How much funding can be received?

Get funding to cover eligible costs for small-scale construction, renovation or retrofit projects that will help people with disabilities live and work in more inclusive and accessible communities.

grant_single_labels|projects

Yes, there are eligible projects and activities for this grant. The grant supports projects that improve accessibility and safety for persons with disabilities in workplaces and community spaces.

Construction, renovation, or retrofitting of existing facilities to enhance accessibility
Installation of ramps
Accessible doors
Accessible washrooms
Elevators and accessible lifts
Accessible playgrounds
Multi-sensory rooms and stations
Swimming pool lifts
Purchase of specialized communication equipment
Modifying websites for accessibility
Installing FM loop systems
Audiovisual fire alarm systems
Screen reader software
Voice recognition and speech synthesizer technologies
Adapting customer service center technologies for accessibility

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$52,500

Hamilton

Build a multi-sensory room at the Aurora Rehabilitation Center

$30,000

Halifax

Modify websites of local businesses for accessibility

$90,000

Vancouver

Upgrade playground to make it fully accessible at River Park

$37,500

Calgary

Installing FM loop system and audiovisual fire alarms in community hall

$60,000

Toronto

Install accessible washrooms and ramps in community center

grant_single_labels|admissibility

The eligibility criteria for this grant require that the applicant’s organization meets specific criteria and the proposed project adheres to stipulated guidelines. Below is a summary of the eligibility criteria:

Your organization must be a non-profit, for-profit with a maximum of 99 full-time employees, a municipality, an indigenous organization, a registered or licensed early learning and childcare center, or a territorial government.
Your organization cannot be the federal or a provincial government, a public school (primary or secondary), a public health or hospital facility, a home-based childcare center, a crown corporation, or an entity controlled by the federal or provincial government.
The project must not exceed 24 months and must adhere to the program objectives.
Funding requested must not exceed $100,000.
For non-fixed rate activities, one external quote is required for each project activity, or a valid justification if a quote cannot be provided.
A minimum of 20% confirmed cash contributions from other sources is required unless your organization is exempt (e.g. indigenous organizations, projects in territories or remote regions, registered or licensed childcare centers, or shelters for victims of violence).
An image of the project space (JPEG) showing accessibility obstacles is required for construction-related projects (not necessary for ICT projects).
Activities must take place in a leased or owned property, with the owner’s permission if leased.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

Yes, there are eligible types of companies for this grant. Organizations must fulfill specific criteria to qualify for funding.

Non-profit organizations
For-profit organizations with a maximum of 99 full-time equivalent employees
Municipalities
Indigenous organizations, including band councils, tribal councils, and self-governing entities
Registered or licensed Early Learning and Childcare Centres (AGJE)
Indigenous Early Learning and Childcare Centres
Territorial governments

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

Yes, there are specific types of companies that are not eligible for this grant.

The government federal or a government provincial;
A public school (primary or secondary), including an organization submitting project proposals held on the premises of a state-funded school. An exception applies to licensed or registered AGJE centers where the proposed project activity is exclusively designated for use by the center or program;
A public health institution or a public hospital (since healthcare is a provincial or territorial jurisdiction, public institutions and hospitals have access to funds to support accessibility), including projects held on the premises of a public health institution or a public hospital;
An AGJE home center;
A crown corporation or an entity controlled by the federal government or by a provincial or territorial government;
An organization that received funding under the 2021 mid-sized project funding process of the FA.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

Yes, there are eligible expenses for this grant, including construction, renovation, and technology costs.

Construction, renovation, or reconfiguration work for improving accessibility
Assistive technologies and information and communication technologies (ICT)
Accessible ramps
Accessible doors
Accessible washrooms
Elevators
Accessible playgrounds
Sensory rooms and stations
Pool lifts

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

Eligible geographic zones for this grant primarily include regions in Canada that aim to improve accessibility, especially in remote areas and territories. Specific exemptions apply to organizations in territories and remote regions which do not require a 20% cash contribution.

