This list is an overview of organizations and programs that currently provide funding or have provided funding for past accessibility initiatives. Please contact the organization to determine whether the funding is still available or whether future funding will be offered. This list has been updated as of March 31, 2025.
Mixed Grants
National AccessAbility Week
Grant Funder: Government of Canada (applications are now closed)
Audience for Grant: mixed, including education, and local government
Note: This funding opportunity aims to support projects that increase awareness through National Accessibility Week (NAAW) activities in 2025 and in 2026. It will fund projects that improve understanding and knowledge of Canadians on accessibility and disability inclusion, reduce stigma and attitudinal barriers towards persons with disabilities, and share best practices and lessons learned related to NAAW activities within the disability community.
Amount of funding: Up to $200,000
Communities
Accessibility Project Grants
Web Link: Accessibility Projects | DABC (disabilityalliancebc.org)
Grant Funder: Disability Alliance BC/Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction (applications are now closed)
Audience for Grant: BC-based not-for-profit organizations that operate primarily for community benefit and whose services are open to the public and not restricted to the organization’s membership.
Amount of funding: Organizations may apply for up to $40,000 per project.
Notes: Grants are for community development projects (not large capital costs) that must focus on at least one of the following: accessible employment, emergency planning and response, arts, culture and tourism, sports and recreation, education and learning and/or community participation.
Local Community Accessibility Grant Program
Web link: Local Community Accessibility Grant Program (sparc.bc.ca)
Grant funder: SPARC BC
Audience for grant: Local Governments
Amount of Funding: Up to $25,000
Notes: Funding is “to remove barriers for persons with disabilities by implementing one of the initiatives identified in their accessibility plan, or by their accessibility committee or feedback mechanism.”
Thriving Indigenous Systems Fund
Grant funder: Vancouver Foundation (applications closed)
Web link: https://www.vancouverfoundation.ca/grant-seekers/find-grants/
Audience for grant: Indigenous Communities
Amount of funding: up to $100,000 per year for three years Notes: The Thriving Indigenous Systems Fund (TISF) provides multi-year grants to land-based First Nations and Indigenous-led organizations serving land-based First Nations in British Columbia.
Granting streams offered by Vancouver Foundation change over time. You can find updated granting information at Find Grants | Vancouver Foundation).
Human Rights Internet
Grant funder: Human Rights Internet (applications open until May 15, 2025)
Weblink: https://hri.ca/
Audience for grant: individuals, non-profits focused on human rights
Amount of funding: up to $3500
Lighthouse Organizations Fund
Web link: Lighthouse Organizations Fund | Vancouver Foundation
Grant funder: Vancouver Foundation (applications closed)
Audience for grant: Large charities working to advance poverty reduction and social inclusion.
Amount of funding: $993,000, divided into equal payments, to be distributed over three years.
Notes: The Lighthouse Organizations Fund is a new $22.9 million fund made possible through the Stronger Community Services Fund from the Government of BC to distribute multi-year operational grants for charities addressing poverty reduction and social inclusion across the province. Granting streams offered by Vancouver Foundation change over time. You can find updated granting information at Find Grants | Vancouver Foundation).
The Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF)
Web Link: Enabling Accessibility Fund – Canada.ca
Grant Funder: Government of Canada (applications closed)
Amount of funding: $10,000 – $3 million
Audience for grant: The government of Canada website states that “funding (is) for projects that make Canadian communities and workplaces more accessible for persons with disabilities. EAF aims to create more opportunities for persons with disabilities to take part in community activities, programs and services, or access employment.”
The Opportunities Fund
Web Link: About Opportunities Fund – BC Centre For Ability
Grant Funder: BC Centre for Ability with support from the Government of Canada
Audience for grant: A program that assists persons with disabilities to prepare for, obtain and maintain employment – for persons with disabilities and employers
Amount of funding: Please contact organization for details.
Notes: The organization’s website states that “funding is provided for training, self-employment and wage-subsidized employment and adaptive equipment.”
Grant Funder: Government of Canada
Audience for grant: Youth, non-profit organizations, municipal governments, Indigenous organizations, some for profits.
Amount of funding: $10,000 – $3 million
Notes: The government of Canada website states that “Funding (is) for projects that make Canadian communities and workplaces more accessible for persons with disabilities. EAF aims to create more opportunities for persons with disabilities to take part in community activities, programs and services, or access employment.”
Rick Hansen Foundation (RHF) B.C. Grants Program
Web Link: 2022 British Columbia Accessibility Grants | Rick Hansen Foundation
Grant Funder: Rick Hansen Foundation (applications closed)
Audience for Grant: Municipalities and Indigenous communities
Amount of funding: Up to $90,000
Notes: Communities receive an RHFAC rating for three sites to identify key areas of improvements, funds to be allocated for upgrades to the three rated sites, a post-accessibility improvement RHFAC rating to showcase enhanced access, Accessibility Awareness training for municipal staff to foster a positive culture of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and Complimentary RHFAC Training tuition grants for three eligible staff within each municipality.
