If your organisation is interested in applying for the new Inclusion and Accessibility Fund grant but is unsure about eligibility, we hope this information clarifies any questions.
About the grant:
Inclusion and Accessibility Fund: ADS – Community Attitudes Grant
As part of the rollout of the Australian Disability Strategy, DSS has opened grant applications from DROs and DPOs to apply for up to $300,000 to deliver work over a two-year period. The grant is focused on improving people with disability access to opportunities in everyday life, such as employment, education, and social participation. As well as strategies to reduce stigma, unconscious bias and negative attitudes. The grant is to deliver activities such as research and development, training, tools and events, consultations and engagement and improving accessibility.
Applications are due by 6 March 2025.
You can find more information, including the guidelines and how to apply, by clicking here.
Are DANA members eligible to apply for this grant?
This grant is to fund projects proposed by Disability Representative Organisations (DROs) and Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs) that focus on reducing harm to and increasing the inclusion of people with disability.
As of today (27 February 2025), DROs are funded through the Department of Social Services DRO program. This program provides the opportunity for people with disability and their representative organisations to communicate their views to the Australian Government. This is regardless of type of disability, gender, cultural background, age, or membership. Organisations funded under the DRO program communicate with the Australian Government.
Eligible applicants must be either DROs or DPOs who have proven experience and capability in addressing disability issues, particularly those groups that have demonstrated linkages and partnerships with people with disability and the capability to work with employers, mainstream community organisations, education institutions, disability service providers, or others in the delivery of activities.
How are DROs and DPOs specifically accredited or certified?
- A DPO is an organisation that is controlled by people with disability (at least 51% of people with disability at the board and membership levels).
- A DPO is different to other disability sector organisations because it is ‘for us, by us’.
- There is not a register of DPOs (like the DROs).
- DROs are characterised by being both led and composed of individuals with disability, distinguished from other disability sector entities.
Please feel free to contact us if you have any additional questions.