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2026 Disability Research Funding

Applications for the 2026 Disability Research Funding Round closed at 5:00 pm AEST on 20 April 2026.

Thank you to everyone who submitted an application.

If you have questions about your application or the assessment process, contact us at info@ndrp.org.au.


TABLE OF CONTENTS

Research themes | Key dates | FAQs | Grant Guidelines | Resources | Information sessions | 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 

Research themes

This funding round focused 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 opened: 23 February 2026
  • Applications closed: 5:00pm AEST, 20 April 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Want to know more about the 2026 Disability Research Funding Round? Find answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) here. FAQs updated 15 April 2026. 

Research funding FAQsNDRP FAQs

Grant Guidelines and key documents

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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)
A teal tile that says "2026 Disability Research Funding. Grant Guidelines. Easy Read (text only)." The NDRP logo is in the bottom right.

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)
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Preview application form

Download a plain text copy of the SmartyGrants application form.

Preview form (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

Information sessions

Questions from past information sessions have been added to the Frequently Asked Questions page.

Research funding FAQsNDRP FAQs

Evidence to Action events

Our Evidence to Action events talk about what is known about a certain topic, what is not known, and what research is needed. Our goal is to work together and inform future research and policy directions.

Our most recent events focused on preparing for NDRP's 2026 Disability Research Funding opportunities.

Watch Evidence to Action event recordings here

Eligibility

1. Eligibility requirements

Eligibility criteria included: 

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 applications are 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

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

Find support

Contact info@ndrp.org.au | Subscribe to updates

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