How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $5000 per project.

What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Who are the financial supporters of the OAC — Accessibility Fund: Project Support?

OAC — Accessibility Fund: Project Support is funded by Ontario Arts Council (OAC)

What are OAC — Accessibility Fund: Project Support's eligibility criterias?

Not-for-profit organizations with a mandate to serve Deaf artists and artists with disabilities, led by board and/or staff members who identify as Deaf or as having a disability

OAC — Accessibility Fund: Project Support

Last Update: May 15, 2025

ON, Canada

Supports accessibility for Deaf and disabled project recipients

OAC — Accessibility Fund: Project Support at a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $5,000
Up to 50% of project cost

Timeline

Continuous Intakes

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Arts, entertainment and recreation

Grant Providers

Ontario Arts Council (OAC)

Status

Open

Overview of the OAC — Accessibility Fund: Project Support program

The OAC — Accessibility Fund: Project Support offers up to $5,000 in supplementary funding to help Deaf and disability-identifying recipients remove accessibility barriers while completing their OAC-funded projects. Eligible expenses include transportation, equipment rental, technological support, sign language interpretation, personal support workers, and other project-related accessibility needs.

Financing terms and conditions

Maximum funding of $5,000 per project.
The fund covers up to 50% of the amount awarded in the associated project grant, subject to the $5,000 maximum.
Grants awarded may be less than the amount requested due to limited funds and application volume.

Eligible projects & activities

Removing accessibility barriers for Deaf or disability-identifying participants during the execution of an approved project.
Facilitating project creation, rehearsal, or production processes by addressing accessibility challenges.
Implementing support measures that ensure equal participation of Deaf or disability-identifying collaborators or team members in project activities.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 92,400

Renovation of local theatre for accessibility and green upgrades

$ 49,500

Launch of digital literacy training for small business owners

$ 35,000

Development of a composting initiative for restaurant organic waste

$ 74,500

Installation of solar panels at community food distribution centre

$ 38,500

Implementation of e-commerce platform for fair-trade clothing co-op

$ 59,800

Purchase of industrial sewing machines for upcycled backpack line

Eligibility criteria of the OAC — Accessibility Fund: Project Support program

The applicant must be an individual who identifies as Deaf or as having a disability, an ad hoc group or collective with one or more members who identify as Deaf or as having a disability, or an incorporated not-for-profit organization with a mandate to serve and led by board and/or staff members who identify as Deaf or as having a disability.
The applicant must have an associated OAC project grant application in Draft, Submitted, Under Review, or Awarded status.
The expenses requested must specifically relate to removing accessibility barriers in carrying out the associated OAC-funded project.

Who is eligible?

Individuals who identify as Deaf
Individuals who identify as having a disability
Ad hoc groups and collectives with one or more members who identify as Deaf or as having a disability
Incorporated not-for-profit organizations with a mandate to serve Deaf artists and artists with disabilities, led by board and/or staff members who identify as Deaf or as having a disability

Who is not eligible

For-profit companies that do not have a mandate to serve Deaf artists and artists with disabilities.
Organizations not led by board and/or staff members who identify as Deaf or as having a disability.
Businesses and organizations whose activities are not related to arts, Deaf or disability communities.
Entities seeking funding for accessibility supports for audiences, workshop participants, or learners rather than for project participants or staff.

Eligible expenses

Transportation expenses, including ride sharing, taxi, car rental, public transportation, air and train travel (with explanation).
Rental of equipment, including ergonomic equipment and accessible devices.
Technological expenses, such as computer hardware rental and accessible software licensed for the project duration.
Purchases of equipment, hardware, and software under $100.
Counselling services directly related to the project.
Sign language interpretation (up to $70 per hour).
Personal support worker or attendant care (up to $30 per hour).
Communication supports, such as captioning, audio description, and communication assistants.
Other expenses directly related to making the project accessible to the project grant recipient or to other lead artists, collaborators, or Elders involved in the project who identify as Deaf or as having a disability.

Eligible geographic areas

Ontario

How to apply to the OAC — Accessibility Fund: Project Support program

Step 1: Prepare for ApplicationCreate or update your profile in Nova, OAC’s online grant application system.
Ensure you have a project grant application in one of the following statuses: Draft, Submitted, Under Review, or Awarded.
Step 2: Access the Accessibility Fund Application SectionOpen the project grant application in Nova that your accessibility expenses relate to.
Navigate to the Accessibility Fund section.
Click the “Request Project Accessibility Support” button.
Step 3: Complete the Application FormDescribe the barriers to accessibility that you and/or your group members will face and explain how the requested funds will be used to remove these barriers (maximum 250 words).
Provide a detailed breakdown of the expected accessibility expenses.
Attach supporting documents, such as quotes for services (optional).
Step 4: Submit Application in NovaReview your application to ensure all information is complete and accurate.
Submit your application through the Nova system.
Step 5: Await NotificationAfter submitting, wait for notification of your application results within the specified time frame (up to six weeks depending on application timing relative to the associated project grant).

Additional information

The Accessibility Fund: Project Support operates on a rolling intake and applications are accepted year-round.
If your associated project grant application is withdrawn or unsuccessful, your Accessibility Fund application will also be withdrawn without a separate notification.
The confidentiality of information submitted for the Accessibility Fund is strictly maintained and not shared with project assessors.