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2026 Disability Research Funding


TABLE OF CONTENTS

Research themes | Key dates | Grant Guidelines | Resources | Information sessions | FAQs | Eligibility | Find Support

The NDRP is funding collaborative, disability-led research that creates new knowledge on safety and accessible and inclusive communities.

Key facts at a glance:

  • Up to $300,000 per project
  • Two NDRP Research Agenda themes
  • Three funding opportunities 
  • 12-month projects
  • $5 million total funding 
  • Applications open: 23 February 2026
  • Applications close: 5:00pm AEST, 20 April 2026

Apply here through SmartyGrants. 

Apply now
Read the Grant GuidelinesApply now on SmartyGrants

Research themes

This funding round focuses on two research themes:

Theme 1: Safety of people with disability

Includes one open and one targeted opportunity in this research theme

Opportunity 1A (Open): Research projects focused on the topic of safety of people with disability. Teams can define their own research focus within this theme.
→    Up to $300,000 per project
→    $2.4 million available

Opportunity 1B (Targeted): Research projects focused on pathways to the elimination of restrictive practices for people with disability.

→ Up to $300,000 per project
→ $600 000 available

Theme 2: Accessible and inclusive communities

There is one open opportunity in this research theme

Opportunity 2A (Open): Research projects focused on the topic of accessible and inclusive communities. Teams can define their own research focus within this theme.

→ Up to $300,000 per project
→ $2 million available

Key dates

  • Applications open: 23 February 2026
  • Applications close: 5:00pm AEST, 20 April 2026
  • Apply: through SmartyGrants
  • Notification of successful applicants: 30 May 2026
  • Contract execution: 15 June 2026
  • Projects must commence: 1 July 2026
  • Projects must be completed: 30 June 2027

Grant Guidelines and Assessment Matrix

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2026 Grant Guidelines

Download the full Guidelines for the 2026 Disability Research Funding.

Download full Guidelines (Word)
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Auslan Grant Guidelines

Watch a plain language summary of the Guidelines in Auslan.

Watch the Guidelines in Auslan
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Easy Read Guidelines

Money for research projects. Rules to apply in 2026. Accessible PDF.

Download Easy Read (PDF)
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Easy Read Guidelines (text only)

Money for research projects. Rules to apply in 2026. Text only Word document.

Download Easy Read text only (Word)
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Assessment Matrix

Eligible applications will be assessed against the five selection criteria in the NDRP Disability Research Funding Grant Guidelines.

Download the Assessment Matrix (Word)

Resources

NDRP Resource Pack

Resource pack: Building strong partnerships

A collection of practical tools to support researchers to build respectful and inclusive partnerships. Includes tips, worksheets and templates.

Download the Resource Pack
NDRP Research Agenda

Research topics

Our research is guided by the NDRP Research Agenda. Find out more detailed information about the research topics, including underpinning themes.

Read the Research Agenda
NDRP Codesigning research

Co-designing research

Strong co-design teams bring together a range of perspectives, experiences, and skills. Co-design should be part of the research project from the beginning.

Read more about co-design

Register for an information session

Ask questions or find more information at one of our online sessions.

Research by and with People with Disability

  • Monday 2 March 2026, 12:30pm – 2.00pm AEDT
  • What you'll learn: How to build capability in co-design, power-aware practice, governance models, and inclusive research methods.
  • Online interactive session. This session will be recorded.

Q&A drop-in sessions:

  • Monday 16 March 2026, 1pm – 2.30pm AEDT
  • Wednesday 18 March 2026, 4.30pm – 6pm AEDT
  • Monday 30 March 2026, 1pm – 2.30pm AEDT
  • Wednesday 1 April 2026, 4.30pm – 6pm AEDT
Register for an information session

Frequently Asked Questions

Want to know more about the 2026 Disability Research Funding Round? Find answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) here. 

Research funding FAQsNDRP FAQs

Eligibility

Is this funding right for you? 

1. Eligibility requirements

You must meet all eligibility requirements to apply.

Administering Organisation:

  • Has an ABN and is based in Australia
  • Is not a government agency
  • Has organisational policies, insurance, and a business plan.

Research Team:

  • Includes at least one Partner Organisation
  • Includes people with disability in co-researcher or co-leader roles
  • Each team member appears on only ONE application.

The Project:

  • Aligns with one of the three funding opportunities
  • Is a research project (not only service delivery or advocacy),
  • Applies for funding of $300,000 or less

2. How your application will be assessed

Strong applications show:

  • Leadership by and with people with disability
  • Research that creates new knowledge and produces findings
  • Clear potential for policy and practice impact
  • Collaborative teams bringing together diverse expertise

3. Meet the eligibility requirements?

Great!

Now you can focus on demonstrating what we're looking for in your application.

Applications close 5:00pm AEST, 20 April 2026.

Apply now

First time applying for research funding?

We're here to support you.

Our information sessions, guidelines, and FAQs will help you understand what makes a strong application and how to build effective research partnerships.

Learn more here

Find support

Contact info@ndrp.org.au | Subscribe to updates | Register for information sessions

Want to know more about the NDRP? Visit our website.