Introduction to the 2026 Disability Rights Fund Grant Cycle
The 2026 Disability Rights Fund (DRF) grant cycle is officially inviting applications. This initiative supports organizations advocating for the rights of persons with disabilities (OPDs) in the Global South, particularly in Africa, Asia, and the Pacific regions.
Given our commitment to intersectionality in our new strategic plan, Disability-Led Futures for a Just World, we are interested in receiving applications from activists and organizations at the intersection of disability rights and our cross-cutting priorities: gender justice, LGBTQI+ rights, economic justice, climate justice, racial justice, youth rights, and Indigenous rights.
Many thanks to all of the organizations who participated in our 2025 grant round–our first ever open call for Africa, Asia, and the Pacific. In total, we received close to 2000 Letters of Interest and were able to make just over 150 grants supporting disability rights work locally, nationally, and regionally through 2026.
Key Details for Applicants
Organizations interested in applying for the 2026 DRF grant should note the following critical details:
- Grant Amount: Most grants will be awarded under $50,000 USD.
- Duration: The funding covers a period of 12 months.
- Eligibility: Registered OPDs or groups with fiscal sponsors based in Sub-Saharan Africa, South/South-East Asia, and Pacific Island countries are encouraged to apply.
- Focus Areas: The DRF particularly emphasizes intersectionality with LGBTQI issues, gender justice, climate justice, economic justice, and indigenous rights.
- Language: Applications can be submitted in English, French, Indonesian, or Portuguese.
Important Deadlines to Remember
To ensure your organization is considered for this grant, it’s essential to adhere to the following deadlines:
- Portal Opening (Letters of Interest – LOI): Saturday, May 30, 2026.
- LOI Submission Deadline: Sunday, June 21, 2026, at 23:59 ET.
- Invitations for Full Proposals: Tuesday, July 28, 2026.
- Full Application Deadline: Sunday, August 23, 2026.
- Final Decision Announcement: December 2026.
For comprehensive details and guidance on applying, visit the Disability Rights Fund website.