
Manitoba Accessibility Fund
Last Update: January 24, 2025
Winnipeg, MN
Manitoba Accessibility Fund removes barriers through project grants
Manitoba Accessibility Fund at a glance
Eligible Funding
- Max. $50,000
- Up to 10% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : January 6, 2025
- Closing date : February 14, 2025
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
- Educational services
- Health care and social assistance
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
- Public administration
Grant Providers
- Government of Manitoba
Status
Closed
Overview of the Manitoba Accessibility Fund program
The Manitoba Accessibility Fund (MAF) offers one-time grants of up to $50,000 to help Manitoba-based organizations and businesses remove barriers, raise awareness, and support compliance with The Accessibility for Manitobans Act. Eligible activities include developing tools, resources, and training for compliance, raising awareness about barrier removal, and enhancing information and communications accessibility in various formats.
Financing terms and conditions
The Manitoba Accessibility Fund provides specific financial support measures designed to enhance accessibility and raise awareness among Manitoba organizations. The funding is designed to aid project-based initiatives focusing on removing barriers and creating compliance with accessibility standards.
- The fund offers project-based grants of up to $50,000 for approved projects.
- Up to 10% of the funding may be allocated for administrative expenses.
- Approved funding amounts may be less than the requested amounts, encouraging applicants to seek additional financial sources.
- Applicants are limited to one application per intake but can participate as partners in multiple projects.
Eligible projects & activities
The Manitoba Accessibility Fund supports projects that aim to eliminate barriers and enhance accessibility compliance as per The Accessibility for Manitobans Act. Eligible activities focus on raising awareness, developing tools and resources, and removing barriers to information and communication through various forms.
- Projects, programs, and events to raise awareness about barriers faced by Manitobans with disabilities and how to prevent and remove these barriers.
- Development of tools, resources, and training events or webinars to support compliance with accessibility standards.
- Integration of accessibility standards into the policies, processes, and initiatives of an organizational sector, professional association, geographic region, or demographic group.
- Utilization of tools and technology to enhance digital accessibility in line with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 Level AA or above.
Eligibility criteria of the Manitoba Accessibility Fund program
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the organizational type, geographical location, and operational history of the applicant.
- The applicant must be a non-profit organization, local business, local corporation, municipality, or on-reserve business based in Manitoba.
- The organization must provide services to Manitobans and be registered with the Companies Office if applicable.
- Universities, colleges, and school divisions are also eligible to apply.
- Applicants must have been in operation for at least one year prior to applying for the grant.
Who is eligible?
Eligible applicants for the Manitoba Accessibility Fund are organizations based in Manitoba, including: municipalities, non-profit organizations, local businesses or corporations providing services to Manitobans and registered with the Companies Office, local authorities such as planning districts and Northern Affairs Community Councils, on-reserve organizations or businesses that meet all other eligibility requirements, universities, colleges, and school divisions. Previous recipients of a MAF grant may also apply, but must wait one intake period if they have been allocated two consecutive awards or have received the maximum award amount.
Who is not eligible
This grant excludes certain companies and industries due to their status or location. The restrictions aim to ensure that funds are directed toward entities that align with the grant's accessibility objectives within Manitoba.
- Organizations not located and operating in Manitoba.
- Franchises not locally owned.
- Residential rental properties.
- Businesses considered closed to the public.
- Crown corporations.
- Individuals.
Eligible expenses
Eligible expenses for the Manitoba Accessibility Fund grant include costs directly related to the completion of an eligible project.
- Salaries and/or fees for staff and consultants/contractors working on the project.
- Production of resources, including guide books, factsheets, toolkits, and webinars.
- Space rental for events.
- Accessibility improvements to a website or other digital and print content.
- Technology to remove barriers to information and communication.
- Promotion and marketing of resources.
- Translation into French, American Sign Language, and Manitoba’s Indigenous languages, as part of accessible resource production.
- Registration costs to attend a conference or learning event.
Eligible geographic areas
The Manitoba Accessibility Fund is available to companies and organizations operating within the province of Manitoba. This ensures that the funded projects directly benefit Manitobans and comply with The Accessibility for Manitobans Act and its standards.
- Companies based in Manitoba, Canada.
Eligibility criteria of the Manitoba Accessibility Fund program
The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria considering their alignment with the grant’s objectives and capacity for impact.
- Eligibility: Applicability of the project and applicant in meeting all eligibility criteria and completion of the application requirements by the deadline.
- Capacity: Evaluation of the applicant's ability to administer, manage, and oversee the project with available resources and commitment to accessibility.
- Work Plan, Budget, and Results: Clarity and reasonableness of the project steps within the proposed timeframe and budget, and the identification of realistic results and evaluation methods.
- Inclusion: Integration of the experiences and expertise of Manitobans disabled by barriers in developing, delivering, or evaluating the project, and the level of engagement with people or organizations.
- Impact: Assessment of the project's potential to enhance accessibility awareness and compliance with the Accessibility for Manitobans Act and its benefit to a significant number of people or ability to serve as a model for others.
- Other Considerations: Projects demonstrating innovation, responding to identified needs, and promoting accessibility beyond the funding period may be prioritized.
How to apply to the Manitoba Accessibility Fund program
1
Access Application Portal
- Visit the Manitoba Accessibility Fund website at .
- Locate the online application form available on the website.
2
Prepare Application
- Ensure your organization meets the eligibility criteria for the grant.
- Draft a comprehensive project proposal detailing how your project aligns with the grant objectives.
- Prepare supporting documents including a budget, timelines, and any additional information required.
3
Application Submission
- Fill in the online application form with accurate and complete information.
- Upload all necessary documents, including project proposals and budgets, via the online portal.
- Submit the application before the deadline of February 14, 2025.
4
Confirmation and Follow-up
- Receive a confirmation email upon successful submission of your application.
- If no confirmation is received within three business days, contact the Manitoba Accessibility Office.
5
Await Notification
Applications will be reviewed after the deadline, and you will be notified of the decision within two months.
Additional information
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- Organizations that have received two consecutive MAF grants must wait one intake period before applying again.
- Applicants can only submit one application per intake period but can participate as partners in multiple applications.
- Projects must be completed by March 31 of the following fiscal year, with final reports due within 90 days.
- Successful applicants will be notified no later than 8 weeks after the intake period closes.
- The funding amount approved may be less than the amount requested, so additional funding from other sources is recommended.
- The Manitoba Accessibility Fund does not cover general operating costs or capital projects.
- All projects may be subject to audit by the Manitoba government to ensure compliance and appropriate use of funds.
Contact Government of Manitoba
MAF@gov.mb.ca
204-945-7613
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