Funding Opportunity – Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF)

October 11, 2022

Funding Amount: up to $100,000
Statement of Interest (SOI) due: October 17, 2022
Only one application is permitted per organization.

Employment and Social Development Canada – Enabling Accessibility Fund is now open.

The Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF) provides funding for projects that make communities and workplaces across Canada more accessible for persons with disabilities. EAF creates more opportunities for persons with disabilities to take part in community activities, programs and services and/or access employment.

This funding supports projects that improve accessibility and safety for persons with disabilities in:

• a facility where persons with disabilities work or could work in the future (Workplace Accessibility Stream); or
• a community space where programs or services are, or will be available for persons with disabilities (Community Accessibility Stream)

Up to $100,000 is available through this funding program, with a minimum of 20% confirmed cash contributions required. Projects also must not take longer than 24 months to complete.

Project Activities can fall under one of two categories:

Flat rate Projects:
These are ESDC estimations of funding you could receive when you enter project information into the online fillable EAF Calculator. This replaces the need for external quotes or detailed project plans.

Examples of common flat-rate projects include ramps, accessible doors, accessible washrooms, elevators, accessible lifts, pool lifts, multi-sensory rooms and stations, accessible playgrounds.

Non-Flat rate Projects:
These are all other types of accessibility activities which could include, but are not limited to: accessible kitchens, accessibility equipment, raised accessible garden beds, accessible pathways.

A quote from a certified or professional contractor that outlines the costs is required for these project activities. If a quote is not possible, a rationale is required explaining why the quote could not be obtained.

Please review the online fillable EAF Calculator as it will need to be completed during the application process (for both flat and non-flat rate project activities). For the purposes of completing the EAF calculator, TRCA qualifies for a GST/HST rebate at 87%, and projects are located in Region 1. The calculator will time-out, so it is highly recommended that you print your answers once complete to avoid having to redo the calculations.

Note also that a digital picture showing the workplace or community space to be improved must be provided on the application.

Please submit your Statement of Interest (SOI) through the Grant Centre no later than Monday, October 17. In your SOI, please include the accounts that the matching funds are coming from.

If you would like to discuss your project further, please contact the Funding and Grants Coordinators: Max Smith (max.smith@trca.ca) or Samuel Hale (samuel.hale@trca.ca).