Deadline: 14-Feb-2025
The Government of Nova Scotia is seeking applications for the Community ACCESS-Ability Program to provide cost sharing grants that support community-led accessibility improvement projects.
This includes accessibility in the built environment, education, employment, good & services, information & communication, transportation and more.
Communities, Culture, Tourism & Heritage supports their communities to thrive by promoting active living, tourism, and Nova Scotia’s diverse culture, heritage, and languages. They pride themselves in helping to grow communities and organizations by providing programs and services that support these areas.
They are committed to ensuring that their programs and services are free of discrimination and barriers, and value equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (EDIA). By applying this lens, and ensuring it is a core value in their programs and decision-making processes, they are taking steps to address the long-standing systemic barriers that impact many communities in their province.
Communities, Culture, Tourism, and Heritage is committed to advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility across Nova Scotia, and they support partners who share in this commitment.
Funding Information
- Maximum Funding: $50,000 per project
- For projects under $25,000 – funding will be disbursed in 1 transaction of 100%. Grants above $25,000 will be dispersed in 2 transactions – 80% upon return of the Terms & Conditions document and 20% upon receipt of Final Report.
Eligible Projects
- Projects should focus on improving accessibility in community spaces and may include (but are not limited to):
- Physical Accessibility: Installation of ramps, automatic doors, accessible washrooms, elevators, or other modifications for improved mobility access.
- Sensory Accessibility: Adjustments for visual and auditory accessibility, such as braille signage, tactile paving, visual alarms, or hearing loop systems.
- Technology Enhancements: Installation of assistive technology to improve access to services for people with disabilities.
- Outdoor Accessibility: Accessible pathways, seating, and inclusive play areas in parks, trails, beaches and community gathering spots.
- Accessible Transportation, Education, Communication, Goods and Services
- All projects should adhere to Nova Scotia’s Building Code. Items not required by the building code may be considered if they are designed to improve accessibility.
Ineligible Projects
- General maintenance unrelated to accessibility.
- Expenses that happen outside the 2025 fiscal year (April 1, 2025-March 31, 2026).
- Operational costs or ongoing staff salaries.
- Individuals, personal residences or privately owned facilities.
- Any items that are required by the Nova Scotia Building code such as new construction or major renovations.
- Costs associated with preparation of the grant application.
Eligibility Criteria
- Registered non-profit organizations, such as Community Halls, Legions, Churches, Day Cares, Shelters, Recreation facilities, etc.
- Municipalities, Towns, Villages and First Nations communities.
- Public institutions, such as libraries, museums, schools, hospitals, etc.
- All applicants must:
- Operate primarily for the benefit of community, culture, and diversity.
- Provide programs that serve a broader community and not strictly the organization’s membership.
- Own the property where the work will take place OR maintain a long-term lease of at least 5 years with the owner of the property where the work will take place.
Ineligibility Criteria
- Federally or provincially owned buildings
- For-profit business
- Private homes/buildings
Review Criteria
- Eligible applications will be reviewed against the following program criteria:
- Impact on Accessibility: The depth and scale to which the project improves accessibility for all.
- Community Benefit: How the project fosters inclusion and benefits the local community.
- Quality: adherence to building guidelines of the Nova Scotia Building Code.
- Feasibility and Budget: Project readiness, budget and capacity to complete the project.
Application Requirements
- Applicants are strongly encouraged to speak with department staff far in advance of the deadline and before applying.
- Applicants must complete the Application Form in full. A checklist is included to help ensure that all required information is considered/provided. Incomplete applications will be deemed ineligible.
- Applicants must include at least one quote from external contractors/suppliers.
- Application Forms must be signed and dated by the Chairperson/Chief.
- Applications can be delivered by email, in-person, fax, courier or sent by regular mail.
For more information, visit Government of Nova Scotia.