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Community ACCESS-Ability Program

Provincial cost-sharing grants for accessibility improvements to community facilities, helping organizations remove barriers and create more inclusive spaces.

  • Provider
    NS Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage
  • Closed

Community ACCESS-Ability Program

Provincial cost-sharing grants for accessibility improvements to community facilities, helping organizations remove barriers and create more inclusive spaces.

  • Provider
    NS Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage
  • Closed
  • DETAILS
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Categories
  • Arts, culture and heritage
  • Health and human services
  • Parks and recreation
Description

The Community ACCESS-Ability Program supports community-led accessibility improvement projects across Nova Scotia. The program provides cost-sharing grants to help organizations remove barriers and create more inclusive spaces for people with disabilities.

Projects can address accessibility in multiple areas: physical modifications to buildings, sensory accommodations, assistive technology, outdoor spaces, transportation, communication and service delivery. The program aligns with the province's commitment to an accessible Nova Scotia by 2030.

Eligible Project Types:

Physical Accessibility

  • Ramps, automatic doors, accessible washrooms, elevators
  • Modifications for improved mobility access

Sensory Accessibility

  • Braille signage, tactile paving, visual alarms, hearing loop systems
  • Adjustments for visual and auditory needs

Technology Enhancements

  • Assistive technology installations
  • Equipment to improve access to services

Outdoor Accessibility

  • Accessible pathways, seating, inclusive play areas
  • Improvements to parks, trails, beaches, community gathering spots

Other Areas

  • Accessible transportation, education, communication
  • Improvements to goods and services delivery

All projects that modify the built environment must meet or exceed Nova Scotia's Building Code. Items not required by the building code may be eligible if designed to improve accessibility.

Eligibility Requirements

All applicants must:

  • Operate primarily for community, culture and diversity
  • Provide programs serving the broader community (not just organizational membership)
  • Own the property OR hold a long-term lease of at least 5 years
Resources
  • Funder's Website
    • Community ACCESS-Ability Program
  • Contact
      • Email: AccessAbilityGrants@novascotia.ca
      • Phone: 902-233-8379
Deadline
  • February 14, 2026
Important Dates
  • Application Deadline
    February 14, 2026
Eligible Applicants
  • Municipalities
  • First Nations
  • Non-profit Organizations
  • Registered Charities
  • Municipal-owned Organizations
  • Community Groups
Funding Details
  • Estimated Amount Per Fund
    Up to $50,000
  • Letter of Intent Required
    No
  • Funding Notes
    • Up to 66% of eligible project costs
    • Projects under $20,000: funding disbursed in one payment
    • Projects over $20,000: two payments
How to Apply
  • Fund Guidelines
    • Available here
  • Online Application
    • Consult Program Officer before applying
    • Complete the application form
    • Submit by email, mail, in-person or courier

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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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