Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities — National or Regional Component

Who is eligible?

• Not-for-profit organizations
• For-profit organizations, as long as the proposed activity is non-commercial, not intended to generate profit, and supports program objectives
• Municipal governments
• Educational Institutions (including post-secondary institutions) and school boards
• Indigenous organizations (including band councils, tribal councils, and self-government entities)
• Provincial and territorial governments, institutions, agencies and Crown Corporations with approval from the Minister

Note: In Quebec, organizations may apply through the National Component due to regional program administration under the Canada-Quebec Agreement. Quebec entities must ensure compliance with An Act respecting the Ministère du Conseil exécutif (M-30) before signing agreements with the federal government.

Who is not eligible

This grant does not specify any exclusions for types of companies or industries based on their status or main activity. The information available primarily outlines eligibility without detailing specific ineligible sectors.

Eligible expenses

The grant funds projects that support disability inclusion and accessibility in employment, focusing on an inclusive recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, addressing labour market barriers, and providing innovative programming. Projects can span across national or regional components with various streams of activities.

• Work Experience programs supporting the hiring of persons with disabilities through wage subsidies and job placements.
• Skills for Employment training, ranging from pre-employment supports to advanced skills development.
• Self-Employment support including business concept assessments and entrepreneurial training.
• Enhanced Employment Assistance Services offering personalized services for work integration.
• Enhanced Employer Support to help employers prepare for workplace inclusion.
• Employer Awareness projects aimed at raising the profile of persons with disabilities and promoting inclusivity.
• Career Advancement Work Experience programs providing job placements for skill enhancement.
• Skills for Advancement initiatives to improve proficiency for higher job roles.
• Employer Supports for Career Advancement to facilitate growth opportunities for employees with disabilities.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant provides funding opportunities for eligible organizations across Canada. Projects must be delivered in one, two, or three or more provinces or territories depending on the component applied for (regional or national).

• National projects must operate in three or more provinces or territories.
• Regional projects must operate in one or two provinces or territories.
• Organizations in Quebec can apply for the National Component but not the Regional Component due to the Canada-Quebec Agreement.

The Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities grant is focused on supporting disability inclusion and accessibility in employment through innovative projects. It addresses labor market barriers and offers funding up to $15,000,000 for projects running up to three years.

• Application period: Closed as of July 22, 2022
• Funding components: National (3 or more provinces/territories) and Regional (1 or 2 provinces/territories)
• Eligible organizations can apply for one proposal under each component
• Eligible project duration: Up to 3 years (36 consecutive months)
• Average cost per participant guidance: Approximately $12,000
• Streams: Participant-focused, Employer Stream, Career Advancement Stream
• Eligible expenditures: Overhead costs, wages, training, travel, professional fees, etc.
• Ineligible expenditures: Fundraising activities, penalties, entertainment costs, capital costs for construction, purchase of motor vehicles, etc.
• Assessment criteria: Project Relevance (25%), Project Management (55%), Project Budget (20%)
• Supports to employers include coaching, training, HR support, and creating inclusive and accessible workplaces