Apply Now: Accessibility Projects Grants 2026/2027 (Canada)

The Accessibility Projects Grants provide up to $40,000 per project to BC-based not-for-profit organizations working to improve accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities. The programme supports community engagement projects addressing barriers in areas such as employment, emergency planning, arts and culture, sports, education, and community participation. A total of $450,000 is available for the grant cycle. Eligible organizations must primarily operate for community benefit in British Columbia, Canada, provide services accessible to the public, and have a democratically elected volunteer Board. What Are the Accessibility Projects Grants? The Accessibility Projects Grants support community engagement initiatives that improve accessibility for people with disabilities. The programme is intended to help organizations identify and address barriers that prevent people with disabilities from fully participating in community life. Funded projects should create practical improvements in accessibility, participation, inclusion, or access to services and opportunities. What Areas Does the Grant Support? Projects must address at least one of the programme’s priority objectives: Accessible employment – improving access to employment opportunities and workplaces. Accessible emergency planning and response – making emergency preparedness and response more accessible. Accessible arts, culture and tourism – improving participation in cultural, artistic, and tourism activities. Accessible sports and recreation – removing barriers to sports, recreation, and physical activities. Accessible education and learning – improving access to educational and learning opportunities. Accessible community participation – increasing participation in community activities, services, and decision-making. Funding Available

The grant provides:

Maximum grant: $40,000 per project.

Total funding available: $450,000 for the grant cycle.

Applicants should ensure that the requested funding is directly connected to the proposed accessibility project and its planned activities. Who Is Eligible? Eligible applicants are not-for-profit organizations based in British Columbia, Canada that operate primarily for community benefit.

Organizations must generally:

Operate in British Columbia. Provide services that are open to the public. Operate primarily for community benefit. Have a democratically elected volunteer Board. Have the organizational capacity to deliver the proposed project. Are National or International Organizations Eligible? National or international organizations may be eligible if they have: A base of operations in British Columbia. Sufficient organizational capacity to deliver services in BC. A clear ability to implement the proposed project within the province. Simply having a national or international presence does not automatically establish eligibility. Who Is Not Eligible?

The programme does not support:

Governmental bodies. Public-sector organizations. Organizations that do not meet the programme’s not-for-profit and community-benefit requirements may also be ineligible. What Does Community Engagement Mean? Community engagement means actively involving people and communities in identifying accessibility barriers and developing solutions. A strong project should demonstrate meaningful engagement with people with disabilities rather than simply delivering a general programme without community input. Projects that improve participation in community activities. Why It Matters People with disabilities can face physical, social, communication, institutional, and economic barriers that limit participation in community life. The Accessibility Projects Grants help organizations develop practical solutions to these barriers.

The programme can contribute to:

Greater social inclusion. Improved accessibility. Increased community participation. More equitable access to services. Better employment opportunities. Inclusive education and learning. Greater participation in arts and culture. More accessible recreation and sports. Improved emergency preparedness. How the Grant Works

Step 1: Identify an Accessibility Barrier

Organizations should identify a specific accessibility challenge affecting people with disabilities in their community.

Step 2: Select a Priority Area

The proposed project must align with one or more eligible areas: Employment. Emergency planning and response. Arts, culture and tourism. Sports and recreation. Education and learning. Community participation.

Step 3: Develop the Project

Create a clear project plan explaining:

The accessibility problem. Who will benefit. How people with disabilities will be involved. Activities to be delivered. Expected results. Project timeline. Budget.

Step 4: Demonstrate Community Benefit

Explain how the project will improve accessibility and participation for people with disabilities in BC.

Step 5: Prepare the Budget

Ensure the requested amount is appropriate for the proposed activities and does not exceed the $40,000 maximum per project.

Step 6: Confirm Organizational Eligibility

Before applying, confirm that the organization: Is a not-for-profit. Operates primarily for community benefit. Is based in or has sufficient operations in BC. Provides services to the public. Has a democratically elected volunteer Board. Previous Grant Recipients Organizations that previously received a successful application must observe a five-year reapplication period before applying again. Applicants should therefore check their previous funding history before preparing a new application. Tips for a Strong Application Clearly Define the Accessibility Problem Avoid describing accessibility in overly broad terms. Identify a specific barrier and explain who is affected. Demonstrate Meaningful Inclusion Show how people with disabilities will participate in the planning, implementation, or evaluation of the project. Connect Activities to Outcomes Explain exactly how project activities will