Deadline: 28-Jul-2026
The Government of Canada is inviting eligible organizations to apply for funding through the Accessible Canada Fund’s National AccessAbility Week (NAAW) stream. The funding supports projects that promote accessibility, disability inclusion, and the implementation of the Accessible Canada Act through awareness-raising activities across Canada between 2027 and 2029.
National AccessAbility Week celebrates the contributions of persons with disabilities while encouraging efforts to identify, remove, and prevent barriers to accessibility. Through this funding opportunity, organizations can develop projects that increase public awareness, foster inclusive communities, and support the participation of persons with disabilities in all aspects of society.
About the Funding Opportunity
The NAAW stream supports projects that advance the objectives of the Accessible Canada Act and its regulations through educational, awareness-building, and community engagement activities.
The program focuses on:
- Accessibility awareness and education
- Disability inclusion and participation
- Implementation of the Accessible Canada Act
- Barrier identification and removal
- Inclusive workplaces and communities
- Community engagement initiatives
- Accessibility promotion across sectors
- Recognition of contributions made by persons with disabilities
- Participation of persons with disabilities in project design and delivery
Projects should contribute to creating a more accessible and inclusive Canada while encouraging meaningful engagement with disability communities.
National AccessAbility Week
National AccessAbility Week takes place annually beginning on the last Sunday in May.
The week serves as an opportunity to:
- Celebrate Canadians with disabilities
- Recognize achievements and contributions
- Raise awareness about accessibility issues
- Promote inclusion and equal participation
- Highlight efforts to remove barriers
- Encourage accessibility improvements in communities and workplaces
Funded projects are expected to support these objectives through impactful public activities and outreach initiatives.
Funding Information
The Government of Canada has allocated:
- Up to $3.6 million in total funding
- Funding period covering 2027 to 2029
- Approximately 10 to 20 projects expected to be funded
Funding levels include:
- Up to $180,000 over three years for scalable National AccessAbility Week projects
- Up to $360,000 over three years for projects demonstrating regional or national reach and strong partnerships within the disability community
Funding decisions will be based on project quality, strategic alignment, and overall program priorities.
Priority Areas
Projects should align with the key priorities of the Accessible Canada Act and support accessibility and inclusion across diverse communities.
Priority areas include:
- Accessibility awareness
- Disability rights and inclusion
- Community participation
- Barrier-free environments
- Inclusive employment
- Accessible services and programs
- Public education and engagement
- Accessibility leadership and advocacy
Projects that support long-term accessibility improvements and broad community engagement are encouraged.
Focus on Underrepresented Communities
The program encourages projects that engage and support underrepresented and equity-deserving communities.
These include:
- Official Language Minority Communities
- 2SLGBTQIA+ communities
- Indigenous Peoples
- Black communities
- Visible minority groups
- Equity-deserving populations
- Persons with disabilities facing multiple barriers
Applicants are encouraged to design projects that reflect diverse experiences and perspectives across Canada.
Eligible Applicants
Eligible organizations include:
- Not-for-profit organizations serving persons with disabilities
- Voluntary organizations serving persons with disabilities
- Educational institutions working in partnership with disability organizations
- Health service institutions working in partnership with disability organizations
- Social service institutions supported by provincial or territorial governments and partnered with disability organizations
- Municipalities working in partnership with disability organizations
- Indigenous organizations
- Band councils
- Tribal councils
- Self-government entities
Partnerships with disability organizations are strongly encouraged where required.
Project Requirements
Projects should:
- Promote accessibility and inclusion
- Support the objectives of the Accessible Canada Act
- Deliver National AccessAbility Week activities
- Include meaningful participation of persons with disabilities
- Raise public awareness about accessibility issues
- Demonstrate community impact
- Support diverse and inclusive engagement
Applicants should clearly explain how persons with disabilities will be involved in project planning, implementation, and delivery.
Application Limit
Applicants should note that:
- Only one application may be submitted per unique Canada Revenue Agency Business Number
- Multiple submissions under the same CRA Business Number are not permitted
Organizations are encouraged to submit their strongest and most comprehensive proposal.
Assessment Criteria
Applications will be assessed based on:
- Overall project quality
- Alignment with funding priorities
- Contribution to accessibility and inclusion
- Community impact and reach
- Engagement of persons with disabilities
- Partnerships and collaboration
- Geographic and demographic diversity
- Contribution to a balanced distribution of funded projects
Projects demonstrating strong alignment with accessibility goals and broad community benefits may receive higher consideration.
Why This Funding Matters
Despite ongoing progress, many Canadians with disabilities continue to encounter barriers that limit full participation in society. National AccessAbility Week provides an important opportunity to raise awareness, promote accessibility, and encourage action across communities, workplaces, and institutions.
By funding awareness-building and community engagement projects, the Accessible Canada Fund helps organizations advance accessibility, strengthen inclusion, and contribute to a more equitable Canada where everyone can participate fully and independently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the National AccessAbility Week funding stream?
- Eligible applicants include disability-serving nonprofit organizations, educational and health institutions partnered with disability organizations, municipalities, and Indigenous organizations.
How much funding is available?
- Up to $3.6 million is available to support approximately 10 to 20 projects between 2027 and 2029.
What is the maximum funding an organization can request?
- Organizations may request up to $180,000 over three years, or up to $360,000 for projects with regional or national reach and strong disability-community partnerships.
What is National AccessAbility Week?
- It is an annual event held beginning on the last Sunday in May that celebrates the contributions of persons with disabilities and promotes accessibility and inclusion across Canada.
Can organizations submit more than one application?
- No. Only one application may be submitted per unique Canada Revenue Agency Business Number.
Are projects required to involve persons with disabilities?
- Yes. Meaningful participation of persons with disabilities in project design and delivery is an important program objective.
Which communities are prioritized?
- Projects supporting Official Language Minority Communities, Indigenous Peoples, 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, Black communities, visible minority groups, and other equity-deserving populations are encouraged.
Conclusion
The Accessible Canada Fund’s National AccessAbility Week Stream provides significant support for organizations working to advance accessibility, disability inclusion, and public awareness across Canada. By funding projects that celebrate the contributions of persons with disabilities and promote the goals of the Accessible Canada Act, the program helps build more inclusive communities, strengthen accessibility leadership, and create lasting positive change between 2027 and 2029.
For more information, visit Government of Canada.
