Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

Organizational Eligibility

Project Eligibility

Application Procedures & Technical Issues

Grantee Expectations


General Questions

WHAT TYPES OF GRANTS DOES DRF GIVE? WHAT ARE THE FUNDING RANGES FOR THESE GRANTS?

DRF and DRAF currently administer three funding streams during our biannual grantmaking rounds: Small Grants, Mid-Level Coalition Grants, and National Coalition Grants. Please visit the Funding Streams page for more information about the priorities for each grant type.

  • Small Grants range from USD 10,000 – USD 30,000 per year (Up to $60,000 for 2-year grants). If your organization has never before received a DRF/DRAF grant, applying for a Small Grant is recommended. While we welcome applications from any eligible OPDs, we especially encourage grassroots (rural), emergent (newly established), and/or marginalized groups (such as women and girls with disabilities, persons with psychosocial disabilities, persons with albinism, Deafblind persons, etc.) to apply for grants in this category.
  • Mid-Level Coalition Grants range from USD 30,000 – 50,000 per year (Up to $100,000 for 2-year grants). Both the applicant organization and the project aim must have sub-national scope. 
  • National Coalition Grants range from USD 40,000 – 60,000 per year (Up to $120,000 for 2-year grants). Both the applicant organization and the project aim must have national scope.  

WHAT ARE THE CURRENT TARGET COUNTRIES THAT ARE YOU ACCEPTING PROPOSALS FROM, AND WHEN?

Currently, the Grantmaking Committee will consider grants to OPDs in the following target countries.

  • Africa: Malawi, Nigeria, Rwanda, Uganda
  • Asia: Indonesia, Nepal
  • Pacific Island Countries: Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu
  • Caribbean: Haiti

The RFP will open by September 5, and due by October 3rd 2023 for all target countries

HOW DOES DRF SELECT TARGET COUNTRIES?

The selection of DRF target countries is completed after a lengthy process, including conducting country research and receiving inputs from our Grantmaking Committee. The DRF Board of Directors approves new countries and dates of entry. 

DO YOU FUND INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS OR ORGANIZATIONS NOT BASED IN THE TARGET COUNTRIES?

We typically do not fund organizations based outside of our target countries. We understand that there are strong organizations all over the world and that they may be doing good work. Our resource page is designed to provide information to a broader audience interested in disability rights promotion across the globe. For more information, visit the For Grantseekers page.

WHO ARE THE TARGET GRANTEES FOR DRF AND DRAF GRANTS?

The Disability Rights Fund and the Disability Rights Advocacy Fund focus grantmaking on organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs) working in specific countries, as noted above. Grants should be used toadvance the rights of all persons with disabilities and to ensure equitable and inclusive societies for all, using the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

WHAT IS AN ‘OPD’?

An organization of persons with disabilities, or OPD (also referred to as a Disabled Persons’ Organization, or DPO), is a representative organization or group of persons with disabilities, where persons with disabilities constitute a majority of the overall staff, board, and volunteers in all levels of the organization. It includes organizations of relatives of persons with disabilities (only those representing groups without legal capacity to form organizations, such as children with disabilities and persons with intellectual disabilities) where a primary aim of these organizations is empowerment and the growth of self-advocacy of persons with disabilities. OPDs also have an understanding of disability in accordance with the social model, which notes that barriers are caused by society, rather than by a person’s disability.

DRF encourages applications from OPDs representing marginalized sectors of the disability community.

HOW DOES DRF DEFINE MARGINALIZED GROUPS?

The term marginalized refers to women with disabilities, children and youth with  disabilities, persons with psychosocial disabilities, persons with intellectual disabilities, persons with albinism, little people, persons with deafblindness, and other specific disability groups (e.g., caste) identified as marginalized in a target country.

WHAT IS A FISCAL SPONSOR AND HOW DO I APPLY WITH ONE?

A fiscal sponsor is a registered non-governmental organization (NGO), community-based organization, or other organization that is able to receive foreign funds and agrees to disburse the funding to the grantee organization. If you select to apply via a fiscal sponsor, you must submit as part of your application the following additional documentation:

  1. Proof of legal registration of the fiscal sponsor;
  2. Copy of the fiscal sponsor’s incorporation documents or constitution;
  3. A memorandum of understanding that outlines the relationship between your organization and the fiscal sponsor and includes the signatures of the legal representative of the fiscal sponsor and your organization;
  4. Fiscal sponsor’s organizational background, key personnel, and contact information;
  5. Bank account of the fiscal sponsor that is based in country of incorporation.

