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Call for Proposals: Community ACCESS-Ability Program in Canada

Deadline: 14-Feb-2026

The Community ACCESS-Ability Program in Nova Scotia provides grants of up to $50,000 to non-profit organizations and public institutions to improve accessibility and inclusivity in community spaces. The program supports projects that remove barriers, enhance participation for people of all abilities, and promote equity, diversity, and inclusion in public settings.

Promoting Inclusive and Accessible Community Spaces

The Community ACCESS-Ability Program helps organizations implement practical, community-led accessibility projects to make public spaces welcoming for all residents. The program aligns with Nova Scotia’s goal of an accessible province by 2030, emphasizing improvements that foster participation, social well-being, and community pride.

Objectives of the Program

  • Remove physical, sensory, and communication barriers in community spaces

  • Promote equitable participation for people of all abilities

  • Foster inclusive environments in public buildings, outdoor areas, and services

  • Support social well-being, community pride, and connectedness

  • Encourage cost-sharing and community investment in accessibility initiatives

Eligible Applicants

  • Registered non-profit organizations

  • Municipalities, towns, and villages

  • First Nations communities

  • Social enterprises

  • Public institutions such as libraries, museums, schools, and hospitals

  • Must operate primarily for community benefit

  • Must own or hold a long-term lease on the property where the project will take place

Eligible Projects

  • Physical improvements: Accessible entrances, ramps, restrooms, and outdoor spaces

  • Sensory and communication enhancements: Signage, assistive technologies, hearing or visual aids

  • Accessible transportation solutions: Parking, pathways, and transit access improvements

  • Inclusive access to services: Education, goods, and community programming

  • Projects must meet or exceed Nova Scotia Building Code accessibility standards

Funding Details

  • Covers up to two-thirds of eligible project costs

  • Maximum grant amount: $50,000 per project

  • Applicants provide remaining funding via own resources, partnerships, or in-kind contributions

  • Encourages shared responsibility and investment in accessibility improvements

How to Apply / How it Works

  1. Confirm eligibility of organization and property

  2. Identify accessibility needs to be addressed in the project

  3. Develop a detailed project plan, including scope, timeline, budget, and expected outcomes

  4. Submit the application through the official program portal

  5. Implement the project upon approval and report outcomes as required

Why This Program Matters

  • Builds inclusive communities where all residents can participate fully

  • Promotes equity, diversity, and social inclusion in community infrastructure and services

  • Supports innovative, culturally sensitive, and feasible accessibility solutions

  • Strengthens community pride, engagement, and connectedness

Tips for Applicants

  • Focus on projects that directly improve access for people of all abilities

  • Provide detailed budgets and timelines with clear cost-sharing plans

  • Highlight innovative or culturally sensitive approaches to accessibility

  • Ensure all upgrades meet or exceed Nova Scotia accessibility standards

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who is eligible to apply?

Registered non-profits, municipalities, towns, villages, First Nations communities, social enterprises, and public institutions that operate for community benefit.

2. What types of projects are funded?

Physical accessibility improvements, sensory and communication enhancements, inclusive access to services, and accessible transportation solutions.

3. What is the maximum grant amount?

$50,000 per project, covering up to two-thirds of eligible costs.

4. Is co-funding required?

Yes. Applicants must secure the remaining one-third of funding through their own resources or partnerships.

5. Do projects need to meet accessibility standards?

Yes. Physical upgrades must meet or exceed Nova Scotia Building Code requirements.

6. Can public institutions apply?

Yes, including libraries, museums, schools, and hospitals, provided the property is owned or leased long-term.

7. What is the program’s main goal?

To create inclusive, accessible, and welcoming community spaces that enable participation for people of all abilities.

Conclusion

The Community ACCESS-Ability Program strengthens Nova Scotia’s commitment to accessibility by supporting innovative, community-led projects that remove barriers, enhance inclusivity, and build connected, equitable communities for everyone.

For more information, visit Government of Nova Scotia.