DRF Statement on U.S. Government’s Cuts to Investments in Disability Rights

On February 26, 2025, the Disability Rights Fund (DRF) received notice of the termination of our grant awarded by the United States Department of State’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL). This decision cuts over  $1 million remaining in our funding for our ‘Holding Rights, Leading for Rights’ program, which advances the leadership of women with disabilities in West Africa.  

Our team is working diligently to mitigate the impact on our grantee partners, but the stakes are high. These cuts are having a negative impact on the geographic reach of our work, overall budget, and the morale of our staff and grantee partners.  

We are not alone. The collective cuts in the U.S. government’s investments in disability rights have impacted many grassroots organizations of persons with disabilities, both domestically and globally. Further, we are concerned that funding from other donors—both governments and foundations—is tightening or disappearing altogether for organizations that actively shape and resource disability rights movements. Today, as hard-won gains are threatened, we remain steadfast in our commitment to our 5-year strategic plan, Disability-Led Futures for a Just World, and to support disability rights movements in the Global South.  

We continue to be energized by the resilience, ingenuity, and inclusive solutions of the communities we support. As a U.S.-based organization, we extend our solidarity with disability rights communities here and around the world that are creating transformative solutions and deepening solidarity.   

Let’s continue to move forward together.