HOW DOES DRF DEFINE A PARTNERSHIP?

In DRF’s understanding of the term, a partnership is a collaborative effort of two or more organizations, where each organization has been involved in the design of the project, and each organization has specific roles and responsibilities in project implementation and evaluation. The partnership must be mutually beneficial to participating organizations, and all partnering organizations must be aware that such a partnership exists. 

For small grants, which do not need to have a partner to apply, a partnership would be two or more.  Mid-Level or National Coalition grants require a Coalition of three or more organizations, where the Coalition is conceived and led by an OPD. Organizations applying for partnership grants through DRF will be required to submit supporting documentation.

Organizational Eligibility

WHAT IS THE BASIC ELIGIBILITY FOR AN ORGANIZATION TO APPLY FOR A GRANT?

RFPs are open to eligible organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs).1 To meet the minimum eligibility requirements for DRF/DRAF funding consideration, applicants must:  

  1. Be based in and conduct the majority of activities in a DRF/DRAF target country;
  2. Be a legally registered non-governmental OPD, or a group of persons with disabilities acting under the fiscal sponsorship thereof; and
  3. Be proposing a project that explicitly promotes the CRPD and specifies the relevant Article(s). If addressing implementation of the SDGs or GDS Commitments, the specific Goals or Commitments should be referenced.

Cross-disability and other partnerships are encouraged, particularly those that strengthen marginalizedsectors of the disability community.

MY ORGANIZATION IS NOT BASED IN THE DRF TARGET AREA. WILL FUNDS EVER BE AVAILABLE FOR ORGANIZATIONS OR GROUPS IN MY COUNTRY OR LOCALITY?

DRF and DRAF foresee a continued expansion in terms of geographical coverage. The rate and extent of this expansion depends on availability of resources.

WE ARE A CIVIL SOCIETY/NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATION THAT WORKS WITH PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES. CAN WE APPLY?

DRF and DRAF are primarily interested in direct funding to organizations and groups of people with disabilities.  If your organization partners with OPDs, joint applications would be considered as long as the OPD is the lead applicant (meaning that they are responsible for managing the project and the finances).

WE ARE A FAITH-BASED ORGANIZATION, OR A RELIGIOUS ENTITY AND WE WOULD LIKE TO APPLY FOR FUNDING. ARE WE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY?

DRF and DRAF recognize that there are faith-based organizations/religious entities that have made significant contributions in advocating for the human rights of persons with disabilities and will therefore consider proposals from faith-based organizations and religious entities on an equal basis as other organizations.  However, faith-based organizations/religious entities must meet the same eligibility criteria as other applicants. Only organizations that demonstrate a rights-based approach will be considered. In addition, DRF will not fund any organization which includes proselytizing in their overall mission.

If approved for a grant:

  • DRF funds may only be used towards approved activities. 
  • No DRF funds may be used for religious activities or for proselytizing.
  • The project must benefit persons with disabilities without regard to religious affiliation.

HOW DOES DRF DEFINE “PROSELYTIZING”?

For our purposes, proselytizing means to convert or attempt to convert (someone) from one religion, belief, or opinion to another or to persuade them to become religious. Proselytizing can be used with any religion or faith.

OUR ORGANIZATION OR OUR FISCAL SPONSOR’S MAIN MISSION INCLUDES PROSELYTIZING, PREACHING, OR SPREADING RELIGIOUS PROPAGANDA.  ARE WE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY?

No.  DRF will not fund any organization which includes in their overall mission  proselytizing. DRF respects all religions but has a strict “no proselytizing” policy to protect our grantees, funders, and staff from religious conflicts.

WE ARE A PUBLIC SCHOOL / UNIVERSITY AND WE’D LIKE TO APPLY FOR FUNDING. ARE WE ELIGIBLE?

No, we cannot provide funds to public institutions.

WE ARE A GOVERNMENTAL ENTITY THAT WORKS WITH PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES. CAN WE APPLY FOR FUNDING?

