2026 Dwabo Small Grants Programme in Ghana: Apply for €8,000–€10,000 Grants Supporting Persons with Disabilities

The 2026 Dwabo Small Grants Programme is now open for applications from eligible civil society organisations in Ghana seeking financial support to implement innovative, locally grounded projects that promote the meaningful participation, economic empowerment and integration of persons with disabilities.

Launched by the Embassy of France in Ghana, the 2026 programme represents the sixth edition of the Dwabo Small Grants Programme and places a particular emphasis on economic inclusion and employability of persons with disabilities.

Successful projects can receive grants ranging from €8,000 to €10,000 for implementation over a 12-month period. The programme is designed to support practical initiatives that address barriers preventing persons with disabilities from accessing education, skills development, employment, entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihoods.

The application deadline is 23 September 2026 at 23:59. Both hard-copy and electronic submissions are required, and applicants must ensure that all required documents are submitted before the deadline.

About the 2026 Dwabo Small Grants Programme

The Dwabo Small Grants Programme is an initiative of the Embassy of France in Ghana intended to support projects that address important social and economic inclusion challenges.

For the 2026 edition, the programme focuses on improving the participation and economic integration of persons with disabilities. The call seeks projects that move beyond awareness alone and produce practical, measurable outcomes that can improve access to economic opportunities.

The programme is particularly interested in initiatives that:

• Develop market-relevant skills for persons with disabilities.
• Improve access to employment opportunities.
• Support entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihoods.
• Remove barriers to participation in the labour market.
• Improve accessibility within educational and working environments.
• Promote reasonable accommodation and assistive technologies.
• Reduce stigma and misconceptions surrounding disability.
• Strengthen disability-inclusive policies and institutional systems.
• Build partnerships between disability organisations, civil society, government, employers and the private sector.

The French Embassy describes the programme as part of broader efforts to eliminate barriers to the economic empowerment of persons with disabilities and contribute to more inclusive societies. The initiative also contributes to Sustainable Development Goal priorities, particularly SDG 4 on Quality Education, SDG 8 on Decent Work and Economic Growth, and SDG 10 on Reduced Inequalities.

What the 2026 Dwabo Grant Supports

The programme is looking for innovative and locally implementable projects that can translate disability rights and inclusion principles into practical economic opportunities.

Projects may focus on one or several areas related to disability-inclusive economic participation.

1. Economic Empowerment and Employability

Projects can address barriers that prevent persons with disabilities from obtaining and retaining meaningful employment.

Potential interventions could include initiatives that improve employability, develop job-related skills, connect beneficiaries with employers or create more accessible pathways into the labour market.

The objective is to help persons with disabilities participate more meaningfully in economic activities rather than remain excluded from employment and income-generating opportunities.

2. Inclusive Education and Skills Development

The programme supports efforts to improve access to inclusive educational, vocational and other training environments, particularly from the secondary education level onwards.

Projects could therefore address gaps that prevent persons with disabilities from participating effectively in skills development programmes.

This may include improving the accessibility of training environments, strengthening inclusive teaching approaches or creating pathways between training and employment.

3. Accessibility and Reasonable Accommodation

Another priority is adapting educational and workplace environments to meet the accessibility requirements of persons with disabilities.

Projects may address:

• Physical accessibility.
• Reasonable accommodation.
• Accessible learning environments.
• Accessible workplaces.
• Assistive technology.
• Other practical measures that allow persons with disabilities to participate fully.

The focus is on identifying and reducing barriers that limit participation.

4. Awareness and Community Capacity

The programme also seeks to strengthen community awareness and capacity to identify and address barriers affecting the inclusion and economic participation of persons with disabilities.

Projects may therefore work with communities, employers, institutions or other stakeholders to improve understanding of disability inclusion and develop practical responses to exclusion.

5. Reducing Stigma and Stereotypes

Stigma, stereotypes and misconceptions about disability can create significant barriers to education, employment, entrepreneurship and skills development.

The 2026 call therefore supports initiatives designed to challenge misconceptions about the capabilities of persons with disabilities and encourage more inclusive attitudes and practices.

6. Legal, Policy and Institutional Frameworks

Projects may also contribute to strengthening legal, policy and institutional frameworks that promote disability-inclusive education, skills development, employment and economic participation.

This can involve working with relevant institutions and stakeholders to identify gaps and develop or strengthen approaches that support greater inclusion.

