Deadline: 23-Apr-2026
The Disability Participation and Awareness Fund 4.0 supports innovative projects in Ireland that enhance the lives of people with disabilities and promote full participation in social, cultural, arts, sports, employment, and training activities. Grants of €50,000 to €200,000 are available for up to 18 projects, running from November 2026 to October 2027, along with participation in a capacity-building Accelerator Programme.
About the Fund
The fund aims to improve access, participation, and inclusion for people with disabilities by supporting organisations that remove barriers and create opportunities for meaningful engagement in community life.
Focus Areas
Funded projects should address one or more of the following:
- Community Participation: Enhancing access to social, cultural, and recreational activities
- Arts and Cultural Engagement: Promoting creative participation for people with disabilities
- Employment and Training: Increasing opportunities for work and skills development
- Organisational Capacity: Strengthening leadership, governance, and operational capability
- Public Awareness: Raising understanding and awareness of disability issues
Funding and Duration
- Number of projects: Up to 18 across Ireland
- Grant size: €50,000–€200,000 per project
- Project duration: 12 months (November 2026 – October 2027)
- Additional support: Participation in a capacity-building Accelerator Programme
Eligibility
Eligible applicants include not-for-profit organisations with a social, community, or public mission, such as:
- Companies limited by guarantee
- Cooperatives
- Charitable trusts
- Voluntary organisations
Exclusions: Organisations with private ownership or under State control are not eligible.
Projects must satisfy:
- Rethink Ireland core criteria
- Fund-specific criteria
- Optional advantageous criteria to increase funding competitiveness
Why This Fund Matters
The Disability Participation and Awareness Fund 4.0 is crucial for:
- Removing barriers to full participation for people with disabilities
- Promoting innovative, community-focused solutions
- Supporting organisations to strengthen leadership and capacity
- Raising public understanding of disability and inclusion
Quick Tips for Applicants
- Align your project with one or more fund focus areas
- Demonstrate clear impact on participation and inclusion
- Highlight innovative approaches or scalable models
- Show organisational readiness and capacity for project delivery
- Include measurable outcomes for community and disability impact
FAQs
1. What is the Disability Participation and Awareness Fund 4.0?
A funding initiative in Ireland supporting organisations that promote full participation of people with disabilities in community life.
2. How much funding is available?
Grants range from €50,000 to €200,000 per project, with up to 18 projects funded.
3. What is the project duration?
Projects run for 12 months, from November 2026 to October 2027.
4. Who can apply?
Eligible applicants are not-for-profit organisations with a social, community, or public mission.
5. Are private companies or state bodies eligible?
No, projects under private ownership or State control are not eligible.
6. What types of projects are funded?
Projects that enhance participation, arts and culture, employment, organisational capacity, or public awareness for people with disabilities.
7. Is additional support provided?
Yes, funded organisations participate in a capacity-building Accelerator Programme to strengthen project delivery.
Conclusion
The Disability Participation and Awareness Fund 4.0 is a significant opportunity for not-for-profit organisations in Ireland to implement innovative strategies that improve inclusion and participation for people with disabilities. With grants of €50,000–€200,000 and a 12-month programme including capacity-building support, this initiative empowers organisations to strengthen their impact, enhance community engagement, and foster systemic change in disability inclusion.
For more information, visit Rethink Ireland.
