Deadline: 30-Apr-21
The Government of Nova Scotia is currently seeking proposals for the Community ACCESS-Ability Program to assist non-profit community organizations and municipalities with the removal of barriers for persons with disabilities in public buildings and spaces. Proposals are welcome from non- profit organizations, Nova Scotian Mi’kmaq councils or groups, and municipalities.
Under this program, the Provincial Government invests up to two thirds of the costs of improvements, with the applicant responsible for one third of the project’s funding. Priority will be given to applications which demonstrate that the improvement proposed is part of an overall plan and commitment to the inclusiveness of persons with disabilities.
Funding Information
- Up to 66.6% of eligible costs to a maximum of $50,000.
- Applicants may use donated materials or equipment or in-kind work as part of their contribution.
- Eligible in-kind contributions includes applicants labour in the design or construction of the project.
- For unskilled labour, applicants may report up to $20.00 per hour rate. For skilledlabour, applicants may use contractor’s commercial rate. Please include a copy of the contractor’s professional ID card.
- Applicants are asked to provide a complete description of any in-kind contributions as part of their application, including a description of the service or product, and cost.
- For projects $10,000 or less funding will be disbursed in 1 transaction of 100%. Grants above $10,000 will be dispersed in 2 transactions, 80% upon return of the Terms & Conditions document and 20% upon receipt of final report.
Eligible types of projects may include the following
- Ramps, power door operators, accessible doors, and levered handles
- Barrier free washrooms
- Elevators, lifts, and other mobility assistive devices
- Audio signals and loops and lighting/color contrasting for visually impaired
- Accessible portion of community playgrounds
Eligible Facilities Include
- Community halls/meeting facilities
- Libraries
- Community parks or playgrounds
- Community cultural/heritage facilities
- Non-profit shelters/group homes
- Sport & recreation facilities
- Royal Canadian legions
- Municipal buildings
Eligibility Criteria
- Funding is available for improvements that will provide universal public accessibility or to upgrade existing accessible features. Organizations are eligible to submit one application per year.
- Eligible facilities must be open for use by all community members not just to those who belong to the applying organization. For example, a curling club or church hall must be open to the public, not just for members.
- New construction is not eligible for funding under this program. Additions to existing structures may be considered if they are designed to improve accessibility.
- Expenditures for renovations and equipment incurred prior to start of the current fiscal year, which begins on April 1, will not be eligible. Funding applications for improvements to leased premises will be considered, provided the lease period extends to at least two years beyond the date the application is submitted to the department.
For more information, visit https://cch.novascotia.ca/investing-our-future/community-funding-and-awards/community-access-ability-program