Adolf Ratzka Memorial Fund for Migrants with Disability

Adolf in the park summer 2024

The Adolf Ratzka Memorial Fund for Migrants with Disability has recently been created to provide financial support to migrants with disabilities in Sweden. The fund is a tribute to Adolf Ratzka's lifelong commitment to self-determination and promotion of human rights for people with disabilities. The fund is administered by the Independent Living Institute (ILI), the organization he started together with Rolf Bergfors in 1993 to promote self-determination and inclusion for people with disabilities.

Adolf Ratzka Memorial Fund: Support for Migrants with Disabilities in Sweden

The Adolf Ratzka Memorial Fund aims to improve opportunities for migrants with disabilities to become more integrated and established in society, to approach working life and strengthen their position in the labour market, and to gain access to their rights in Sweden.

Who can apply for money from the fund?

The fund is intended for private individuals with disabilities who have migrated to and live in Sweden.

What can you apply for support for?

You can apply for support for initiatives that help you become more involved in society and closer to work or education, or to improve your situation if you are already working or studying.

  • Courses and training: for example, language courses, vocational training, or other learning initiatives that lead towards employment.
  • Assistive devices and equipment: to manage your living situation or to prepare for work, or for a workplace or educational environment when no other assistive device is provided.
  • Transport: for example, public transport or other means of travel to work, education, meetings, or important activities.
  • Legal advice from lawyers referred to by the fund (Rättighetsjuristerna or Disability Rights Defenders Sweden), for example, to apply for:

     

    • Residence permits
    • Work permits
    • Support/help in the workplace.
  • Taking part in  activities: such as theme days, seminars, courses, or peer counseling groups that align with the fund's purpose.

Limitations:

  • Only private individuals can apply for support.
  • Funds are primarily granted for support that cannot be obtained from society or other organizations.
  • You cannot apply for ongoing household costs, such as food, rent, clothes, etc.

How to Apply for Support?

Email an informal application (maximum of 2 pages) in Swedish or English to adolfratzkamemorialfund@independentliving.org (it does not need to be perfectly written).

  • Describe what you want support for and why. For purchases, course fees, or similar, provide specific information and price details.
  • Write your contact details and bank account number (if applicable).

Application Process:

The Memorial Fund meets twice a year.

  • The application deadlines are August 15th and February 15th.
  • Decisions are given approximately one month after the application deadline, to both those who are granted support and to those who are not.
  • Assessment is made based on the submitted application, how well it fulfills the memorial fund's purpose and target group, and if it contains all requested information. If many applications meet the criteria, those considered to involve the greatest need and most effective intervention to achieve the fund's purpose will be granted.
  • Unfortunately, we do not have the capacity to answer emails other than notifications about the application.
  • A person can apply for support multiple times, regardless of whether the person has previously been granted support or been rejected.
  • The fund's resources are limited to SEK 40,000 – 50,000 per year in total, to be distributed among those who are granted support.
  • By submitting an application, you agree that the memorial fund handles submitted personal data according to current legislation (GDPR).

We look forward to receiving your application.

Sincerely,

The Working Group for the Adolf Ratzka Memorial Fund

How you can contribute to the fund:

If you would like to contribute to the memorial fund, you can make a donation. The memorial fund is called "The Adolf Ratzka Memorial Fund for Migrants with Disability" and is administered by the Independent Living Institute. 

Swish: 123 191 01 40 or Swedbank Bank company account: 8327-9,974 619 323-5. 

Bank details for donations from abroad are:

Account holder: Stiftelsen Institutet för Independent Living
Bank Adress: Swedbank AB (publ), Box 4142, SE- 131 04 Nacka-Stockholm, Sweden
IBAN: SE46 8000 0832 7997 4619 3235
BIC: SWEDSESS