It seeks to improve livelihood opportunities by expanding access to funding that supports economic, social, and environmental development in Trinidad and Tobago.

The Innovation Challenge for PWDs is a collaboration between the Digicel Foundation and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme (SGP).

Grant Categories

• Environmental Sustainability
  • Environmental Sustainability refers to projects that promote the responsible use and management of natural resources to protect the environment for current and future generations. Funding is prioritised for initiatives that reduce environmental impact, conserve biodiversity, and foster sustainable practices within communities.
• Technology/Digitalisation
  • Technology/Digitalisation refers to projects that leverage digital tools, innovations, and technology to improve community development, enhance access to information, and promote digital literacy. Funding supports initiatives that foster technological advancement, bridge digital divides, and enable communities to thrive in the digital age.

Funding Tiers

• Challengers
  • This tier is for PWDs collaborating with registered NGOs, empowering them to initiate or enhance advocacy and support initiatives.  If you don't have a registered business, you can team up with a registered NGO to apply for this.
• Pioneers
  • This is for PWD-led small businesses, fostering entrepreneurship and economic independence. You will need to provide your registration documents to apply.
• Trailblazers
  • The 'Trailblazers' tier allocates to organisations providing essential services for PWDs, enabling them to expand their outreach and improve service delivery.

Funding Information

• They are funding five (5) innovative projects in the areas of Environmental Sustainability and Technology/Digitalization. Grants can be awarded up to TT$90,000.
• Funding is available across three categories:
  • Challengers - PWDs collaborating with a registered NGOs can access up to TT$30,000
  • Pioneers - PWD-led small businesses can access up to TT$60,000
  • Trailblazers - Organisations providing services for PWDs can access up to TT$90,000

Eligibility Criteria

• Persons with disabilities (PWDs), caregivers of PWDs, Organisations that provide services for PWDs, or NGOs.
• If you don’t have a registered group, you can team up with one and collaborate on the execution.
• If you are seeking to significantly improve an existing initiative or business concept using innovation and technology, you can apply.

For more information, visit Digicel Foundation.