No, we cannot provide funds to governmental entities.

WE ARE A BUSINESS OR COMPANY THAT SERVES PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES. CAN WE APPLY?

No, we cannot provide funds to businesses or companies.

WE HAVE FILED FOR REGISTRATION AND ARE AWAITING APPROVAL FROM THE RELEVANT AUTHORITIES. CAN WE APPLY?

Yes, you may apply, but you will need a fiscal sponsor.

IS REGISTRATION CONSIDERED LEGITIMATE ONLY IF IT IS GOVERNMENTAL REGISTRATION (SOME ORGANIZATIONS ARE REGISTERED WITH NATIONAL NON-PROFIT NGO CENTERS, FOR EXAMPLE)?

Yes, only governmental registration (at community, district, or national levels) is considered legitimate.

IN COUNTRIES WHERE THERE IS ADDITIONAL REGISTRATION OR OTHER REQUIREMENTS FOR ACCEPTING FOREIGN FUNDING, DO WE NEED TO COMPLY WITH THESE REQUIREMENTS?

Yes, please check your government’s requirements on receiving foreign funds, specifically from the United States.

WHAT TYPES OF ORGANIZATIONS ARE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR A SMALL GRANT?

  • Legally registered non-governmental organizations, which are organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs); or
  • Groups of persons with disabilities acting under the fiscal sponsorship thereof; or
  • Partnerships between self-help or self-advocacy groups of people with disabilities and other civil society organizations

WHAT TYPES OF ORGANIZATIONS ARE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR A MID-LEVEL COALITION GRANT?

The Mid-Level Coalition Grants funding stream supports civil society coalitions of three or more organizations at sub-national levels, to ensure that national legislation and policy (including development policy) is implemented at these more local levels, through disability-inclusive planning, budgeting and decision-making. Mid-Level Coalition applications can only be submitted by the lead OPD on behalf of the entire Coalition. Mid-Level Coalitions led by umbrella organizations or federations may include member OPDs as partners, but must also include at least one outside organization to be eligible.

WHAT TYPES OF ORGANIZATIONS ARE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR A NATIONAL COALITION GRANT? 

The National Coalition Grants funding stream supports civil society coalitions of three or more organizations at national levels, working on specific priorities (see examples of activities, below). Applications must be submitted by one managing OPD on behalf of the entire coalition. National Coalitions led by umbrella organizations or federations may include member OPDs as partners, but must also include at least one outside organization to be eligible. 

Project Eligibility

WHAT KINDS OF ACTIVITIES ARE ELIGIBLE FOR SMALL GRANTS?

Examples include, but are not limited to:

  • Increasing OPD knowledge on specific CRPD articles, for instance those referring to legal capacity and the autonomy to make decisions (Articles 12, 15, 17, 19), to inform concrete advocacy to government in those areas;
  • Advocating for the establishment of local disability rights focal points to monitor CRPD implementation in close consultation with OPDs, in line with Article 33;
  • In line with Article 4, advocating for concrete changes in local policy and legislation to accord with the CRPD. This could be done, for example, by assessing accordance of local laws or polices with the CRPD to inform proposals for policy and legislative reform, where needed;
  • In line with Article 28, developing advocacy strategies to include PWDs as beneficiaries of local poverty reduction strategies and social protection programs;
  • In line with SDG Goal 4 (Education), advocating for local school authorities to increase access to inclusive education (in accordance with CRPD article 24)
  • In line with SDG Goal 1 (Poverty), advocating for disability-inclusive District budgets

WHAT KINDS OF ACTIVITIES ARE ELIGIBLE FOR MID-LEVEL COALITION GRANTS?

Examples include, but are not limited to:

  • A coalition of organizations conducting research on how existing sub-national legislation relating to disability is in line (or not in line) with the CRPD;
  • A coalition of OPDs and women’s rights organizations advocating to ensure that district maternal and child health regulations and programs are inclusive of women and girls with disabilities and that services are accessible to them in line with CRPD Articles 6 (Women with disabilities), 25 (Health) and SDG 5: Gender Equality;
  • A coalition of OPDs and legal aid organizations, working on strategic litigation to advance changes in legislation at State (or regional, provincial or district) levels to ensure accordance with the CRPD;
  • A coalition of OPDs advocating for a place at the table in development of local development policies to implement the SDGs;
  • A coalition of OPDs petitioning government for allocation of funding to support legislative or policy implementation, such as inclusive education policies in line with CRPD Article 24 (Education) or allocation of disability-inclusive funding to implement SDG Goals;
  • A coalition of OPDs and other civil society groups working on budget analysis to better understand and influence allocation of funding to various issues, including disability, at governmental levels.