LEVEL BIPOC Grants | Vancouver Foundation
Grant funder: Vancouver Foundation (applications under review)
Audience for grant: For BIPOC-led organizations in BC to support work in racial equity and racial justice.
Amount of funding: $50,000
Notes: Flexible, general operating grants.
Granting streams offered by Vancouver Foundation change over time. You can find updated granting information at Find Grants | Vancouver Foundation).
Work BC Assistive Technology Services
Web Links:
- WorkBC Burnaby (workbc-ats.ca)
- WorkBC Victoria (workbc-ats.ca)
- WorkBC Kelowna (workbc-ats.ca)
- WorkBC Nanaimo (workbc-ats.ca)
Grant Funder: Government of BC
Audience for grant: Employees with disabilities
Workplace assistive technology supports
Accessibility Program
Web Link: Accessibility | BC Arts Council
Grant Funder: British Columbia Arts Council
Audience for Grant: Artists and arts and cultural practitioners who are Deaf or have a disability.
Amount of funding: Amounts vary, please contact the organization for more details.
Notes: The organization’s website states that “New accessibility programs have been developed to address barriers in processes and procedures for applicants who are Deaf or have a disability.”
Notes: The organization’s website states that “Funding is provided towards creating an accessible work environment for persons with a disability (ies).”
Access Awareness Day Grants
Link: Local Community Accessibility Grant Program (sparc.bc.ca)
Grant funder: SPARC BC
Audience for Grant: Local government partners, local Accessibility Committees, as well as local disability serving organizations.
Amount of Funding: $25,000
Notes: Funding is “to remove barriers for persons with disabilities by implementing one of the initiatives identified in their accessibility plan, or by their accessibility committee or feedback mechanism.”
BC Rehab Project Grant Program
Link: Project Grant Eligibility | BC Rehab Society
Grant Funder: BC Rehab Society
Audience for Grant: Non-profit organizations and community groups in British Columbia
Amount of Funding: The BC Rehab allocation committee does not impose a funding limit, but the average approved funding requested falls between $2,000 and $5,000. Event sponsorship requests are considered only when the undertaking will have a direct and proven impact on persons with disabilities.
Notes:
The organization’s website states that “The intent of the BC Rehab Project Grant program is to create opportunities for the full participation of persons with physical disabilities. BC Rehab is committed to equal opportunities and improving community accessibility throughout the province. It encourages projects that involve multiple community partners, promote universal access, has clearly defined objects and demonstrate community support.”
Age-Friendly Community Grants
Web Link: Age-friendly Communities – BC Healthy Communities
Grant Funder: BC Healthy Communities/Ministry of Health
Amount of Funding: Up to $15,000 – $25,000 depending on the streams
Notes: The organization’s website notes that “In an age-friendly community, older adults are supported to age-in-place, living active, socially engaged, independent lives. The BC Age-friendly Communities Program provides funding, resources and capacity-building supports to help Indigenous and local governments, as well as other partners to achieve this vision.”
Community Gaming Grants
Web Link: Community Gaming Grants
Grant Funder: Government of British Columbia (applications closed)
Audience for Grant: Not-for-profit organizations providing programs or services of direct benefit to the broader community.
Amount of Funding: Local organizations: up to $125,000 per year
Regional/Provincial organizations: up to $250,000 per year
Web link: Community Development Grants | Jumpstart (canadiantire.ca)
Grant funder: Canadian Tire
Audience for grant: Organizations that offer sports and recreation programming for kids between the ages of 4-18 in financial need or youth with disabilities between the ages of 4-25.
Amount of funding: unlisted.
Note: There are also individual child grants, which provide financial assistance to support children’s participation in sport or physical activity, available here: Individual Child Grants | Jumpstart (canadiantire.ca) (applications closed)
Home Renovations
The BC Rebate for Accessible Home Adaptations (BC RAHA)
Web Link: BC Rebate for Accessible Home Adaptations (BC RAHA) | BC Housing
Grant Funder: BC Housing
Audience for Grant: The website says that “The program allows seniors and people with permanent disabilities and diminished ability with low and moderate incomes to gain greater independence within their homes.”
Amount of Funding: Up to $17,500
Notes: The program provides rebates to complete home adaptations.
The Home Renovation Tax Credit for Seniors and persons with disabilities
Grant Funder: Government of British Columbia
Audience for Grant: Seniors and persons with disabilities – eligible individuals 65 and over to assist with the cost of certain permanent home renovations to improve accessibility or be more functional or mobile at home.
Amount of Funding: The maximum amount of the credit is $1,000 per tax year and is calculated as 10% of the qualifying renovation expense (maximum $10,000 in expenses).
