What is the NEA DRI Coalition Grant Program?
To support the formation of an alliance of NEA local affiliates that will advocate on behalf of educators and students with disabilities, the NEA has created the Disability Rights and Inclusion (DRI) Coalition Grant Program. DRI coalition affiliates will receive a one-time grant of up to $25,000 to implement initiatives that build member advocacy and action. In 2025, up to five grants will be awarded to local affiliates. Recipients will need to identify a problem or challenge affecting educators and/or students with disabilities and commit to an action plan, led by a disability rights and inclusion expert.
Examples of Appropriate Events and/or Activities Meeting Criteria Include:
- Disability Justice Learning & Action Series: A sustained program of workshops, teach-ins, and community dialogues that deepen member understanding of disability justice principles and build long-term solidarity across movements.
- Member Mobilization Campaigns: Multi-phase organizing efforts that engage NEA members and families in collective action such as advocacy campaigns, solidarity networks, and cross-local coalitions that lead to durable change in schools and communities.
- Caseload vs. Workload Organizing: A structured, long-term campaign where members collect data, train colleagues, and use collective bargaining or policy advocacy to win enforceable workload protections that improve conditions over time.
- Special Education Teacher Recruitment & Retention Programs: Sustained initiatives such as mentorship pipelines, leadership development cohorts, and recognition programs that address attrition, support educators with disabilities, and strengthen the profession for the future.
FAQ:
Who is eligible to apply for an NEA DRI Coalition Grant?
NEA local and state affiliates. Click here to learn more about NEAs unified structure of local and state affiliates.
How long will the application window be open?
The application will be open for 45 days. An informational Q&A session will be held on Thursday, October 9th, 2025 from 8:00pm EST - 9:00pm EST (Register here: https://nea-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/cc2_ZA_cQO6AwJv3hN9AeQ).
- APPLICATION LIVE: Monday, September 29th, 2025
- APPLICATION CLOSES: Friday, November 14th, 2025 at 11:59pm
- NOTIFIED OF STATUS: December 2025
- FUNDS AWARDED: January 2025
What is the maximum grant amount?
Successful applicants are eligible for a one-time grant of up to $25,000.
How will the grant funds be dispersed?
- Payment I – 50% of the grant award will be dispersed within 45 days of notification & acceptance of the grant award.
- Payment II – the balance, or 50%, will be dispersed within 45 days after submitting a mid-grant report that meets grant program requirements.
How long do grantees have to implement the grant?
DRI Initiatives must commence no later than February 2026. Implementation must be completed on/or before January 2027.
Are there other supports that coalition members will receive in addition to funding?
- Access to self-paced DRI curriculum/coursework on the NEA Learning Management System
- Coaching & consultation with Disability Rights Resource Cadre member(s)
- Grant Implementation office hours with NEA HQ program staff
What is required of grantees?
- A plan must be developed as part of a needs assessment in which the grantee identifies key areas and resources needed to address a problem of disability inequity.
- Two members of the grantee leadership committee must attend a 2-day Disability Rights Leadership Coalition retreat in Chicago, IL in March 2026.
- A minimum % of membership must complete one or more DRI courses via NEA LMS over the life of the grant.
Are you an affiliate?