WHAT KINDS OF ACTIVITIES ARE ELIGIBLE FOR NATIONAL COALITION GRANTS?

Examples of activities include, but are not limited to:

  • A coalition of OPDs coming together with other non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to present a submission to the Universal Periodic Review or SDG Voluntary National Review process;
  • A coalition of OPDs coming together with other NGOs to carry out advocacy for disability inclusive budgets to implement national action plans in line with CRPD Article 11 (Humanitarian action) and SDG 11 (Sustainable cities)
  • A coalition of OPDs advocating for a place at the table in development of local development policies to implement the SDGs;
  • A coalition of OPDs petitioning government for allocation of funding to support legislative or policy implementation, such as inclusive education policies in line with CRPD Article 24 (Education) or allocation of disability-inclusive funding to implement SDG Goals;
  • A coalition of OPDs and other civil society groups working on budget analysis to better understand and influence allocation of funding to various issues, including disability, at governmental levels.

DO ALL MEMBERS OF A MID-LEVEL COALITION OR NATIONAL COALITION HAVE TO BE OPDS?

No, however, the MAJORITY of organizations in the Coalition should be OPDs. In addition, the lead applicant organization or managing partner of the Coalition must be an OPD. Partnerships with human rights organizations or other entities, such as the media, are encouraged.

CAN ONE OF THE MID-LEVEL COALITION OR NATIONAL COALITION PARTNERS BE A GOVERNMENTAL ENTITY? IF SO, CAN THEY RECEIVE FUNDS? IF SO, DO THEY COUNT AS ONE OF THREE MEMBERS REQUIRED FOR ELIGIBILITY?

A governmental entity can be a partner in a Coalition, but no DRF funds can go towards that governmental entity.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A NATIONAL UMBRELLA OR FEDERATION OF OPDS AND A “NATIONAL COALITION”?

An umbrella / federation of OPDs is a membership organization with legal status. National Coalitions led by umbrella organizations or federations may include member OPDs as partners, but must also include at least one outside organization to be eligible. This is because we believe that encouraging broad partnership is critical to the advancement of human rights of all persons with disabilities.

WHAT TYPES OF ACTIVITIES DOES DRF NOT FUND?

To view a list of ineligible activities, visit the What We Do Not Fund page. 

WHAT ARE DRF’S PRIORITY AREAS?

Please visit the Funding Streams page for more information about the priorities for each grant type.

CAN PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS WORK ON DIFFERENT PRIORITY AREAS IN THE SAME PROPOSAL?

If partner organizations do not envision working together on activities, we would question why there is a partnership. Partnerships should demonstrate a rationale for their joint work and ideally should demonstrate some past experiences of effectively working together. 

ARE THERE PARTICULAR CRPD ARTICLES THAT DRF WANTS ORGANIZATIONS TO FOCUS ON?

DRF encourages applicants to identify CRPD articles that best apply to their organization’s work and/or the communities that they serve. All proposals must explicitly promote the CRPD and specify the Article(s) being addressed. If a project is addressing implementation of the SDGs or GDS Commitments, the specific Goals or Commitments should be referenced. Cross-disability and other partnerships are encouraged, particularly those that strengthen marginalized sectors of the disability community.

WHAT ARE THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS?

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development was adopted by the UN General Assembly on September 25, 2015. The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) seek to realize the human rights of all and to achieve gender equality and empowerment of all women and girls. They balance the three dimensions of sustainable development: the economic, social, and environmental. National governments, development agencies, and other donors use the Agenda and the SDGs as a plan of action. See https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/sdgs for more information.

ARE THERE PARTICULAR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS THAT DRF WANTS ORGANIZATIONS TO FOCUS ON?

