GO8604: Supporting Participation Program – 2026-27

The Supporting Participation Program (full title – Supporting Participation by Representatives of People with Disability in Key International Forums on Human Rights Program) provides funding for people with disability, through representative and advocacy organisations, to participate in key international disability and human rights forums.

The program aims to ensure the voices and experiences of Australians with disability are represented in global discussions on disability rights, inclusion and policy development.

Delegates will contribute to international discussions on disability rights, build advocacy skills, expand professional networks, and strengthen the Australian disability sector's engagement in global forums.

The program includes both General Delegates (aged over 18 years) and Emerging Young Leaders (aged 18 to 35 years), with an emphasis on leadership development, mentoring and capacity building.

Delegates and organisations are expected to actively participate in forum activities, collaborate with stakeholders, meet all program requirements, support delegate wellbeing, manage risks, and share outcomes and learnings with the disability sector.

Funding primarily supports in-person attendance, while allowing flexibility for virtual participation where required.

To view the grant opportunity documents, please select the red "Grant Opportunity Documents" button on the left-hand side.

Applicants must be an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Corporation registered under the Corporations (Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006; Company; Corporate Commonwealth Entity; Corporate State or Territory Entity; Non-corporate State or Territory Entity; Non-corporate State or Territory Statutory Authority; Local Government; Cooperative; Incorporated Association; Sole Trader; Statutory Entity; Partnership; Person; or Unincorporated Association.

A Trustee applying on behalf of a Trust must have an eligible entity type.

Applications for individuals with disability can only be accepted from organisations that hold UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Consultative Status or are accredited to the specific forum applied to, such as COSP Accreditation.

Applicants must be aged 18 years or older; Emerging Young Leader Delegation applicants must be aged 18 to 35 at the time of application.

The applicant organisation and its key personnel must not be subject to an NDIS Act banning order.

Applicants must declare compliance with the Commonwealth Child Safe Framework, Workplace Gender Equality Act 2012, Multicultural Access and Equity Policy reporting requirements, and Disability Services and Inclusion Act 2023 requirements.