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FoundationGrantRolling

Abilis Foundation

EUR 500 - EUR 10,000

RollingWebsiteEst. 1998

GrantDisability & InclusionVocational TrainingHuman RightsSocial EnterpriseAll Stages

Strong Gender Lens

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Abilis Foundation provides small grants (EUR 500-10,000) to projects initiated, planned, and implemented by and for persons with disabilities in developing countries. Grants support economic empowerment, vocational training, advocacy, and human rights promotion for disabled persons' organizations (DPOs). The foundation prioritizes projects that promote the Human Rights of persons with disabilities and improve the position of disabled women.

What You Get

Project Grants

Small grants of EUR 500 to EUR 10,000 for disability-led projects including economic empowerment, vocational training, advocacy, and rights promotion

Application Support

Local Country Office staff provide application forms, guidance, and help throughout the application process

Capacity Building

Support for organizational development of disabled persons' organizations

How to Apply

Contact the Abilis Foundation Country Office or Partner Organization in your country. Local staff will provide the application form and guidance. Applications are accepted year-round (rolling). Apply through the local office, not directly through the website. Visit https://www.abilis.fi/hae-rahoitusta?lang=en for country contact details.

Warm Intro

Recommended but not required

Geographic Focus

East Africa, Southern Africa

Decision Timeline

Varies by country office — typically 4-12 weeks

Eligibility

Must be a disabled persons' organization (DPO) — projects must be planned and implemented by and for persons with disabilities
Must operate in one of Abilis's 10 Programme Countries (Africa: Ethiopia, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Uganda)
Must apply through local Country Office or Partner Organization in-country
Priority given to projects promoting Human Rights of persons with disabilities
Priority given to projects improving the position of disabled women

Traction Required

Must be an established DPO with clear project plan. No minimum revenue required.

Team Requirements

Organization must be led by and composed of persons with disabilities

Selection Criteria

Project is initiated and led by persons with disabilities
Clear plan with measurable outcomes for disability inclusion
Alignment with human rights approach to disability
Gender sensitivity — projects supporting disabled women prioritized
Feasibility within EUR 500-10,000 grant range

Focus Areas

Economic Empowerment

Supporting income-generating activities and livelihood projects run by and for persons with disabilities

Human Rights Promotion

Projects that advance the human rights of persons with disabilities, including advocacy and awareness

Vocational Training

Skills development and employment integration programs for disabled persons

Women with Disabilities

Projects specifically improving the position and empowerment of disabled women

What They Look For

Projects initiated and led by disabled persons' organizations that promote economic empowerment, human rights, or vocational training. Strong preference for projects led by disabled women and those with clear, measurable outcomes within modest budgets.

Post-Investment Support

Reporting support through local Country Office staff, capacity building for DPOs, connection to disability rights networks.

Red Flags to Watch

Maximum grant is EUR 10,000 — not suitable for large funding needs; Only funds DPOs, not general startups or for-profit ventures; Limited to 5 African countries (Ethiopia, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Uganda); Must apply through local office, not direct online application

Insider Tip

Abilis practices inclusive philanthropy — they fund based on YOUR organization's ideas, not top-down priorities. The key is having a genuine DPO with disabled leadership. Start by contacting the local Country Office; they are very supportive in helping shape proposals. Projects supporting disabled women get priority.

1998

Active Since

Yes

Deploying

Opportunities

Abilis Foundation

What You Get

Application Details

Fit Criteria