7. Partnerships for Economic Inclusion

The programme encourages collaboration among different stakeholders.

These can include:

• Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs).
• Civil society organisations.
• Public institutions.
• Employers.
• Skills-development institutions.
• Private-sector organisations.
• Local authorities.
• Other relevant development partners.

Partnership-based projects can help create sustainable pathways into employment, entrepreneurship and broader economic participation.

Grant Amount and Project Duration

Successful applicants can receive between:

€8,000 and €10,000 per project

The grant supports projects implemented over:

12 months

Applicants should therefore develop realistic project plans that can be delivered within the specified implementation period.

The proposed budget should clearly correspond to the project’s activities, expected results and implementation requirements.

Who Can Apply for the 2026 Dwabo Small Grants Programme?

The opportunity is not designed for individual applicants.

The eligible applicants are legally registered civil society organisations operating in Ghana.

According to the published eligibility requirements, eligible organisations include:

• Legally registered and recognised civil society organisations in Ghana.
• Civil society organisations affiliated with established networks or coalitions.
• Organisations with a regional or district-level presence in Ghana.
• Organisations working with local partners to implement projects.
• Organisations with demonstrated experience in disability inclusion, economic empowerment, employability, skills development, livelihoods, entrepreneurship, education, human rights or closely related areas.
• Organisations with adequate organisational, technical and financial capacity to manage and account for grant funding.
• Organisations with appropriate governance, financial management and internal control arrangements.

Geographic Eligibility

The 2026 Dwabo Small Grants Programme is Ghana-specific.

Therefore, the primary geographic eligibility is:

Country: Ghana

The applicant organisation must be legally registered and operating in Ghana.

This means that an individual from another African country, Europe, Asia, North America or another part of the world cannot apply simply as an individual.

Likewise, an international organisation would need to satisfy the programme’s specific requirements concerning eligible operations and partnerships in Ghana.

What Kind of Organisations Are Particularly Relevant?

Organisations whose existing work relates to disability inclusion and economic empowerment may be particularly relevant to this call.

Relevant organisational experience may include:

• Disability rights and inclusion.
• Economic empowerment.
• Employment and employability.
• Vocational and technical skills development.
• Entrepreneurship.
• Livelihood development.
• Inclusive education.
• Human rights.
• Community development.
• Accessibility.
• Social protection and inclusion.
• Workplace inclusion.

Applicants should be able to demonstrate that they have the organisational capacity and relevant experience necessary to implement the proposed project successfully.

Priority for Disadvantaged Regions

The programme indicates that preference will be given to projects implemented in disadvantaged regions, with particular emphasis on Northern Ghana.

Applicants planning projects in underserved communities should therefore clearly explain the local context, the barriers faced by persons with disabilities and how the proposed intervention will respond to those challenges.

However, applicants should still ensure that their project meets all eligibility and programme requirements rather than assuming that geographic location alone guarantees funding.

Co-Financing Requirement

Applicants are required to include at least 10% co-financing in their project proposals.

Co-financing can demonstrate that the proposed project has support beyond the Dwabo grant and may contribute to the sustainability of the intervention.

Potential sources of co-financing could include contributions from partners, other donors, private-sector organisations or other eligible sources, subject to the programme’s rules.

Projects that benefit from co-financing involving other partners may receive favourable consideration.

Possible partners can include:

• NGOs.
• Private-sector organisations.
• Local authorities.
• Other donors.
• Community organisations.
• Relevant institutions.

Important Budget Requirements

Applicants should pay close attention to the programme’s financial requirements when preparing their proposals.

Administrative and Operational Costs

Administrative and operational costs must not exceed 8% of the global project budget.

This means that the majority of the requested funding should be directed towards the actual implementation of project activities and achievement of intended results.

Equipment Costs

Equipment expenditure is limited to 7% of the total budget.

Applicants should therefore avoid developing proposals in which most of the requested funding is dedicated to purchasing equipment.

The proposal should instead demonstrate how resources will contribute directly to the project’s objectives and beneficiaries.

Sitting Allowances and Honoraria

The published requirements state that proposals should not include sitting allowances or honoraria.

Applicants should take this restriction into account when preparing their budgets.

Projects That Are Not Eligible

Not every type of activity qualifies for funding under the 2026 Dwabo programme.

Applicants should carefully distinguish between a project that contributes to disability-inclusive economic participation and an activity that falls outside the scope of the call.

