Deaf Zimbabwe Trust Launches Small Grants Program to Empower Young People with Disabilities

Effort Moyo

Deaf Zimbabwe Trust (DZT) has introduced a small grants program to empower young people with disabilities by supporting community-based organizations they lead.

Under the Empower Activity initiative, DZT is promoting economic inclusion by inviting proposals from organizations led by young people with disabilities for the 2025 grants cycle.

“The Empower Program supports community-based organizations that promote economic development and social impact for young people with disabilities. The program aims to foster social enterprises, enhance social impact, and encourage collaboration between local organizations, businesses, and government entities,” read the statement.

The program, focused on enhancing entrepreneurial skills and mindsets, will award four grants of USD $8,750 each for a nine-month period. Alongside funding, recipients will receive training, technical support, and mentorship to build resilience and capacity in business development.

Eligible applicants include organizations based in Bulawayo, Gweru, Harare, and Chimanimani, led by individuals aged 18 to 35. The initiative seeks to foster social entrepreneurship that addresses the needs of young people with disabilities and their communities, promoting sustainable economic growth at the local level.

“To be eligible, organizations must have operated in the target districts for at least 12 months and align with Empower’s priorities, which include promoting access to employment and self-employment for young people with disabilities, skills development for economic empowerment, environmental protection, and well-being and gender safeguarding,”.

Interested applicants are encouraged to request an application form by emailing [email protected] with the subject line “EMPOWER Small Grants” by November 30, 2024.

DZT, a voluntary organization advocating for the rights and interests of Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) individuals, aims to support youth-led organizations in creating lasting impact and economic inclusion.