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Access Support Fund
Supplementary funding for disability-related access needs
Last Update: May 29, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Canada
Overview
Access Support is supplementary funding for disability-related services needed to carry out a Canada Council-funded project. The program covers eligible access costs such as sign language interpretation, personal support services, accessible formats, and specialized equipment rentals.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- All industries
Target groups
- All the groups
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- All dimensions
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Projects funded through a Canada Council program that require disability-related access support
- Participation in funded activities with interpreters, personal support, or accessible materials
Documents Needed
- Self-ID form or Strategic Group Information form
- Access Support application form
- Budget form with expense details
- Associated funding application or funding award reference
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Individuals who self-identify as Deaf, disabled, or living with mental illness
- Groups and organizations that dedicate most of their resources to supporting these communities
- Applicants with a Canada Council funding application or award
Who is not eligible
- Prize nominations
- Applicants without a successful associated Canada Council funding application
Eligible expenses
- Sign language interpretation
- Disability-related support services such as personal care attendants, sighted guides, or visual assistance
- Travel for interpreters and disability service providers over 50 km outside the local area
- Note-taking, writing, and editing support
- Accessible format conversion and specialized equipment or service rentals
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Expenses already eligible under the associated funding application
- Major capital costs such as wheelchairs, vehicles, computers, or renovations
- Daily living costs such as rent, local travel, and food
- Per diems for interpreters and disability service providers
- Travel under 50 km and costs incurred outside the eligible project period
How to apply
- Step 1: Open your account
- Go to My Account in the portal.
- Select the relevant application or funding award.
- Step 2: Create the access support request
- Click Create new Access Support request.
- Confirm the request is linked to the associated application.
- Step 3: Complete the application forms
- Review and update account information if needed.
- Complete the Self-ID or Strategic Group Information form if required.
- Choose the relevant Access Support profile.
- Step 4: Fill in the budget and details
- Enter the requested costs in the budget form.
- Add notes or additional details to explain the request.
- Step 5: Submit the request
- Review the declaration.
- Click Complete to submit the application.
Processing and Agreement
- The request is reviewed only after the associated funding application is successful.
- The application status may be shown as closed, funded, not funded, withdrawn, or ineligible.
- Applicants are notified of the results through the portal.
Additional information
- The access support request is linked to a successful associated funding application.
- You may apply at the same time as the main funding application or later, until the final report is submitted.
- You can submit multiple access support requests during a project.
- You must report on received funding before requesting additional access support.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Access Support Fund Program
What is the Access Support Fund?
Access Support is supplementary funding for disability-related services needed to carry out a Canada Council-funded project. The program covers eligible access costs such as sign language interpretation, personal support services, accessible formats, and specialized equipment rentals.
Who is eligible for the Access Support Fund program?
To be eligible for the Access Support Fund program, you must:
Linked to a Canada Council funding application or award
For disability-related access needs
Directly tied to funded activities
What expenses are eligible under Access Support Fund?
Projects funded through a Canada Council program that require disability-related access support
Participation in funded activities with interpreters, personal support, or accessible materials
Who can I contact for more information about the Access Support Fund?
You can contact Canada Council for the Arts (CCA).
Where is the Access Support Fund available?
The Access Support Fund program is available across Canada.
Is the Access Support Fund a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Access Support Fund is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the Access Support Fund?
Access Support Fund is funded by Canada Council for the Arts (CCA)