Submit Applications for Accessible Recreation Grants (Canada)

Deadline: 05-Nov-2026

Columbia Basin Trust’s Accessible Recreation Grants provide up to $100,000 per project to local governments, First Nations, and eligible non-profit organizations in the Columbia Basin region to improve accessibility in existing indoor public recreation facilities. Funding can support adaptive equipment, accessibility-focused infrastructure improvements, training, and project development to create safer, more inclusive recreation spaces for people with diverse abilities.

About the Accessible Recreation Grants Program

The Accessible Recreation Grants program is offered by Columbia Basin Trust to help communities improve access to indoor public recreation facilities. The program supports projects that remove physical and participation barriers for people with diverse abilities. It is part of the Trust’s broader commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, healthy communities, and community resilience. The program is guided by the 2024–2034 Columbia Basin Management Plan, which promotes vibrant and inclusive communities where residents can participate in recreation. What the Grant Supports Funding is intended for improvements to existing indoor public recreation spaces.

Eligible projects may include:

Accessibility improvements to recreation facilities. Infrastructure upgrades that remove mobility barriers. Adaptive recreation equipment. Inclusive recreation amenities. Training for facility operators related to accessibility and adaptive equipment. Improvements that make recreation spaces safer and easier to use for people with diverse abilities. The program is focused on practical improvements that increase participation and accessibility within community recreation facilities. Eligible Project Costs Applicants may request funding for several types of expenses. Project Development and Design Up to $10,000 may be available for eligible project development and design costs. This can help organizations plan accessibility improvements before construction or implementation. Adaptive Equipment Funding can support the purchase of equipment designed to help people with diverse abilities participate in recreation activities. Training Eligible costs can include relevant training for facility operators so they can properly use adaptive equipment and provide more accessible recreation services. Infrastructure Improvements Projects can include physical improvements that remove mobility barriers and improve accessibility within existing indoor public recreation facilities. Grant Amount Applicants can request up to 100% of eligible project costs, subject to program requirements.

The maximum grant is:

Up to $100,000 per project However, receiving 100% of project costs is not guaranteed. Columbia Basin Trust may determine that applicants need to contribute toward project costs depending on the circumstances of the application. Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

Local governments. First Nations. Registered non-profit societies. Applicants must be connected to an eligible public recreation facility in the Columbia Basin Trust region. The organization must own, operate, rent, or lease the facility and provide recreation that is: Safe. Low-barrier. Inclusive. Accessible to community members. Property Requirements for Infrastructure Projects Additional requirements apply when the grant is being used for infrastructure improvements.

Applicants must either:

Own the property; or Hold a long-term lease of at least five years. Where the applicant is leasing the property, the application must also include a letter of support from the building owner. This requirement helps ensure that funded infrastructure improvements can be implemented and maintained over the required period. Why the Accessible Recreation Grant Matters Accessibility barriers can prevent people with disabilities and diverse abilities from participating fully in community recreation. The Accessible Recreation Grants program helps communities address these barriers by supporting:

Inclusive recreation: More residents can participate in community activities.

Accessibility: Physical and equipment-related barriers can be reduced.

Equity: Recreation opportunities can become more accessible to people with diverse abilities.

Community well-being: Inclusive recreation contributes to healthier and more connected communities.

Local resilience: Accessible public spaces strengthen community participation and social inclusion.

The program therefore supports both physical accessibility and broader community inclusion. How the Grant Works Organizations should first identify an accessibility barrier within an existing indoor public recreation facility.

A typical project process includes:

Identify the accessibility need Determine which barriers prevent or limit participation. Develop the project Define the proposed equipment, infrastructure improvement, training, or other eligible activity. Confirm property eligibility For infrastructure projects, confirm ownership or a qualifying lease of at least five years. Prepare the budget Identify total project costs and the amount requested from Columbia Basin Trust. Identify contributions Be prepared to explain any applicant contribution or other project funding if required. Prepare the application Clearly explain the accessibility problem, proposed solution, expected community benefits, and project costs. Submit the application Ensure that all required organizational and property documentation is included. What Makes a Strong Project? A competitive project should clearly demonstrate how the proposed investment will improve accessibility.

Applicants should explain:

What accessibility barrier currently exists. Who is affected by the barrier. How the proposed project will address the problem. How many community members could benefit. Why the improvement is needed. How the facility will remain safe and inclusive. How the equipment or infrastructure will be maintained. Why the requested