Disability Rights Fund Inc

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving (2023): ~$3.1 million (combined DRF and DRAF)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: Single annual cycle
• Grant Range: $10,000 - $120,000 (over 2 years)
• Geographic Focus: Africa, Asia, Pacific Islands, Caribbean (specific target countries)

Contact Details

Website: https://www.disabilityrightsfund.org
Phone: (617) 261-4593
Email: info@disabilityrightsfund.org
Grant Inquiries: info@disabilityrightsfund.org
Address: Boston, Massachusetts 02111-2750

Overview

The Disability Rights Fund (DRF) launched in 2008 as the only global funder focused exclusively on disability rights. Based in Boston, Massachusetts, DRF supports organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs) around the world to build diverse movements, ensure inclusive development agendas, and achieve equal rights and opportunity for all. The organization operates alongside its sister fund, the Disability Rights Advocacy Fund (DRAF), collectively having awarded grants to 452 organizations across 40 countries.

In 2023, DRF reported revenue of $13,747,281 and maintained a program expense ratio of nearly 76%. The organization has received a Four-Star rating from Charity Navigator with a perfect 100% score in Accountability & Finance. DRF takes an intersectional feminist approach to grantmaking, emphasizing collaboration, solidarity, and accountability. As founder Diana Samarasan noted, "From its inception, the Disability Rights Fund has reimagined how philanthropy is done."

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Small Grants: $10,000–$30,000 per year (up to $60,000 for 2-year grants)

• Supports growth of broader and more diverse disability movements
• First-time applicants encouraged to apply for this stream
• Application method: Annual cycle (by invitation or open RFP)

Mid-Level Coalition Grants: $30,000–$50,000 per year (up to $100,000 for 2-year grants)

• Requires coalitions of three or more organizations
• Lead applicant must be an OPD
• Supports joint advocacy at sub-national and national levels

National Coalition Grants: $40,000–$60,000 per year (up to $120,000 for 2-year grants)

• Requires coalitions of three or more organizations
• Lead applicant must be an OPD
• Supports advocacy at national levels

Priority Areas

• Advance the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)
• Promote the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
• Build inclusive disability rights movements
• Support grassroots, emergent, and marginalized groups
• Focus on women, youth, persons with psychosocial disabilities, and multiply marginalized groups

Geographic Target Countries (2024):

• Africa: Malawi, Nigeria, Rwanda, Uganda
• Asia: Indonesia, Nepal
• Pacific Islands: Multiple Pacific Island Countries
• Caribbean: Haiti

What They Don't Fund

• Governmental entities and public institutions
• Businesses or commercial companies
• International organizations based outside target countries
• Organizations with proselytizing missions
• Service provision projects
• Projects that do not explicitly promote the CRPD
• Projects outside target countries

Governance and Leadership

Connie Laurin-Bowie, Executive Director (assumed April 2025) - Over 30 years of expertise in advocacy and movement building, former Executive Director of Inclusion International, played pivotal role in CRPD negotiations.

The organization is governed by a seven-member Board of Directors comprised of experts in disability rights, global civil society, and philanthropy. Funding decisions are made by DRF's Grantmaking Committee—a mix of donor representatives and global leaders with disabilities.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

DRF consolidated grantmaking into a single annual round cycle starting in 2023. Recent rounds have been by invitation only, though historically DRF has conducted open RFPs. Applications accepted in English, Indonesian, French, and Portuguese only.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be based in and conduct activities in a DRF/DRAF target country
• Must be a legally registered OPD or group under fiscal sponsorship
• Majority of staff/board must be persons with disabilities
• Project must explicitly promote the CRPD and specify relevant articles

Decision Timeline

• Application Period: Typically opens in July
• Review by Grantmaking Committee and Board approval required
• Specific timeline not publicly disclosed

Success Rates

Not publicly disclosed, though context suggests high competitiveness given that only 2% of human rights funding goes to persons with disabilities.

Reapplication Policy

Not publicly disclosed - applicants should contact info@disabilityrightsfund.org for guidance.

Application Success Factors

• Strong CRPD Linkage: Projects must explicitly promote CRPD and specify relevant articles
• Intersectional Approach: Address multiple forms of marginalization
• Coalition Building: For larger grants, demonstrate effective partnerships
• Rights-Based Focus: Emphasize systemic advocacy over service provision
• Marginalized Groups Priority: Center those most marginalized in disability movement
• Clear Measurable Goals: Include comprehensive evaluation plans
• Fiscal Responsibility: Well-structured budgets with clear narratives

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• CRPD is Central: Every project must explicitly promote the CRPD and specify relevant articles
• Geographic Specificity: Only organizations in specific target countries are eligible
• OPD Leadership Required: Majority of staff/board must have disabilities
• First-Timers Start Small: New applicants encouraged to apply for Small Grants ($10,000-$30,000)
• Two-Year Thinking: Consider long-term systemic change with new two-year funding cycles
• Invitation-Only Trend: Build relationships with DRF program officers to get on their radar
• No Service Provision: Focus on rights-based advocacy and movement building

References

1. Disability Rights Fund official website: https://www.disabilityrightsfund.org/ (Accessed February 6, 2026)
2. For Grantseekers page: https://www.disabilityrightsfund.org/for-grantseekers/ (Accessed February 6, 2026)
3. Our Team page: https://www.disabilityrightsfund.org/about/our-team/ (Accessed February 6, 2026)
4. Charity Navigator Rating: https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/275026293 (Accessed February 6, 2026)
5. ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/275026293 (Accessed February 6, 2026)
6. "Disability Rights Fund Appoints Connie Laurin-Bowie as Executive Director" (March 13, 2025)
7. Annual Reports page: https://www.disabilityrightsfund.org/annual-reports/ (Accessed February 6, 2026)