Applications are now open for the Disability Inclusion Fund (DIF) 2026 Collaborative Grants Program, offering up to $150,000 over two years to support disability-led organizations advancing justice, inclusion, and cross-movement collaboration. The deadline to apply is May 20, 2026.
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: May 20, 2026
- Time: 8:59 PM PT | 9:59 PM CT | 11:59 PM ET
- Information Webinar: Held April 15, 2026 (recording available)
- Notification of Results: By November 20, 2026
About Borealis Philanthropy
Borealis Philanthropy is a philanthropic intermediary that supports social justice movements across the United States. Through innovative funding strategies, Borealis invests in leaders, grassroots organizations, and collaborative efforts that drive transformative change—especially in disability justice and inclusion.
About the Disability Inclusion Fund (DIF)
The Disability Inclusion Fund supports U.S.-based, disability-led organizations working toward a more equitable and accessible society. Backed by major donors including the Presidents’ Council on Disability Inclusion in Philanthropy, DIF prioritizes initiatives that center lived experiences and build collective power across movements.
Core Values
All funded projects align with DIF’s guiding principles:
- Participation: Centering those most impacted
- Intersectionality: Recognizing overlapping identities
- Radical Inclusion: Removing barriers to access
- Leadership of the Most Impacted: Prioritizing marginalized voices
- Cross-Movement Solidarity: Building alliances across sectors
- Sustainability: Strengthening long-term movement capacity
What the DIF Collaborative Grants Fund
This opportunity supports joint proposals from at least two partner organizations working together toward shared impact.
Eligible Project Areas Include:
- Disability justice initiatives led by and for disabled communities
- Cross-movement work (e.g., racial justice, climate, labor, immigration, LGBTQ+ rights)
- Coalition building and collaborative organizing
- Narrative change to challenge ableism in culture and policy
- Arts, media, and storytelling amplifying disabled voices
- Advocacy, grassroots organizing, and policy change efforts
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, applicants must meet the following:
- Partnership Requirement: At least two collaborating organizations
- Leadership: At least one organization must be disability-led (50%+ leadership with disabilities)
- Budget Cap: Each organization must have an annual budget under $3 million
- Location: Must be U.S.-based or U.S. territory-based (or fiscally sponsored)
- Project Focus: Must align with disability justice and collaborative impact
Additional Notes:
- Partnerships may include universities, individuals, hospitals, or LLCs
- However, the lead applicant must have a disability-centered mission
- Projects primarily focused on research or direct service delivery are not eligible
Funding Details
- Grant Size: Up to $75,000 per year
- Duration: 2 years
- Total Funding: Up to $150,000
- Limit: Cannot exceed 25% of your organization’s total budget
Application Process
How to Apply
Applicants must complete the online eligibility quiz and application form via Borealis Philanthropy’s portal.
Important Steps:
- Choose a Lead Applicant Organization
- This entity will receive and manage the funds
- Develop a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
- Required for all collaborating partners
- Complete and Submit the Application
- Ensure all required fields are filled before submission
Saving Your Application
Applicants can save progress and return later using the platform’s “Save my progress” feature.
Accessibility & Inclusive Application Options
DIF is committed to accessibility. Alternative formats are available, including:
- Zoom or phone submissions
- Word or PDF formats
- Captioning and ASL interpretation (for webinars)
Use of AI in Applications
Applicants may use AI tools for drafting responses. However, DIF emphasizes authenticity and real-world experience—applications should reflect your organization’s actual work, challenges, and impact.
What Happens Next?
- Applications are reviewed through a participatory grantmaking process
- Final decisions are made by a committee of disability advocates and funders
- Applicants will be notified by November 20, 2026
Application Questions (Overview)
Applicants will respond to short narrative questions (max 250 words each), covering:
- Collaboration goals and partner roles
- Use of anti-ableist frameworks
- Project plans and expected outcomes
- Challenges and support needs
- Monitoring and evaluation strategies
Required Documents
- Project budget (estimated)
- Combined organizational budget
- 501(c)(3) documentation or fiscal sponsorship agreement
- List of current funders
- Geographic scope of work
The Disability Inclusion Fund 2026 presents a powerful opportunity for disability-led organizations to collaborate, scale impact, and drive systemic change. If your work centers inclusion, justice, and collective action, this grant could be a strong fit.
Be sure to submit your application before May 20, 2026.