Yukon
Northwest Territories
Nunavut
Remote regions identified as Region 4 or 5 according to the FA Regional Tool

grant_single_labels|criteria

The grant applications for the Accessibility Fund will be evaluated and selected based on specific criteria to ensure that the funds are allocated to projects that significantly improve accessibility and safety for individuals with disabilities. Priority will be given to projects that align with the program’s objectives and demonstrate a substantial impact on the targeted communities.

Description of the project: Explain the purpose of the project, including current barriers to accessibility and safety for persons with disabilities in the workplace or community space.
Project impact: Describe how the project will increase overall accessibility and how it will enable persons with disabilities to participate and contribute to their workplace or community.
Costs of the project: For fixed-rate activities, costs are calculated using a specific calculator. For non-fixed-rate activities, an external quote or a valid justification for the absence of a quote must be provided, including details on how the cost estimates were determined.
Amount requested: Must not exceed $100,000 for eligible activities.
Provision of at least 20% cash contributions from other funding sources if not exempted.
Submission completeness: A complete application package must be submitted, including all necessary documentation, before the deadline.
Prioritization criteria: Projects improving accessibility and safety in shelters for victims of violence, workplaces, child care centers, and indigenous organizations.

grant_single_labels|register

Step 1: Read the applicant guide
Implication: Understand the details on each question of the application form.
Step 2: Gather the documents
Content: A complete application package includes:
Completed funding application form
Completed online EAF calculator
External cost estimates for non-fixed rate activities, or a valid justification if an estimate couldn't be obtained
Proof of financial leverage (if applicable)
Digital image of the project space in an appropriate format (JPEG) for accessibility improvement projects
A document indicating your CRA number and the organization’s address
Implication: Ensure your application is complete to avoid rejection.
Step 3: Apply online
Content: Submit the entire application package through the online EAF calculator portal.
Complete the application form (EMP5670) and ensure question 23 and 31 match the EAF calculator information
Complete the EAF calculator online and obtain the total eligible cost estimates
Upload all supporting documents to the portal
Implication: Successfully submit the application and receive an acknowledgment.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

The grant aims to improve accessibility and safety for individuals with disabilities in workplaces and community spaces across Canada.

Organizations can submit only one application per CRA or business registration number.
Applicants must demonstrate at least 20% confirmed cash contributions from other funding sources unless exempted.
Funding is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Priority is given to projects aiding victims of violence, workplace accessibility, EYCC centers, and Indigenous organizations.
Requests can go up to $100,000 and should not span more than 24 months.
All applicants must complete the FA calculator for both fixed and non-fixed rate activities.
Submissions must be complete by 5 p.m. EST on November 1, 2022.
Virtual informational sessions are available to explain the application process and calculator usage with specified dates and times.
Additional consideration is given to projects requiring geographical distribution and ones not previously funded by the FA.

grant_single_labels|documents

Enabling Accessibility Fund — Small projects

Apply to this program

Funding Opportunity: Accessibility Projects - Small Scale Projects 2022

Comprehensive Guide to the 2022 Small Scale Projects Accessibility Fund

The Government of Canada, through Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), is offering financial support for projects that enhance accessibility and safety for individuals with disabilities. This program, known as the Accessibility Fund (AF), will provide funding up to $100,000 for small-scale construction, renovation, or refurbishment projects, as well as for accessible information and communication technologies. The submission window for applications runs from September 7 to November 1, 2022.

Key Objectives and Eligibility

The fundamental aim of the Accessibility Fund is to promote greater inclusivity for individuals with disabilities in both community settings and workplaces. By enhancing physical spaces and integrating accessible technologies, the program seeks to facilitate the participation of disabled individuals in social, educational, and employment opportunities.

Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants include a diverse range of organizations, including:

Non-profit organizations
For-profit organizations with fewer than 100 full-time employees
Municipalities
Indigenous organizations
Registered or licensed early learning and childcare centers
Territorial governments

It's essential that applicants submit only one request per Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) business number or registration number. Multiple submissions from the same organization will result in only the first application being assessed.

