Accessibility Grant Program 2025-26 is closed. No new applications will be accepted at this time.
The Accessibility grant’s purpose is to improve accessibility and inclusion across Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) including communications, events, built environment and implementing solutions to barriers through innovation. The goal is to move forward by practicing accessibility and inclusion to ensure persons with disabilities participate and contribute to all aspects of society.
The grant follows:
- Nothing About Us Without Us principle
- the Accessibility Act
- the provincial government’s commitment to improve accessibility for persons with disabilities.
Accessibility Project Criteria
Eligible projects will improve the accessibility and inclusion of persons with disabilities in all aspects of society. Priority will be given to capacity building projects, programs, or services that promote accessibility and inclusion beyond physical infrastructure.
Who can Apply?
- NL based nonprofit organizations (community, disability groups, churches, social enterprises)
- Municipalities and Local Service Districts
- Indigenous governments and groups
The maximum funding request is $25,000.
Project applications should describe the proposed project, all projected costs, include written quotes as required, and any potential outcomes.
Two (2) or more applicants can collaborate on an accessibility project using one application that includes all required information on the partnership.
Examples of capacity building projects include:
- Research projects that identify creative solutions and actions to address barriers experienced by persons with disabilities, including access to employment and disability related supports.
- Technology improvement or website development and updates that improve accessibility.
- Development and implementation of awareness sessions on disability or accessibility-related topics that aim to educate and find solutions to barriers.
- Project that promotes inclusivity in programs and services for people with disabilities, and considers social demographics such as gender identity, racial and ethnic identity, age, and marital status. For many persons with disabilities, there are multiple intersections between these demographic characteristics (intersectionality).
- Project that promotes intergenerational and equitable access for persons with disabilities to learn about indigenous cultures and related issues within society such as housing, transportation, employment, etc.
Examples of physical accessibility projects include:
- Building/Repairing indoor accessibility features such as ramps, door openers, accessible washrooms, tactile features/lighting for way finding and sensory friendly equipment.
- Building/Repairing outdoor accessible features such as outdoor ramps, raised garden beds, playgrounds and paved walkways to areas that are accessible. This does not include public roads, curb cuts, and highways that are funded through municipalities or other departments.
- Providing disability related supports for accessible events and meetings such as real time captioning services, purchasing hearing assistive technologies, and sign language interpretation services.
Important Note: Stair lifts or platform lifts for buildings are not eligible because of the safety and accessibility concerns raised by the disability community in the province. As well, applications that are not focused on accessibility improvements, such as electrical work, heating and cooling systems, parking lot paving, sewage systems and incomplete accessible construction will not be accepted.
Who Can Not Apply?
- Government run facilities (schools, school boards, health board, provincial parks, etc.)
- Businesses (small, medium, and large including franchises)
- Private owned corporations and agencies (private owned parks, hiking trails)
- National and international based organizations
- Applications that are not focused on accessibility (e.g., electrical panel, heat pumps, sewage systems, partial accessible construction for example, has ramp but still have high lip to access door)
How to Apply:
Guidelines:
Application:
Common errors to watch for:
- Errors related to contact information.
- Missing project information. The application requires a clear project title, scope and outcome.
- Missing estimates or a request for amounts that differ from the amount on the quote – Please make sure you fill in the requested amount that matches your quote or estimate.
- Missing signature – Before you submit your application, please make sure you have appropriate signatures needed. This helps to validate your application for review.
FAQ:
News Release: Provincial Government Invites Applications for 2025-26 Accessibility Grants