NOFO: No Child Left Behind Inclusion and Protection for Children with Disabilities (Egypt)

Deadline: 30-Sep-2026

The European Commission is inviting non-profit organisations to apply for the No Child Left Behind: Inclusion and Protection for Children with Disabilities programme in Egypt. The programme supports initiatives that promote the rights, dignity, protection, inclusion, and well-being of children with disabilities through community, family, and systemic action. The funding opportunity focuses on creating inclusive social environments, strengthening families and caregivers, improving accessibility, and building the capacity of institutions and civil society organisations to provide equitable services for children with disabilities.

About the No Child Left Behind Programme

The programme aims to contribute to the full realisation of the rights, dignity, and well-being of children with disabilities in Egypt. It promotes a rights-based approach that seeks to protect children with disabilities from discrimination, neglect, violence, and abuse while increasing their participation in school, community, recreational, and social activities. The programme also seeks to strengthen parents, caregivers, communities, and relevant institutions so they can better support children with disabilities and help create more inclusive environments.

Objectives of the Programme

The programme is designed to achieve several interconnected objectives related to disability inclusion and child protection.

These include:

Promoting non-discrimination and protection of children with disabilities. Improving access to inclusive education, recreation, and community participation. Addressing stigma and discriminatory social norms. Strengthening the capacity and well-being of families and caregivers. Improving accessibility of community spaces and services. Strengthening institutional and systemic capacity to deliver accessible services. Promoting the meaningful participation of children with disabilities in community life. Priority Areas Applicants should develop projects that address one or more of the programme’s priority areas. Protection and Non-Discrimination Projects can help protect children with disabilities from discrimination, neglect, violence, abuse, and other forms of exclusion. Activities should promote awareness of children’s rights and strengthen community-level protection mechanisms. Inclusive Education and Community Participation The programme supports initiatives that improve children’s access to inclusive education, recreation, and community activities. Projects should help children with disabilities participate more fully in school and community life. Addressing Stigma and Discrimination Projects can address negative attitudes and discriminatory social norms surrounding disability. Community awareness, education, dialogue, and engagement activities can help promote greater acceptance and inclusion. Family and Caregiver Support The programme recognises the important role played by families and caregivers. Projects may strengthen caregiver knowledge, skills, well-being, resilience, and ability to support children with disabilities. Accessibility of Community Spaces and Services Funding can support initiatives that improve accessibility and participation for children with disabilities in community environments and services. Economic Resilience of Caregivers The programme also recognises that economic challenges can affect families caring for children with disabilities. Projects may therefore incorporate activities that strengthen caregivers’ economic resilience as part of wider disability inclusion efforts. Who Should Benefit? Actions must primarily serve children with disabilities residing in Egypt.

Projects may also benefit:

Parents and caregivers. Families of children with disabilities. Community-based organisations. Civil society organisations. Organisations of persons with disabilities. Other community and institutional actors responsible for children’s care and development. Funding Information The programme offers grants ranging from €650,000 to €1,000,000.

Key funding details include:

Minimum grant: €650,000

Maximum grant: €1,000,000

Total programme budget: €3,900,000

Grant contribution: 51% to 95% of total eligible costs

Project duration: 24 to 36 months

Minimum financial support to third parties: 60% of total eligible costs

Maximum support per third party: €60,000, unless otherwise justified

Where the grant does not cover the full eligible project budget, the remaining costs must be financed through other sources. Financial Support to Third Parties A central feature of this programme is the requirement to provide financial support to third-party organisations. At least 60% of the total eligible costs of the action must represent financial support to third parties.

Third parties may include:

Civil society organisations. Community-based organisations. Organisations of persons with disabilities. Other eligible non-profit organisations working with children, families, and communities. The maximum amount of financial support for an individual third party is normally €60,000, unless a higher amount is properly justified. Applicants should clearly explain how third-party organisations will be identified, selected, funded, monitored, and supported. Who Can Apply? Eligible lead applicants must be non-profit legal persons established in: Egypt; An EU Member State; or A contracting party to the EEA Agreement. If the lead applicant is not established in Egypt, it must work with at least one co-applicant established in Egypt. Applicants should demonstrate sufficient organisational, technical, financial, and operational capacity to manage a multi-year programme and coordinate with local partners.

Eligibility of Third-Party Organisations

Organisations receiving financial support under the programme must be non-profit legal entities established in Egypt. They should have relevant experience working with or for: Children. Children with disabilities. Families and caregivers. Communities. Disabilit