Funding Priorities

Priority will be given to projects that:

Improve accessibility and safety in shelters for victims of violence and gender-based violence
Enhance workplaces where individuals with disabilities are employed or may be employed in the future
Upgrade early learning and childcare centers
Support Indigenous organizations to become more accessible

Applicants falling within these priority categories, particularly those serving Indigenous communities or providing essential services like housing, food, and clothing security, are encouraged to apply as they could receive preferential consideration.

Types of Funded Projects

The Accessibility Fund supports various types of projects ranging from small-scale construction efforts to the acquisition and installation of accessible technologies.

Construction, Renovation, and Refurbishment

Projects under this category usually include:

Installing ramps and accessible doors
Building accessible bathrooms
Adding elevators and lift systems
Creating multisensory rooms or stations

These activities fall under the "fixed-rate" category wherein the costs are pre-determined by ESDC guidelines based on the project's specifications.

Accessible Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)

Funding can also cover the acquisition and implementation of ICT aimed at making services and workplaces more accessible, such as:

Specialized communication equipment
Accessible website modifications
Installation of FM loop systems
Sophisticated fire alarm systems
Screen readers and speech synthesizers

Application Process

The application process is systematic and involves several critical steps to ensure eligibility and completeness. Here is an outline of the application process:

Step 1: Review the Applicant's Guide

Before starting the application, thorough reading of the applicant's guide is crucial. The guide provides detailed explanations for each section of the application form.

Step 2: Preparing the Application Package

Applicants need to compile a comprehensive package, including:

Completed Application Form (EMP5670)
Fully filled Accessibility Fund Calculator
One external cost estimate if the project involves non-fixed activities
Digital images of the space to be improved (for construction projects)
Proof of financial leverage (unless exempt)
Document verifying the applicant's CRA business number or acceptable alternative

Step 3: Submitting the Application

Applications must be completed and submitted online through the Accessibility Fund Calculator portal. Here are some technical tips for successful submission:

Avoid filling the form within the browser. Download it to your computer and use Adobe Reader version 8 or above.
Saves often as the portal terminates sessions after 20 minutes of inactivity.
Ensure all mandatory fields marked with an asterisk (*) are filled.
The online calculator will help estimate project costs; remember to enter these details in the costing section of the application form.
Submit all required attachments, such as digital images and external estimates, through the portal.

Upon successful submission, applicants receive a confirmation number as an acknowledgment of receipt.

Evaluation and Approval

ESDC evaluates all applications on a "first come, first served" basis within the 16 weeks following the submission deadline. The assessment focuses on three primary factors:

Project Description

Applications must provide a clear rationale for the project, including current accessibility barriers and expected improvements. Evidence of community support for the initiative strengthens the application.

Impact of the Project

Applicants need to elaborate on how their project will enhance overall accessibility and enable disabled individuals to engage more fully in community or work settings.

Cost Reasonability

Project costs should be reasonable, detailed, and aligned with the proposed activities. Fixed-rate project costs are calculated using the ESDC's online calculator, whereas non-fixed costs require an external estimate or a well-explained cost estimation method.

Important Reminders

Applicants should note that incomplete submissions may be disqualified. Additionally, only one submission is allowed per CRA number, and any duplicate entries will result in only the chronologically first one being reviewed.

Session and Assistance

ESDC offers virtual information sessions for interested applicants. These sessions are fully accessible, featuring ASL (American Sign Language) and LSQ (Langue des signes québécoise) interpretation and real-time translation services.

Contact Information

For additional queries or to request accommodations, applicants can contact ESDC via email at NC-HIP-PIP-EAF_ODI-GD@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca. The team addresses questions received before 3:00 PM EST on November 1, 2022.

Conclusion

The Accessibility Fund's Small Scale Projects 2022 represents a significant opportunity for Canadian organizations to enhance accessibility and inclusion for individuals with disabilities. By following the outlined application guidelines and focusing on the fund's priority areas, applicants can contribute to creating more accessible and safer community and work environments. For those interested in applying, make sure to leverage all available resources, sessions, and support from ESDC to submit a strong and thoroughly prepared proposal.