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Accessible Canada – National AccessAbility Week Funding

Funding for National AccessAbility Week projects that promote accessibility, inclusion, and awareness of the contributions of persons with disabilities.

  • Provider
    Employment and Social Development Canada
  • Active

Accessible Canada – National AccessAbility Week Funding

Funding for National AccessAbility Week projects that promote accessibility, inclusion, and awareness of the contributions of persons with disabilities.

  • Provider
    Employment and Social Development Canada
  • Active
  • DETAILS
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Categories
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Description

This funding opportunity will support projects that promote the implementation of the Accessible Canada Act and its regulations through National Accessibility Week (NAAW) activities delivered in 2027, 2028, and 2029, highlighting the contributions of persons with disabilities, raising awareness, and promoting accessibility and inclusion in communities and workplaces across Canada.

  • up to $180,000 over three years for scalable NAAW projects; or
  • up to $360,000 over three years for scalable NAAW projects that have regional or national scope and partnerships with diverse groups from within the disability community

Objectives:

  • Promote the implementation of the Accessible Canada Act and its regulations through National AccessAbility Week (NAAW) activities.
  • Highlight the contributions and achievements of persons with disabilities.
  • Raise awareness of accessibility and disability inclusion across Canada.
  • Encourage more accessible and inclusive communities and workplaces.
  • Support the meaningful participation of persons with disabilities in project design and delivery.
  • Increase public understanding of accessibility barriers and inclusion issues.
  • Reduce stigma and attitudinal barriers toward persons with disabilities.
  • Strengthen collaboration and knowledge sharing within the disability community.
  • Expand the reach, impact, and sustainability of accessibility-focused initiatives.

Eligible Projects

Projects must:

  • Support the objectives of the National AccessAbility Week (NAAW) Call for Proposals.
  • Run for up to three years (February 1, 2027–February 1, 2030).
  • Include plans to expand reach and impact over time.

Projects requesting $180,001–$360,000 must also:

  • Have a regional or national scope (operate in more than one province or territory).
  • Include partnerships with diverse disability organizations.
  • Indigenous organizations are exempt from these additional requirements.

Eligible Activities

Activities may focus on accessibility priorities such as:

  • Employment and inclusive hiring.
  • Built environment accessibility.
  • Accessible digital technologies and communications.
  • Emergency preparedness and non-digital communications.
  • Accessible procurement practices.
  • Inclusive programs and services.
  • Accessible transportation.
  • Indigenous accessibility initiatives.

Eligible Expenses

  • Wages and benefits.
  • Professional fees.
  • Travel and accommodation.
  • Materials, supplies, printing, and communications.
  • Equipment rental, lease, and maintenance.
  • Administration costs.
  • Capital assets.
  • Disability supports for staff.
  • Accessibility services for events.

Ineligible Expenses

  • Costs incurred before funding approval.
  • Ongoing operating expenses (rent, utilities, taxes, insurance, etc.).
  • Proposal preparation costs.
  • Construction or renovation projects.
  • Fundraising or lobbying activities.
  • Staff bonuses.
  • Alcohol purchases.
  • Staff equipment not directly related to project activities.
Eligibility Requirements
  • Not-for-profit and voluntary organizations serving persons with disabilities.
  • Educational institutions and health/social service institutions partnering with disability organizations.
  • Municipalities partnering with disability organizations.
  • Indigenous organizations, including band councils, tribal councils, and self-government entities.
Resources
  • Funder's website
    • Employment and Social Development Canada
  • Information Sessions
    • June 17, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. ADT (French session)
    • June 18, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. ADT (English session)
    • July 8, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. ADT (French session)
    • July 9, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. ADT (English session)
  • Contact
    • Email: edsc.ac.naaw-sna.ca.esdc@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
Deadline
  • July 28, 2026
Important Dates
  • Application deadline
    June 23, 2026
  • Period of performance
    February 1, 2027 – February 1, 2030 (up to 3 years)
Eligible Applicants
  • Municipalities
  • First Nations
  • Non-profit Organizations
  • Municipal-owned Organizations
  • Community Groups
  • Registered Charities
Funding Details
  • Total available funding
    $3.6 Million
  • Estimated amount per fund
    $180,000 - $360,000 over three years
  • Letter of Intent Required
    No
  • Funding Notes
    • Funding is provided as a grant.
    • Only one application per CRA Business Number is permitted.
    • Projects must be delivered during National AccessAbility Week (NAAW) 2027, 2028, and 2029.
    • Applicants requesting more than $180,000 must demonstrate regional/national reach and partnerships with diverse disability organizations (except Indigenous organizations).
    • Applications must include all required supporting documents and partner letters where applicable.
How to Apply
  • Fund Guidelines
    • Program Guidelines
  • Online Application
    • Apply online through the Grants and Contributions Online Services (GCOS) portal.
    • Create and complete your GCOS user and organization profiles before submitting an application.
    • Submit a complete application package by July 28, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. ADT.
    • Organizations unable to apply through GCOS must contact ESDC by July 26, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. ADT to request an alternative application method and explain the reason.
  • Notes
    Applications must include all supporting documents, and letter(s) of support from partners when required

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Disclaimer

We make every effort to ensure the program details in this guide are accurate. In the event of a discrepancy between this guide and the funder’s official website, the information on the program website will take precedence.

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