A Broken System. A New Approach.
Disability is a global experience—yet it remains one of the most underfunded and overlooked areas in philanthropy. Despite over 1.3 billion people worldwide living with a disability, less than 1% of global aid supports disability inclusion—and even less reaches grassroots organizations in the Global South.
The result? Incredible local leaders are doing vital work with almost no resources.
We started The Accessibility Fund because we believe in a different approach. One that centers dignity, removes barriers, and puts funding directly into the hands of the people building change where they live.
Local Leadership. Global Impact.
The most effective solutions for disability inclusion are already being created—by people who know their communities best. Many are disabled themselves; others are long-time advocates, caregivers, or allies. What they share is a deep commitment to equity—and a powerful vision for change.
But most of these leaders run small, community-rooted organizations that never receive the recognition or funding they deserve.
TAF exists to change that.
We fund grassroots disability organizations that are embedded in the places they serve—meeting urgent needs with culturally relevant, locally led solutions. These groups are often excluded from traditional funding pipelines simply because they’re small, under-resourced, or under the radar. We seek them out—and support them for the long term.
Each grantee becomes part of a 3-year cohort. In Year 1, they receive unrestricted funding and join a peer community for shared learning, storytelling support, and connection. In Year 2, they participate in our Nonprofit Accelerator—a 12-month program focused on fundraising, strategy, operations, communications, and leadership development. In Year 3, they continue to receive flexible support while preparing to join our global alumni network.
We believe that when you invest in local leadership, you build lasting inclusion—not just for today, but for generations to come.
Freedom of Movement
Freedom of Movement
Appropriate Mobility Aids
Appropriate Mobility Aids
Access to Education
Access to Education
Economic Opportunity
Economic Opportunity
Social Inclusion
Social Inclusion
Accessible Infrastructure
Accessible Infrastructure
What You Might Be Wondering
How does TAF define disability?
At The Accessibility Fund, we define disability as the result of barriers—not bodies. We focus on how physical environments, attitudes, and systems exclude people whose bodies or senses function differently.
Around the world, people with physical and sensory disabilities often face heightened stigma, isolation, and systemic exclusion. Too often, they are denied the right to move freely, communicate fully, or participate in everyday life—not because of their disability, but because societies were not built with them in mind. Harmful social norms, misinformation, and deep-rooted stigma continue to limit opportunity and reinforce exclusion.
We believe in a world where access is the baseline, not the exception. That’s why we invest in grassroots organizations working to remove barriers, change perceptions, and build inclusive communities—led by and for people with disabilities.
Why does TAF focus on the Global South?
Disability injustice exists everywhere. But in many countries across the Global South—and in under-resourced communities around the world—people with physical and sensory disabilities face more acute barriers and fewer systems of support.
In these settings, accessible infrastructure is rare, stigma is often more entrenched, and essential services like healthcare, education, and mobility devices may be out of reach entirely.
We choose to prioritize these communities not because their needs are more important, but because they are more urgent—and more often overlooked by traditional funding models.
In contrast, people with disabilities in countries like the U.S., U.K., or parts of Europe—while still facing real inequities—are more likely to have access to public accommodations, legal protections, and disability rights movements.
Our role is to help close the gap—by resourcing the grassroots leaders already doing the work in their communities, and by amplifying solutions from places too often excluded from global visibility and funding.
How can I apply to join the grantee cohort?
Applications for the 2026 cohort will open in November 2025 and will be available online. We encourage small, disability-focused organizations—especially those based in the Global South—to apply.
Join our mailing list to be notified when the call for applications goes live.
Does my organization need to be disability-led to apply?
No. We fund both disability-led organizations and small nonprofits or community-based groups doing strong, ethical work to support people with disabilities. We prioritize organizations with deep local roots and a clear commitment to disability inclusion, accessibility, and dignity.
When will fundraising open?
We are currently securing our fiscal sponsorship and preparing for launch. Fundraising is expected to open in late 2025. In the meantime, you can join our mailing list to stay updated or reach out if you’d like to partner or collaborate.
Can individuals apply for support?
At this time, TAF does not fund individuals directly. Our grants are for small organizations or collectives. However, we welcome individuals to engage with us as storytellers, ambassadors, or community advisors—and we may expand our offerings in the future.
