Open
Community ACCESS-Ability Program
Cost-sharing support for accessibility upgrades
Last Update: May 15, 2026
Funding available
$ 50,000
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Overview
This program provides cost-sharing funding of up to $50,000 for accessibility improvement projects. It supports community-led work to improve access in community spaces, including the built environment, transportation, communications, assistive devices, and related accessibility upgrades.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Raise awareness or mobilize a population
- Renovate or expand facilities
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 50,000 $
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Halifax
- Nova Scotia
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Environment
Target groups
- All the groups
Revenue structures
- 100% donations / grants
Scope
- Local
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Accessibility upgrades in community spaces
- Built environment improvements such as ramps, automatic doors, accessible washrooms, and elevators
- Transportation, communication, and service accessibility improvements
- Assistive technology and sensory accessibility enhancements
- Outdoor accessibility improvements in parks, trails, beaches, and gathering places
Documents Needed
- Completed application form
- Proof of property ownership or long-term lease
- Facility photos showing the work area
- Detailed estimates or quotes from suppliers or contractors
- Supporting documents, if applicable, such as accessibility audits or feasibility studies
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Registered non-profit organizations
- Municipalities, towns, villages, and First Nations communities
- Social enterprises
- Public institutions such as libraries, museums, schools, hospitals, and post-secondary institutions
Who is not eligible
- Federally or provincially owned buildings
- For-profit businesses
- Private homes or residences
Eligible expenses
- Accessibility-related construction and renovations
- Accessible equipment and assistive devices
- Technology and communication accessibility upgrades
- Outdoor accessibility improvements and related site work
- In-kind labour, materials, or equipment, when properly documented
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- General maintenance unrelated to accessibility
- Operational costs and ongoing staff salaries
- Costs outside the 2026 fiscal year
- Items required by the Nova Scotia Building Code for new construction or major renovations
- Application preparation costs and contingency fees
- Sidewalks for municipalities, towns, and villages
Eligible geographic areas
- Nova Scotia
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed by Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage staff.
- Recommendations for approval are made to the Minister of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage.
- The full review and approval process may take 12 to 16 weeks.
- Applicants receive an email confirming that the application was received.
- Approved organizations must submit a final report after project completion.
Additional information
- Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the Program Officer before applying.
- Completed applications can be submitted by email or mail.
- The review and approval process may take 12 to 16 weeks.
- Projects must have defined start and end dates within the program period.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Community ACCESS-Ability Program Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Community ACCESS-Ability Program. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the Community ACCESS-Ability Program?
This program provides cost-sharing funding of up to $50,000 for accessibility improvement projects. It supports community-led work to improve access in community spaces, including the built environment, transportation, communications, assistive devices, and related accessibility upgrades.
How much funding can be received?
Community ACCESS-Ability Program Funds up to $50,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Community ACCESS-Ability Program program?
To be eligible for the Community ACCESS-Ability Program program, you must:
Community-serving organization
Owns property or long-term lease
Accessibility improvement project
What expenses are eligible under Community ACCESS-Ability Program?
Accessibility upgrades in community spaces
Built environment improvements such as ramps, automatic doors, accessible washrooms, and elevators
Transportation, communication, and service accessibility improvements
Assistive technology and sensory accessibility enhancements
Outdoor accessibility improvements in parks, trails, beaches, and gathering places
Who can I contact for more information about the Community ACCESS-Ability Program?
You can contact Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage of Nova Scotia by email at AccessAbilityGrants@novascotia.ca or by phone at 902 233 8379.
Where is the Community ACCESS-Ability Program available?
The Community ACCESS-Ability Program program is available the province of Nova Scotia.
Is the Community ACCESS-Ability Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Community ACCESS-Ability Program is a Grant and Funding