The Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF) provides funding for projects that make Canadian communities and workplaces more accessible for persons with disabilities. EAF aims to create more opportunities for persons with disabilities to take part in community activities, programs and services, or to access employment.

To receive funding, your organization must be a:

  • not-for-profit organization
  • business
  • small municipality
  • Indigenous organization (including band councils, tribal councils and self-government entities)
  • territorial government

There are 3 different program components in EAF. Each component holds separate calls for funding which further defines the eligibility criteria.

The small projects component

The small projects component provides grant funding for small scale construction and communication technology projects that improve accessibility in communities or workplaces. Grants can be up to $100,000 per project. Project examples may include:

  • building ramps, accessible doors and accessible washrooms
  • installing screen reader devices and hearing loop systems
  • constructing a universally designed office

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This year, EAF is introducing flat rate. Flat rate determines the amount of funding for constructing ramps, accessible doors and accessible washrooms. If you are applying for funding for these projects, learn more about flat rate.

The mid-sized projects component

The mid-sized projects component gives funding for larger construction projects. These projects must offer a suite of programs and services that support the social and/or labour market inclusion of persons with disabilities. Contributions can be up to $3 million per project. Eligible projects may include:

  • creating centres or hubs that offer programming and services for persons with disabilities in their communities
  • expanding existing centres or hubs that offer programming and services for persons with disabilities in their communities

The youth innovation component

The youth innovation component encourages youth to find accessibility barriers in their communities. They work with local organizations to improve accessibility and safety in community spaces and workplaces. Grant funding can be up to $10,000 per project. Project ideas include:

  • installing automatic door openers
  • building raised garden beds in a community garden
  • buying specialized wheelchairs to go on sandy beaches

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flowchart is available to help you choose the accessibility project that is right for your organization.

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Source: Government of Canada