DRF encourages applicants to identify SDG goals that best apply to their organization’s work and/or the communities that they serve. A strong application should:

  • Avoid general references to the SDGs
  • Focus on concrete goals within the SDGs
  • Indicate references to the specific Goals that the project aims to advance
  • Take into consideration the expertise of the applicant organization(s)

WE WOULD LIKE TO DO LOBBYING AS PART OF OUR PROJECT. WILL DRF FUND LOBBYING?

No, DRF does not fund lobbying work, as defined in U.S. legal terms.  Lobbying refers to any advocacy for specific legislative change, including treaty ratification.  

Any lobbying projects will be referred to our sister fund, the Disability Rights Advocacy Fund(DRAF). 

DO YOU PROVIDE FUNDS FOR GENERAL OPERATING EXPENSES?

While a portion of the funds can be used to cover general operating expenses, the majority of funds need to be used for the specific activities of your proposed project.

DO YOU PROVIDE FUNDS FOR SERVICE PROVISION, INCLUDING INCOME GENERATION?

No, we do not provide grants for service provision.

HOW DOES DRF DEFINE “SERVICE PROVISION”?

Service provision is a term used to describe a wide range of activities, including the provision of assistive devices, rehabilitation services, therapy, and health services.

WHERE CAN I FIND MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OTHER FUNDING SOURCES, AND RESOURCES AND TOOLS ON DISABILITY?

Please see the Resources page.

Application Procedures and Technical Issues

IS THERE A LETTER OF INTEREST PROCESS?

Not currently. There was previously a letter of interest (LoI) process for the following target countries only: Haiti, Indonesia, and Uganda. As part of efforts to simplify our application process in 2023, the LOI process has been suspended and replaced with an Eligibility Survey.

DO WE NEED TO USE YOUR GRANT APPLICATION FORM?

As part of our efforts to improve the applicant experience, starting in 2021 we began offering two methods for submitting your grant proposal. Please read the following information about these two options so you can choose the submission method that works best for you. We welcome your feedback, which is especially critical as we implement new systems toward a more accessible and user-friendly application process. If you have any questions or comments, please email grants@disabilityrightsfund.org.

Please refer to the Application page for further steps on how to submit your application using the online option and or if for accessibility reasons you prefer to complete the word version

WHAT IS THE DEADLINE FOR PROPOSALS?

Please visit www.disabilityrightsfund.org/for-grantseekers for proposal deadlines.

IN WHAT LANGUAGES CAN PROPOSALS BE SUBMITTED?

Applications can be submitted in Bahasa Indonesian, English, Nepalese, French, and Haitian Creole. Note, DRF will provide applications in Bahasa Indonesian, English and French, but applicants may respond to the French application using Haitian Creole.  

WE ARE HAVING TROUBLE OPENING OR SAVING THE APPLICATION FORMS FROM THE WEBSITE. WHAT SHOULD WE DO?

Please email info@disabilityrightsfund.org.

DO YOU NEED COPIES OF REGISTRATION DOCUMENTS? DOES THE REGISTRATION NEED TO BE TRANSLATED INTO ENGLISH? HOW SHOULD WE SEND THIS TO YOU?

The applicant organization must submit documents showing that the organization is legally registered as a non-governmental or civil society organization in your country. While the registration does not need to be translated, if you have a copy in English, please submit this. The registration should be submitted with your application.

If you are applying under a fiscal sponsor, submit the fiscal sponsor ‘s legal registration.

DRF/DRAF Grantee Expectations

WE WERE APPROVED FOR DRF/DRAF FUNDING, CAN WE BEGIN OUR PROJECT EARLIER THAN JANUARY?

If a grantee wants to start their project earlier, they must discuss their rationale with their DRF/DRAF Program Officer and receive approval before amending dates. 

ONCE A GRANT IS APPROVED, WILL REPORTING NEED TO BE COMPLETED IN ENGLISH OR CAN OTHER LANGUAGES BE USED FOR REPORTING?

Reporting can be done in any of the languages (currently Bahasa Indonesian, Nepalese, English, French, and Haitian Creole) listed in our Request for Proposals.

WHAT ARE THE REPORTING REQUIREMENTS?

Following grant approval, reporting forms and report deadlines will be provided.

