National AccessAbility Week Funding

• Completed application
• Budget Detail Template
• A document from the Canada Revenue Agency dated within the last 2 years showing a valid business number, unless you are already registered with Grants and Contributions Online Services (GCOS), or an acceptable alternative if no CRA business or registration number exists

Who is eligible?

• Not-for-profit or voluntary organizations serving persons with disabilities in the community
• Organizations and institutions supported by provincial or territorial entities, such as educational institutions and health/social services institutions, in partnership with disability organizations
• Municipalities in partnership with disability organizations
• Indigenous organizations, including band councils, tribal councils, and self-government entities
• Applicants from organizations and institutions supported by provincial or territorial entities, and municipalities, must have disability partners with a leadership role in the overall project design and delivery of activities

Who is not eligible

• Individuals
• Provincial and territorial governments

Eligible expenses

• Wages and benefits
• Professional fees
• Travel and accommodations
• Materials, supplies, printing, and communications
• Equipment rental, lease or maintenance; administration costs and capital assets; disability supports for staff; accessibility services for events

Ineligible Costs and Activities

• Construction projects, installation of accessible building supports, repair projects, and lobbying activities
• Costs incurred before ESDC approval and agreement signature
• Ongoing operating or service delivery costs
• Proposal preparation costs
• Fundraising activities, staff salary bonuses, and alcohol purchases

• Projects that include plans for the participation of persons with disabilities in the overall project design and delivery of activities receive additional points and priority.
• Projects that support NAAW activities within underrepresented communities receive additional points and priority.
• Projects that align with the key priority areas of the Accessible Canada Act and its regulations receive additional points and priority.
• ESDC may consider the proposed project's alignment with the objectives, outcomes, and priorities of the CFP, as well as the clarity and completeness of the application.
• ESDC may also consider geographical distribution across Canada, support for Official Languages, accessible and inclusive services, and multi-sectoral partnerships.

• Use the Grants and Contributions Online Services (GCOS) to apply.
• If you do not have a GCOS account, create one as soon as possible.
• Complete your GCOS user and organization profile, then submit your application.
• Submit a complete application package by 3:00 pm EDT on July 28, 2026.
• If you are unable to apply through GCOS, email EDSC.AC.NAAW-SNA.CA.ESDC@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca by July 26, 2026 at 3:00 pm EDT and explain why.

• GCOS submissions receive an acknowledgment message immediately by email and a tracking number.
• Only the first application received will be reviewed; submitting multiple copies or using various methods causes longer processing times.
• Funding decisions are expected in Winter 2026 and are final with no appeal process.
• Projects may not begin before a funding agreement has been signed by your organization and the Department.
• Expenses for activities before your organization signs the Funding Agreement may not be reimbursed, and letters of support from implicated partners must be provided at the time of agreement.

• Employment and Social Development Canada will hold virtual information sessions for organizations interested in applying for funding.
• All information sessions will be accessible with sign language interpretation and CART captioning.