The following types of actions are listed as ineligible:

Individual Participation in Events

Projects concerned only or mainly with individual sponsorship for participation in:

• Workshops.
• Seminars.
• Conferences.
• Congresses.

are not eligible.

Standalone Events

Projects focused only on organising workshops, seminars, conferences or congresses are also not eligible.

The programme is looking for substantive projects that produce meaningful inclusion and economic participation outcomes rather than simply financing events.

Individual Scholarships

Projects concerned only or mainly with individual scholarships for studies or training courses are not eligible.

This is an important distinction because the Dwabo programme is a project grant for eligible organisations, not an individual scholarship programme.

Formal Education

Projects in the formal education sector are generally ineligible except in special circumstances.

Applicants should therefore ensure that an education-related project clearly fits within the programme’s broader disability inclusion and economic participation objectives.

Political Party Activities

Actions supporting political parties are not eligible.

Religious Proselytism

Projects that include religious proselytism are not eligible.

Discriminatory Activities

Projects that discriminate against individuals or groups based on characteristics including:

• Race.
• Gender.
• Sexual orientation.
• Religious beliefs or lack of religious beliefs.
• Ethnic origin.

are not eligible.

Activities Conflicting with Constitutional Provisions

Actions that conflict with constitutional provisions are also excluded.

These restrictions should be reviewed carefully before an organisation invests time in preparing its application.

What Should a Strong Project Proposal Demonstrate?

The programme expects applicants to present proposals that are clear, practical and measurable.

A strong proposal should clearly explain:

1. The problem – What disability-related economic inclusion challenge exists?
2. The target beneficiaries – Who will benefit from the project?
3. The geographic area – Where will the intervention take place?
4. The objectives – What does the project intend to achieve?
5. The activities – What will the organisation actually do?
6. The expected results – What measurable changes are expected?
7. The indicators – How will progress and results be measured?
8. The implementation plan – How will the project be delivered over 12 months?
9. The budget – How will the grant and co-financing be used?
10. The sustainability strategy – How will the benefits continue beyond the grant period?

The published requirements specifically call for clearly defined context, objectives, beneficiaries and measurable indicators, together with practical and innovative solutions that can be implemented locally.

Required Application Documents

Applicants should prepare the required documents before submitting their proposals.

The published application requirements include:

1. Completed Dwabo Grant Application Form

Applicants must complete the official grant application form provided for the 2026 call.

2. Completed Provisional Budget Form

The provisional budget must be completed in the required Excel format.

The budget should be:

• Completed accurately.
• Signed.
• Stamped.
• Consistent with the activities described in the proposal.

3. Official Bank Letter

Applicants must provide an official bank letter confirming the organisation’s Ghana Cedis account.

4. Certificate of Recognition

A valid Certificate of Recognition from the Department of Social Welfare is required.

5. Certificate to Commence Business

Applicants must provide a valid Certificate to Commence Business.

6. Certificate of Incorporation

A valid Certificate of Incorporation must also be submitted.

7. CVs of Key Project Team Members

Applicants must provide CVs for key project team members.

The CVs should not exceed three pages.

8. Letter of Support or Relevant Documentation

A letter of support or other relevant supporting documentation may also be submitted, with the supporting material limited to three pages.

All required documents should be valid for 2026.

Application Length and Formatting

Applicants should also follow the formatting requirements.

The application itself must not exceed:

8 pages, excluding annexes

The required font is:

Calibri, size 11

Applicants should therefore avoid unnecessarily lengthy narratives and focus on clearly explaining the problem, intervention, beneficiaries, activities, expected results, indicators, implementation arrangements and budget.

How to Apply for the 2026 Dwabo Grant

The 2026 Dwabo Small Grants Programme requires both hard-copy and electronic submission.

Applicants should prepare the complete application package and submit it through both required channels.

Hard-Copy Submission

The hard-copy application should be submitted at the Embassy’s security point in a sealed envelope.

The envelope should be addressed to:

Alberta AMEZIAH
Project Officer – Dwabo
Embassy of France
Fourth Circular Road
Cantonments, Accra, Ghana

Electronic Submission

Applicants must also submit the required documents electronically through the France Transfert platform.

The electronic submission must be completed before:

23 September 2026 at 23:59

The file should be named using the organisation’s name followed by:

DWABO 2026

The transfer package should be addressed to the project email specified in the call documentation.

