ArtsBuild Ontario is dedicated to supporting our organizations in creating accessible and inclusive spaces for all. We are committed to providing up-to-date learning opportunities and resources around ways to fund and finance projects to implement and improve accessibility standards in your facilities.
According to the Ontario legislation, non-profit arts organizations must make new or redeveloped public spaces accessible by January 1, 2018. We will include further compliance requirements for existing buildings as the legislation becomes available.
We have listed some granting programs here that have been available to our arts organizations to fund capital work to improve the accessibility in your space.
CAPITAL GRANTS
Enabling Accessibility Fund
Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF) is a federal Grants and Contributions program that supports capital costs of construction and renovations related to improving physical accessibility and safety for people with disabilities in Canadian communities and workplaces.
The Enabling Accessibility Fund is not currently accepting applications.
Canada Cultural Spaces Fund (CCSF)
The Canada Cultural Spaces Fund is a matching federal grant. The fund support the improvement, renovation and construction of arts and heritage facilities, as well as the acquisition of specialized equipment.
The grant supports projects that include accessibility improvements as well as projects that impact audience accessibility, including disability access.
Those eligible to apply include: not for profit arts and heritage organizations, incorporated under the Canada Not-for-Profit Corporations Act, Part II of the Canada Corporations Act or under corresponding provincial or territorial legislation; provincial/territorial governments, municipal or regional governments and their agencies; and Aboriginal people’s institutions or organizations.
CCSF receives applications on an ongoing basis.
Ontario Trillium Foundation Capital Grants (OTF)
The Capital Investment Stream from the Ontario Trillium Foundation is for capital-specific projects that align with one or more of the OTF Priority Outcomes and its related Grant Result. All supported capital-specific projects must achieve measured impact in their community.
Types of projects funded include buying and installing equipment, doing renovations, installations and repairs, building structures or spaces and making better use of technological resources.
Currently not accepting applications at this time.
OTHER ACCESSIBILITY PROGRAMS
Accessibility Works
These workshops help Ontario’s businesses and not-for-profit organizations to understand and comply with their obligations under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).
Learn more here.
Discover Ability Network
Discover Ability Network is an online job-matching portal and resource, run by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, for Ontario employers and persons with disabilities seeking employment.
Learn more here.
RESOURCES
Accessibility Services Canada provides training and consulting services to nonprofits, businesses and municipalities in Ontario to help them understand and comply with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (2005). They have helped thousands of organizations successfully incorporate the upcoming standard requirements into their organizations.
Learn more here.
LINKS
StopGap Foundation
AccessTO
AccessNow
AccessForward
Tangled Art + Disability
Ontario Non-Profit Network