Notes: The website says that “The credit is a refundable tax credit, which means if the credit is higher than the taxes you owe, you’ll receive the difference as a refund.”
The BC Rebate for Accessible Home Adaptations (BC RAHA)
Grant funder: BC Housing
Audience for grant: Homeowners and landlords/tenants
Amount of funding: Up to $20,000
Notes: “The BC Rebate for Accessible Home Adaptations (BC RAHA) program provides financial help in the form of rebates to eligible low-income households to complete home adaptations for independent living.”
Vehicle Modifications
Tax Relief for Specially Equipped Motor Vehicles
WebLink:Tax Relief for Specially Equipped Motor Vehicles – Canada.ca
Grant Funder: Government of Canada
Audience for grant: Drivers and sellers of automobiles
Amount of funding: Depending on amount of GST/HST paid.
Notes: The website states that “This info sheet explains the tax relief available for specially equipped motor vehicles that are for use by, or to transport, individuals using wheelchairs and for vehicles equipped with auxiliary driving controls for individuals with a disability.”
Tourism
Accessibility Improvement Project Funding
Link: Access & Inclusion – Travel Northern BC (travelnbc.com)
Grant Funder: PacifiCan/Northern BC Tourism Association
Audience for Grant: Assistance to tourism operators with their accessibility improvement
Amount of funding: This funding, 50% of project costs up to $5,000 for each application Notes: The website notes that “These improvements can be physical or program delivery improvements to their operations that address accessibility for those with mobility, sensory, or neuro-diverse disabilities, with a goal of delivering more accessible and inclusive experiences for visitors.”
The Passenger Transportation Accessibility Program
Link: Passenger Transportation Accessibility Program – Province of British Columbia (gov.bc.ca)
Grant Funder: Government of British Columbia
Audience for Grant: Taxi Industry
Amount of Funding: Approximately $6,000 per Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle for the Maintenance Rebate Funding Stream.
Notes: The website states that “The Passenger Transportation Accessibility Program (PTAP) will improve services and experiences for the accessibility community by providing funding and training to the taxi industry. Over the next two years, the Province will launch three additional funding streams which will focus on reducing the cost of operating, purchasing, and converting WAVs, and providing training to better support the passengers who rely on them. The Maintenance Rebate Funding Stream will subsidize eligible applicants for the added maintenance costs associated with operating a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) taxi compared to operating a non-accessible taxi by providing partial rebates for eligible maintenance costs.”
BC Access Grant for Students with Disabilities
Link: B.C. Access Grant for Students with Disabilities | StudentAid BC
Grant Funder: StudentAid BC
Audience for Grant: This program helps full-time students with a permanent disability, or a persistent or prolonged disability with the cost of education by replacing up to $1,560 ($30 per week of study) per program year in B.C. student loan funding.
Amount of Funding: See above
Property Taxes
Home owner grant for people with disabilities
Link: Home owner grant for people with disabilities – Province of British Columbia (gov.bc.ca)
Grant Funder: Government of British Columbia
Audience for Grant: People with disabilities who receive government funding for cost of living (i.e. provincial assistance for persons with disabilities) and persons with disabilities who have expenditures related to their disability over a certain amount a month or who have made modifications to their residence to accommodate their disability. See criteria for full details.
Amount of Funding: Varies depending on amount of property taxes assessed.
Property Tax Deferment program
Grant Funder: Government of British Columbia
Audience for Grant: People with disabilities who cannot afford to pay property taxes for the year can have the taxes deferred.
Amount of Funding: Depending on amount of tax assessed.
Information hotlines on programs and services for persons with disabilities
Phone numbers in BC for information on how to access services and funding for persons with disabilities.
British Columbia Services for People with Disabilities – Brainstreams
BC 211 connects people to resources and services in British Columbia
Workplaces
Work BC Assistive Technology Services
Web link:
WorkBC Burnaby (workbc-ats.ca)
WorkBC Victoria (workbc-ats.ca)
WorkBC Kelowna (workbc-ats.ca)
WorkBC Nanaimo (workbc-ats.ca)
Web link: Support for BC Workplaces to Assess, Improve or Develop a DM Program https://www.nidmar.ca/news/full_story.asp?fid=284
Disability Management Enhancement
This opportunity provides BC workplaces with a free program assessment and subsequent improvement plan of their current Return to Work / Disability Management program. The program assessments will be carried out through licensed auditors who have completed a dedicated training program in the use of the audit/assessment tools and who also have
achieved the CDMP professional designation.
Grant funder: The National Institute of Disability Management and Research (NIDMAR)
Web link: https://www.nidmar.ca/news/full_story.asp?fid=284
Audience for Grant: Employers of all sizes
Amount of funding: Up to $7,500
Notes: Employers may apply for a funded assessment to develop or enhance their workplace disability management, and upon completion, up to $7,500 to implement recommended improvements. This improves workplace support for disabled employees and accessibility of employment.