Organizations that received one tranche of funding are required to submit a final narrative and financial report. Organizations that received two (or three) tranches will be required to submit narrative and financial progress reports before the second (or third) tranche is considered; final narrative and financial reports will also be required at the end of the project.  

Grantees are strongly encouraged to respond to inquiries from DRF staff in between project reporting periods, including responding to our Grantee Survey, and may also receive a site visit during the project period.

IS DRF/DRAF SUPPORT ONLY FOR DIRECT ADVOCACY ACTIVITIES, OR ARE OTHER FORMS OF SUPPORT AVAILABLE, SUCH AS TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE OR ORGANIZATIONAL CAPACITY-BUILDING?

Applicants are encouraged to include Technical Assistance (TA) in project activities and budget. TA focuses on equipping organizations with technical skills, knowledge, resources and partnerships relating to the CRPD, SDGs, rights advocacy and movement building. TA is different from organizational capacity building activities, which aim to support OPDs to become stronger organizations. Download 2023 TA Guideline WORD document here.

Examples of TA include:

·      Training by a legal expert on domestication of a specific article of the CRPD;

·      Coalition building with other civil society organizations already involved in SDGs implementation;

·      Training by human rights expert(s) on rights advocacy strategies to achieve project goals; 

·      Partnership with a research institute to carry out an analysis of gaps in the inclusion of women with disabilities in local health and/or social protection.

Projects may also include additional funding for OPD Strengthening activites, which are focused on mitigating areas of risk and addressing organizational capacity gaps. Depending on specific grantee needs, this aligned funding stream can be utilized to build OPD capacities in areas such as safeguarding, financial management, and governance.

DOES DRF PROVIDE FUNDS OR SCHOLARSHIPS TO INDIVIDUALS FOR CONFERENCES OR TRAINING?

DRF does not provide funds or scholarships to individuals.  In some instances, DRF will support grantee representatives to attend a conference, a human rights monitoring mechanism review,  or training that falls under our advocacy or technical assistance strategy.  Grantees should discuss this with their DRF/DRAF Program Officer.

WHAT ARE EXAMPLES OF ADVOCACY OUTCOMES FOR ORGANIZATIONS THAT IMPLEMENT PROJECTS WITH DRF/DRAF SMALL GRANTS?

For projects promoting changes in attitudes and behaviors:

  • New Champions (including policymakers) – High-profile individuals who adopt an issue and publicly advocate for it
  • Awareness – Public/community recognition that a problem exists or familiarity with a proposal for policy change or new policy proposal
  • Salience – The importance a target audience assigns an issue or policy proposal
  • Attitudes or Beliefs – Target audiences’ thoughts, feelings or judgments about an issue or policy proposal
  • Constituency or Support Base Growth – Increase in the number of individuals who can be counted on for sustained advocacy or action on an issue

For projects promoting changes in government programs and practices:

  • Budgetary Allocations – Changes in local level government budget allocations that support the implementation of an inclusive policy
  • Programs and practices- Local government programs become inclusive of the diverse needs of persons with disabilities (for example, local health programs are inclusive and accessible to persons with disabilities) with the input of persons with disabilities OR local service providers change the way they respond to the needs of persons with disabilities by proactively outreaching to persons with disabilities and being inclusive of their needs in services by providing reasonable accommodations

WHAT ARE EXAMPLES OF ADVOCACY OUTCOMES FOR ORGANIZATIONS THAT IMPLEMENT PROJECTS WITH DRF/DRAF MID-LEVEL OR NATIONAL COALITION GRANTS?

For projects promoting changes in government policies and laws:

  • Policy Development – Creating a new policy proposal, proposals for policy change or policy guidelines
  • Placement on the Policy Agenda – The appearance of an issue or policy proposal on the list of issues that policymakers give serious attention
  • Policy Adoption – Successful passing of a policy proposal through an ordinance, ballot measure, legislation, or legal agreement
  • Policy Blocking- Successful opposition to a policy proposal
  • Policy Implementation- Proper implementation of a policy, along with the funding, resources, or quality assurance to ensure it
  • Policy Monitoring and Evaluation- Tracking a policy to ensure it is implemented properly and achieves its intended impacts
  • Policy Maintenance- Preventing cuts or other negative changes to a policy

For projects promoting changes in attitudes and behaviors:

