Started in 2014, the Enabling Lives Initiative (ELI) Grant is funded by Tote Board and managed by SG Enable.
The ELI Grant is the only grant that is dedicated to supporting innovation for the disability sector, playing an important role to bring stakeholders together, catalyse innovations and bring ideas to life.
To address current and complex challenges faced by persons with disabilities over the course of their lives, the ELI Grant was conceived to support innovative and evidence-based projects that have the potential to make meaningful social impact by improving the well-being of persons with disabilities.
The initiative brings together community expertise — such as that of social service agencies (SSAs), social enterprises, Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs), commercial entities and restructured hospitals — to create scalable, impactful innovations for persons with disabilities.
Achievements
Supported
16
Grant Calls.
Committed over
$30m
to support projects.
More than
70
projects supported.
More than
20,000
persons with disabilities and their caregivers benefitted.
Reached out to over
2,300
potential grantees through workshops and grant call engagement sessions.
Supported
16
Grant Calls.
Committed over
$30m
to support projects.
More than
70
projects supported.
More than
20,000
persons with disabilities and their caregivers benefitted.
Reached out to over
2,300
potential grantees through workshops and grant call engagement sessions.
Grant Purpose
Address underserved areas that complement national initiatives and align with the outcomes of the Enabling Masterplan 2030.
Support innovative projects such as new service models, product prototypes and pilot initiatives, backed by a clear needs analysis.
Proactively build collaboration between the disability sector and non-sector players to co-create innovative solutions.
Foster an outcomes-based approach by upskilling applicants to define and measure the real-world impact of their initiatives.
Share good practices and learning across the disability and wider social sector.
Theme & Challenge Statement
How might we help persons with disabilities achieve meaningful and sustainable employment through better work transitions, increased job opportunities and workplace inclusion?
Learn MoreKey Activities & Events
Jul - Aug 2025
1 Jul - 29 Aug 2025
Grant Call 2 opens
Jul - Aug 2025
1-on-1 consultation session
Get feedback and have your queries addressed before submitting your proposal.
Book hereOct 2025 - Jan 2026
Oct 2025
Results of shortlisted applicants
Nov 2025 - Jan 2026
Incubation Phase
Apr - May 2026
Apr 2026
Panel Evaluation
May 2026
Grant Award
Funding Guidelines
The Grant covers between 50% and 90% of the eligible expenses of the project, with a minimum project value of $80,000.
Applicants are expected to co-fund, or seek other funding sources to cover the remaining expenses not covered by the Grant.
Minimum project duration of one year and maximum of three years.
Proposals and final funding quantum are evaluated by an independent Evaluation Panel based on merits of the proposal.
* Eligible Expenses: Costs directly related to project development such as manpower, marketing and outreach.
* Ineligible Expenses: Rental of office spaces, utilities and manpower costs not related to the project.
Evaluation Criteria
Innovation
New ideas/
Collaboration
Proposal should leverage the strength of cross-sector partnerships to achieve a greater collective impact.
Team Composition
Project team has the capability to implement the proposal successfully.
Needs Analysis
Proposal should address a valid need in the sector.
Reach
Proposal should develop plans to outreach to their target beneficiaries during funding period.
Sustainability
Proposals must show a sustainable, positive impact on the lives of person with disabilities or their caregivers beyond the funding period.
Scalability/
Proposal should have potential to be scalable, adaptable and adoptable after the funding period.
From Ideas to Impact:
Enabling Innovation Across the ELI Grant Journey
Applicant
Challenges
Support Offered by
the ELI Grant Team and Partners
Understanding Sector Needs
Applicant Challenges
• Unclear if proposal ideas align with national priorities and needs faced by persons with disabilities and their caregivers.
Support Offered by the ELI Grant Team and Partners
• Access to evidence-informed opportunity areas from Knowledge Partner to guide proposal alignment.
Designing the Proposal
Applicant Challenges
• Lack of confidence in defining a compelling problem statement and impact.
Support Offered by the ELI Grant Team and Partners
• The incubation phase for shortlisted applicants offers workshops and coaching to sharpen problem statements and theories of change, and to identify and size addressable markets through consultations with key users.
Support During Project Period
Applicant Challenges
• Challenges faced during project implementation.
Support Offered by the ELI Grant Team and Partners
• Ongoing guidance, sector insights, and connections to partners who can help strengthen project delivery and impact.
Sustainability After Funding
Applicant Challenges
• Unsure of post-funding support available or lack of go-to-market strategies.
Support Offered by the ELI Grant Team and Partners
• Provides opportunities to connect with business mentors and facilitates pitching opportunities to potential funders or investors.