Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities — National or Regional Component
Canada
Support for disability inclusion and accessibility
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|closingDateJuly 22, 2022
- grant_single|grantStatusClosed
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
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- grant_single|allIndustries
grant_single|grantors
- Government of Canada
- Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)
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grant_card_status|closed
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Get up to $15 million for a project that will help individuals and employers create inclusive and accessible workplaces for persons with disabilities, through activities such as coaching, training, and human resources support. This call for proposals is a
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant is available to organizations within Canada who deliver activities across multiple provinces or territories to support disability inclusion and accessibility in employment. It distinguishes between national and regional applications to cover different geographical scopes within Canada.
- Projects under the National Component must be delivered in 3 or more provinces or territories in Canada.
- Projects under the Regional Component are to be delivered in 1 or 2 provinces or territories in Canada.
- Quebec organizations may apply for funding through the National Component but not the Regional Component due to regional fund administration specifics.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$4,000,000
Creating an inclusive employment program for persons with disabilities
$5,500,000
Developing a specialized job coaching program for persons with disabilities
$5,000,000
Launching a skills development initiative for persons with disabilities
$4,500,000
Implementing a self-employment training program for persons with disabilities
$3,000,000
Organizing accessible career fairs for persons with disabilities
$2,500,000
Establishing an employer support network for inclusive hiring
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the type of organization and the nature of the project.
- Your organization must be one of the following types:
- Not-for-profit organizations
- For-profit organizations (if the nature and intent of the activity in its proposal is non-commercial, not intended to generate profit, and supports program priorities and objectives)
- Municipal governments
- Educational Institutions (including post-secondary institutions), 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 - If your organization is established in Quebec, you may apply through the National Component but not the Regional Component.
- Each project must have a maximum duration of 3 years (or 36 consecutive months).
- The maximum funding request for a project is $15,000,000 total.
- For the National Component, project activities must be delivered in 3 or more provinces or territories.
- For the Regional Component, project activities must be delivered in 1 or 2 provinces or territories.
- Projects must clearly indicate the stream(s) under which they propose to deliver each activity.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Eligible applicants for the Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities include:
- 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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
Eligible expenses are those considered necessary to support the purpose of the funding.
- Overhead costs, such as shared postage, telephones, IT maintenance, and head office support.
- Materials and supplies.
- Wages and mandatory employment-related costs (MERCS).
- Training and professional development for staff.
- Honoraria and hospitality costs.
- Printing and communication.
- Travel (international travel must be specifically authorized).
- Professional fees (e.g., consultants, research, audit, translation).
- Capital costs for repairs or renovations to support the participation of persons with disabilities.
- Expenses related to services and supports provided by partner organizations for equity-deserving groups.
- Sub-agreement costs for recipients redistributing contributions.
- Participant costs such as tuition, living expenses, and disability accommodation.
- Costs of collecting and reporting on data as required by ESDC.
- Other necessary costs approved by the Minister of ESDC.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria with allocated point scores to ensure alignment with the grant’s objectives.
- Project Relevance: Clear link to the objective of the CFP and overall relevance of the proposal (25%).
- Project Management: Clear activities and timelines, feasibility, project experience, results delivery and results measurement indicators (55%).
- Project Budget: Clear, reasonable, and eligible costs to support project activities (20%).
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Gather Supporting Documents and Information
- Complete the Application for Funding form (EMP5523).
- Provide proof of your organization's type and status, such as the 15-digit Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) registration number, provincial/territorial corporation number, or a document confirming proof of operations.
- Prepare the Budget Detail Template.
- Step 2: Decide How to Apply
- Choose to apply online, via email, or by mail.
- If applying online, create a Grants and Contributions Online Services (GCOS) account.
- Download, complete, and upload the Budget Detail Template using your GCOS account if applying online.
- Step 3: Submit Application
- If submitting online, log into your GCOS account, submit your completed application and Budget Detail Template before the deadline.
- If submitting by email or mail, print and sign the application form and Budget Detail Template, and send the complete application package to the nearest ESDC office before the deadline.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
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
Apply to this program
Empowering Persons with Disabilities Through Employment Inclusion
The Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities offers financial assistance to projects that champion disability inclusion and accessibility in employment. The program aims to support individuals and employers in overcoming barriers to inclusion, while promoting innovative solutions for underserved communities.
In-Depth Insight into the Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities
The Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities (OF) seeks to enhance the economic participation of Canadians with disabilities by funding projects that address enduring and emergent challenges in the labor market. By targeting the inclusion of persons with various disabilities, the fund supports initiatives that prepare participants for employment, advance career prospects, and encourage self-employment. The overarching goal is to create sustainable pathways to economic independence for individuals with disabilities while addressing long-standing labor market barriers.
This government-funded initiative is structured to accommodate a diverse range of projects through its national and regional components. Projects eligible for funding can span up to three years, with potential support of up to $15 million. They must operate across multiple provinces or territories to qualify under the national component, or focus within one or two provinces for regional support. Organizations are encouraged to apply under different streams, such as Participant-focused, Employers Stream, or Career Advancement Stream, tailoring their proposals to meet distinct needs and expected outcomes.
Stream 1, the Participant-focused Stream, emphasizes the direct engagement with individuals to prepare them for the workforce. This stream facilitates work experience activities, self-employment opportunities, and employability skill development. Organizations are tasked with engaging employers to ensure successful career placements. The proposal for this stream needs to include strategies to address gender-specific employment barriers and promote mental health support tailored to individual needs.
In Stream 2, the Employers Stream, the focus shifts to fostering employer awareness and enhancing workplace environments to accommodate persons with disabilities. This involves educating employers on the advantages of diversity and inclusion, helping design inclusive workplace policies, and offering resources such as training and technological aids. Stream 2 emphasizes employer-led initiatives that raise the profile of individuals with disabilities and the benefits of creating accessible workspaces.
The Career Advancement Stream, or Stream 3, aims to support individuals already in the workforce to move towards more responsible roles. This stream targets the removal of advancement barriers by providing necessary skills training and opportunities for leadership development. Projects are encouraged to provide flexible work arrangements and integrate mental health support to optimize productivity and retention.
Eligible applicants range from non-profit organizations to educational institutions and indigenous groups. Each proposal must demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the needs of persons with disabilities, offering clear plans and measurable outcomes. Successful projects are those that effectively integrate gender sensitivity and intersectional approaches, reflecting the intricacies of equity-deserving groups.
By aligning with the broader objectives of Canada's Employment Strategy for Canadians with Disabilities, the Opportunities Fund not only provides financial assistance but also plays a pivotal role in cultural and systemic change towards a more inclusive workplace environment nationwide. Upon completion, these initiatives are anticipated to serve as exemplary models, showcasing best practices in the integration and advancement of persons with disabilities within various sectors.