  • Organizational Capacity – The ability of an organization or coalition to lead, adapt, manage and implement an advocacy strategy
  • Partnerships or Alliances- Mutually beneficial relationships with other organizations or individuals who support or participate in an advocacy strategy
  • Collaboration and Alignment (including messaging) Individuals or groups coordinating their work and acting together
  • New Advocates (including unlikely or non-traditional)- Previously unengaged individuals who take action in support of an issue or position
  • New Champions (including policymakers) – High-profile individuals who adopt an issue and publicly advocate for it
  • Organizational Visibility or Recognition- Identification of an organization or campaign as a credible source on an issue
  • Awareness- Audience recognition that a problem exists or familiarity with a policy proposal
  • Salience- The importance a target audience assigns an issue or policy proposal
  • Attitudes or Beliefs- Target audiences’ thoughts, feelings or judgments about an issue or policy proposal
  • Public Will- Willingness of a (non-policymaker) target audience to act in support of an issue or policy proposal
  • Political Will- Willingness of policymakers to act in support of an issue or policy proposal
  • Constituency or Support Base Growth- Increase in the number of individuals who can be counted on for sustained advocacy or action on an issue

HOW HAS DRF’S GRANTMAKING CHANGED DUE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC?

At DRF/DRAF, we remain committed to adapting and innovating in support of our grantees’ redoubled efforts to secure rights for all during the pandemic and beyond. This means that our team will continue to:

  • Empower OPDs to seize strategic moments for rights advocacy, especially directed at the situation of persons with disabilities under COVID
  • Provide flexible support responsive to the crisis and emerging grantee needs
  • Amplify the work of our grantees with stakeholders and other donors
  • Monitor the situation closely and communicate any updates, including COVID-19 information by and for our grantees: https://disabilityrightsfund.org/covid19/

ARE CURRENT GRANTEES ABLE TO CONTINUE WORK ON THEIR DRF/DRAF-FUNDED PROJECT DURING COVID-19?

Grantees are encouraged and supported to adapt to the context. This may include shifting planned in-person events to later in the grant period as possible, and/or to consider adopting methods that don’t require in-person interaction (where relevant for the activity and constituency), such as:

·      Engaging in virtual or remote advocacy (e.g., convening a conference call with representatives from the Ministry of Health to advocate for inclusive vaccine distribution, or hosting an online press conference to advocate for implementation of the government’s GDS18 commitments in advance of GDS22)

·      Prioritizing pre-approved OPD Strengthening activities (e.g., a virtual board meeting to validate a new procurement policy, securing a consultant to set up a financial management system for the organization, etc)

·      Shifting activities and budget to support additional organizational strengthening (e.g., COVID-19 SOPs and workplace safety policies, PSEAH policy development, financial management capacity-building, etc)

·      Developing and distributing accessible information in the pandemic context, including guides on COVID-safe supports 

·      Conducting virtual trainings to build rights advocacy knowledge, skills, connections; and/or to build capacities to conduct virtual advocacy (how to use social media, how to facilitate online meetings and webinars, etc) 

ARE APPLICANTS REQUIRED TO HAVE SPECIFIC POLICIES TO APPLY FOR DRF FUNDS?

DRF believes that policies and procedures are an essential part of any organization. Together, policies and procedures provide a roadmap for day-to-day operations, ensure compliance with laws and regulations, give guidance for decision-making, and streamline internal processes. We ask applicants to identify which policies and procedures are in use at your organization. Examples include finance manuals, human resources policies, workplace security protocols, and strategic plans.

If approved for DRF funding, grantees are required to develop two specific policies:

  • Child Protection Policy
  • Preventing Sexual Exploitation, Abuse & Harrassment (PSEAH) Policy

With the rise of the #MeToo movement and greater INGO and donor efforts to open up reporting mechanisms, we (and others) are hearing more allegations of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment from within the disability movement. 

Acts of sexual (or other) exploitation, abuse and/or harassment are not tolerable – against anyone.

DRF developed Child Protection and PSEAH policies in 2012 and 2019, respectively. Grantees are required to develop and submit both policies during the grant period, as well as other supporting documentation. Upon grant approval, required documents and specific deadlines for these policies will be shared in more detail.