Applicants should ensure that the electronic and hard-copy submissions are both completed before the deadline. The published requirements state that failure to submit both within the deadline will result in rejection of the application.

Application Resources

The official France in Ghana announcement provides three key application documents:

• Dwabo Terms of Reference 2026 – contains the detailed programme requirements.
• Grant Application Form – used to prepare the project proposal.
• Provisional Budget – used to prepare the project budget.

Applicants should read the Terms of Reference carefully before completing the application because the detailed requirements determine whether a proposed project is eligible.

Key Information at a Glance

Item	Details
Programme	2026 Dwabo Small Grants Programme
Country	Ghana
Implementing institution	Embassy of France in Ghana
Grant amount	€8,000–€10,000
Project duration	12 months
Main focus	Economic inclusion and employability of persons with disabilities
Applicant type	Legally registered civil society organisations
Geographic scope	Ghana
Co-financing	At least 10%
Administrative/operational costs	Maximum 8% of global budget
Equipment costs	Maximum 7% of total budget
Application length	Maximum 8 pages excluding annexes
Font	Calibri, size 11
Hard copy	Required
Electronic copy	Required
Deadline	23 September 2026 at 23:59

Why Disability-Inclusive Economic Participation Matters

Persons with disabilities can encounter multiple barriers to education, skills development, employment and entrepreneurship.

These barriers may occur at different levels, including within communities, educational institutions, workplaces, public institutions and labour markets.

A disability-inclusive economic empowerment project can therefore address several interconnected challenges at the same time.

For example, a project could combine skills development with employer engagement, accessibility improvements, entrepreneurship support and awareness activities.

This type of integrated approach can help move beyond simply identifying barriers and instead create practical pathways towards greater participation.

How Organisations Can Strengthen Their Proposals

Organisations preparing an application should ensure that their proposed project is directly connected to the objectives of the call.

Demonstrate a Clearly Defined Problem

Avoid describing disability exclusion only in general terms.

Explain the specific problem affecting the target community and provide evidence wherever possible.

Identify Specific Beneficiaries

Clearly explain who will benefit, including relevant characteristics such as location, disability-related needs and economic circumstances where appropriate.

Provide Measurable Results

Instead of saying that the project will “empower persons with disabilities,” explain what measurable changes the project expects to achieve.

For example, the proposal could establish measurable targets relating to skills acquisition, employment pathways, entrepreneurship, accessibility improvements or institutional capacity.

Build Relevant Partnerships

Projects can involve employers, disability organisations, government institutions, training institutions, private companies and other stakeholders.

Clearly define what each partner will contribute.

Develop a Realistic Budget

The proposed expenditure should correspond directly with the project’s activities and expected results.

Applicants should pay particular attention to the 7% equipment limit and 8% administrative/operational cost limit.

Demonstrate Sustainability

Explain how the project’s benefits can continue after the 12-month grant period.

Sustainability could involve institutional partnerships, employer relationships, community ownership, income-generating mechanisms, capacity building or integration into existing systems.

APPLY HERE

Deadline for the 2026 Dwabo Small Grants Programme

The application deadline is

23 September 2026 at 23:59

Both the hard-copy and electronic application requirements should be completed by the deadline.

Because the deadline is approaching, eligible organisations should begin preparing the application, supporting documents and budget as early as possible.

Visit HERE for more information about the 2026 Dwabo Small Grants Programme in Ghana.

Conclusion

The 2026 Dwabo Small Grants Programme provides an opportunity for eligible civil society organisations in Ghana to secure funding for practical projects aimed at advancing the economic inclusion, employability and meaningful participation of persons with disabilities.

With grants of €8,000 to €10,000 available for projects lasting 12 months, the programme is particularly relevant to organisations working in disability inclusion, skills development, employment, entrepreneurship, livelihoods, accessibility, education and human rights.

The call places strong emphasis on locally grounded and measurable interventions. Applicants should therefore develop proposals that clearly identify a specific problem, define their beneficiaries, present practical solutions, establish measurable indicators and demonstrate appropriate organisational and financial capacity.

Organisations should also carefully follow the financial and administrative requirements, including the minimum 10% co-financing requirement, the 8% ceiling for administrative and operational costs, the 7% limit on equipment expenditure, and the requirement for both hard-copy and electronic submission.

Eligible organisations should review the official 2026 Terms of Reference and application documents carefully and submit their complete applications before 23 September 2026 at 23:59.

For more global Grant opportunities, visit OFY HERE.