demonstrate:
- Clear rights-based advocacy goals
- Strong leadership by persons with disabilities
- Evidence of community impact and engagement
- Alignment with intersectional justice priorities
- Realistic and measurable outcomes
- Strong governance and accountability structures
Why the Fund Matters
The Disability Rights Fund plays a critical role in strengthening global disability rights movements by supporting organizations led by persons with disabilities. It helps build sustainable advocacy ecosystems, amplifies marginalized voices, and promotes systemic change across multiple intersecting justice areas. By focusing on grassroots and regional organizations, the fund ensures that disability rights movements remain community-led and contextually relevant.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who can apply for DRF funding?
Disability-led or disability-focused organizations of persons with disabilities. - What regions are eligible?
Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, South-East Asia, Pacific Island Countries, and Haiti. - What is the typical grant size?
Most grants are under $50,000 for projects lasting up to 12 months. - Does DRF fund individuals or service delivery projects?
No, DRF does not fund individuals or service provision activities. - Are coalition applications allowed?
Yes, but coalition status does not guarantee larger funding amounts. - Can organizations apply through a fiscal sponsor?
Yes, if they cannot directly receive foreign funding and meet documentation requirements.
Conclusion
The Disability Rights Fund supports disability-led organizations working to advance rights-based advocacy and systemic change across multiple regions. By prioritizing grassroots leadership, intersectional justice, and sustainable movement-building, the fund strengthens global disability rights efforts and promotes inclusive, equitable societies led by persons with disabilities.
For more information, visit DRF.