The Enabling Accessibility Fund is a federal Government of Canada funding program administered by Employment and Social Development Canada. It offers grants and contribution funding for small and large projects that improve accessibility in Canadian communities and workplaces for persons with disabilities, through community and workplace accessibility streams. View Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF)'s website for more information.
The Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF) is a national grant and contribution program of the Government of Canada, delivered by Employment and Social Development Canada. Its purpose is to increase the accessibility of physical spaces and services so that persons with disabilities can participate more fully in community life and in the labour market. The EAF supports the Government of Canada’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan, particularly the pillar focused on accessible and inclusive communities.
The program operates through distinct funding processes that support a wide variety of capital projects. These range from small-scale improvements, such as ramps, accessible doors, accessible washrooms or communication technologies, to major construction and renovation projects that remove barriers in community facilities and workplaces.
The EAF is structured around two overarching streams: the Community Accessibility Stream and the Workplace Accessibility Stream. The community stream finances projects that make programs, services and community infrastructure more accessible to participants and users. The workplace stream supports initiatives that remove barriers for employees with disabilities or job seekers with disabilities in work environments.
Within these streams, the program offers:
The EAF is open to a broad range of applicants, including not-for-profit organizations, for-profit organizations, Indigenous organizations, and municipal and territorial governments. Through this diversity of eligible recipients, funding can reach community centres, cultural and recreation facilities, social service agencies, training and employment centres, workplaces, and Indigenous communities and organizations.
By focusing on built environment and technology-related accessibility, the EAF complements other disability and inclusion initiatives and helps organizations comply with emerging accessibility standards and best practices.
The EAF runs periodic calls for proposals, including a Small Projects Component and larger contribution-based calls. Each call specifies application windows, maximum funding amounts, eligible activities and detailed instructions. The program provides extensive guidance such as project design tools, flat-rate cost calculators for common accessibility elements, and written guidance on safety, security and workplace accessibility.
To support applicants, Employment and Social Development Canada organizes virtual information sessions in English and French, and offers dedicated email contacts for general questions, technical support with online tools and accessibility-related accommodations. This support framework helps potential recipients understand the program’s objectives and develop strong, compliant project proposals.
Through its multiple funding components, the Enabling Accessibility Fund benefits persons with disabilities of all ages by improving the accessibility of the places where they live, work, learn and receive services. It also assists organizations and employers across Canada in planning and implementing accessibility upgrades that foster inclusion, safety and equal opportunity in their communities and workplaces.