OVERVIEW: The Disability Rights Fund works in select developing nations to promote the rights of people with disabilities.
IPTAKE: DRF is a significant international funder of disability-led advocacy and movement building. It prioritizes organizations of persons with disabilities, particularly those representing communities that have historically been excluded from disability rights movements and broader human rights efforts. Lately, the fund has expanded its geographic reach and increasingly supports organizations working at the intersection of disability rights and gender, economic, climate, racial, LGBTQI+, youth and Indigenous justice.
DRF accepts unsolicited letters of interest during announced grantmaking rounds, making it a potential prospect for new organizations. However, competition is considerable, and its funding is geared toward advocacy and systemic change rather than direct services. Grassroots groups, established organizations and disability-led coalitions may find opportunities here, especially if they can demonstrate strong community leadership and a clear advocacy agenda. The fund also provides restricted general operating support and maintains an invitation-only Strategic Partnerships program. Grantseekers should pay close attention to geographic eligibility and application deadlines, which can change between funding rounds.
PROFILE: The Disability Rights Fund (DRF) was initially established as a project of the Tides Center. In 2012, DRF established itself as an independent nonprofit with the aim of helping “persons with disabilities participate fully in society and enjoy equal rights and opportunities.” Based in Boston, Massachusetts, DRF supports organizations led by people with disabilities that seek to influence public policies, strengthen disability rights movements and expand the participation of people with disabilities in civic and political life.
DRF works closely with its sister organization, the Disability Rights Advocacy Fund (DRAF). DRF operates as a 501(c)(3) public charity, while DRAF is a 501(c)(4) organization that can support certain legislative advocacy and lobbying activities that DRF cannot fund. Together, the organizations pool funding from multiple donors to support disability rights movements internationally.
The fund’s grantmaking is grounded in the United Nations’ Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), an international human rights treaty that establishes standards for the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities. DRF also supports advocacy related to the Sustainable Development Goals and other international disability rights commitments.
DRF’s current strategic plan, Disability-Led Futures for a Just World: DRF’s Path to 2029, emphasizes an intersectional approach to grantmaking. In addition to disability rights, its intersectional priorities include:
- Gender justice
- LGBTQI+ rights
- Economic justice
- Climate justice
- Racial justice
- Youth rights
- Indigenous rights
DRF has significantly expanded its geographic reach. Beginning in 2025, it opened grant opportunities to eligible organizations across sub-Saharan Africa, South and Southeast Asia, Haiti and the Pacific Island countries, moving beyond its previous practice of concentrating funding in a smaller number of countries.
Grants for Human Rights, Global Development and Disability Rights
DRF’s grantmaking seeks to strengthen organizations and movements led by people with disabilities. The fund supports advocacy enabling communities to influence decisions, challenge discrimination and advance their rights.
Funding supports grassroots organizing, disability rights education, policy advocacy, leadership development, movement building and organizational strengthening:
- DRF supports emerging and established organizations working to increase the participation of people with disabilities in decisions affecting their communities.
- The fund supports organizations working to improve disability-related laws, public policies, government accountability and the implementation of international disability rights commitments.
- DRF increasingly prioritizes organizations addressing the connections between disability rights and other social justice issues. This includes work involving women and girls with disabilities, LGBTQI+ people with disabilities, Indigenous communities, young people with disabilities and people affected by climate change.
- Funding also supports organizations and networks working across national borders to strengthen disability rights movements and promote accountability through regional human rights institutions.
Recent grantmaking includes:
- In Kenya, DRF awarded $50,000 to United Disabled Persons of Kenya in 2025 for work monitoring the government’s disability inclusion commitments and strengthening the participation of organizations of persons with disabilities in accountability efforts.
- Also in Kenya, the Federation of Deaf Women Empowerment Network Kenya received $45,000 to strengthen the participation of Deaf women and young people in climate justice advocacy and encourage more inclusive climate policies.
- In Bangladesh, the Society of the Deaf & Sign Language Users received $23,000 to advance Deaf rights, promote Bangla Sign Language and strengthen disability rights advocacy.
- In Cameroon, Handicapes et Fiers received $21,500 to strengthen the political participation and leadership of women with disabilities and advocate for more inclusive political institutions.
- In Fiji, Disability Pride Hub received $21,000 to strengthen communications, public understanding and advocacy connected to its intersectional disability rights work.
- More examples are available in the fund’s grants directory.
Important Grant Details:
DRF awards about $2 million to $4 million a year in grants through three separate grantmaking programs.
- Small grants of up to $30,000 help local groups build disability rights movements, while mid-level coalition grants of $30,000 to $50,000 support organizations that advocate for national legislation and policy change.
- DRFs national coalition grantmaking program makes two-year commitments of up to $50,000 each year to organizations advocating for the advancement of the U.N.’s CRPD at national levels in countries of interest.
- Beginning in 2025, the fund expanded its open-call eligibility to sub-Saharan Africa, South and Southeast Asia, Haiti and Pacific Island countries. Applicants should verify the geographic requirements of each new round.
- For additional information about past grantmaking, see the fund’s Stories page or annual reports section.
- The fund accepts letters of inquiry for three separate grant programs. Guidelines and due dates for letters of inquiry vary by country of interest and change each year.
- Prospective grantees should consult the fund’s grantmaking page for up-to-date information.
- General inquiries may be submitted via info@disabilityrightsfund.org or 857-265-2365.
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