Community ACCESS-ability Program
The Community ACCESS-ability Program is one way the
Government of Nova Scotia is demonstrating its commitment to equal opportunity
and improving access to community facilities and venues for persons with
disabilities. Under this program, funds are available for cost shared grants to
community groups for accessibility related capital improvements. |
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Proposals for ACCESS-ability Grants are welcome from
non-profit community organizations or groups, and municipalities.
Under this program, the provincial Government will make grants of up to two
thirds of the direct and indirect costs of renovations, installations, and/or
equipment, with the sponsoring organization being responsible for raising at
least one third of their improvement project’s funding from other sources. The
maximum grant available for individual projects is $10,000. Priority will be
given to applications which demonstrate that the improvement proposed is part
of an overall plan and commitment to the inclusiveness of persons with
disabilities.
Applications for ACCESS-ability Grant funds will be considered any time
throughout the duration of the program, subject to funding availability.
Guidelines
Eligibility
Funding is available to non-profit community organizations or groups, and
municipalities for renovations that will provide universal public accessibility
or to upgrade existing accessible facilities to improve universal public
accessibility. Projects involving new construction are required to meet the
Barrier Free Design requirements of the Nova Scotia Building Code Regulations
and therefore are not eligible for funding under this program.
Eligible types of facilities include the following:
- community halls/meeting facilities
- libraries
- parks or playgrounds
- community cultural/heritage facilities
- shelters/group homes [non profit]
- sport & recreation facilities
Ineligible facilities include
- federal and provincial government owned buildings
- private home/buildings
- church sanctuaries
- for profit entertainment facilities
Eligible types of projects include the following:
- ramps
- barrier free washrooms
- power door operators
- audio signals and loops
- elevators and/or lifts
- lever door handles
- lighting/colour contrasting for visually impaired
Eligible types of organizations are:
- non profit community organizations or groups
- municipalities
Expenditures for renovations and equipment incurred
prior to the date of the application approval will not be eligible for cost
sharing under this program.
Funding Applications for improvements to leased premises will be considered,
provided the lease period extends to at least five years beyond the date the
application is submitted to the Department.
Evaluation Criteria
Program funding is limited. Consequently it may not be possible to respond favourably to all requests for assistance. Applications
will be assessed on the basis of a variety of criteria including the following:
- The extent to which accessibility needs in the
Community will be met through renovations or equipment
- History of sponsoring organizations service to
the community
- Benefits to the community
- Cost effectiveness
- Extent of community support
- Ability of the sponsoring organization to
maintain the improved facility
- Demonstrated ability of the sponsoring
organization to complete the project on time and within budget
- The extent to which the project will serve the
needs of multiple groups
- Identification of partner or co-sponsor organizations
who will benefit
Funding
Funding will be available across the province to eligible applicants who wish
to make their facilities universally accessible. Grants of up to 66.6% of
eligible costs to a maximum of $10,000 per eligible project will be provided.
Cost sharing is required, but applicants may use donations of eligible labour and materials as part of their contribution. Grants
from other government sources may affect the amount of grant awarded under this
program.
Grant Payments
Grant payments for approved projects will be processed as follows:
Estimated Eligible Grant
up to $2,500
$2,501 to $10,000
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Payment
100% upon completion of project
50% on approval [$1250.00 - $5,000.00]
balance upon completion of the project |
Documentation
Required
Proposals must be accompanied by a completed ACCESS-ability Grant
Application Form and required documentation. Please use the checklist on
the Grant Application form. Incomplete submissions will delay consideration of
your project.
Application Review
The Department will review and award projects on a quarterly basis as funding
permits. The deadlines for applications are March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31
within each fiscal year. Please note that all projects must be completed by
March 31 of the following year.
For more information
Contact Georgina Dimock, Planning & Development Officer, at (902) 424-5965
or dimockgm@gov.ns.ca for more
information about the ACCESS-abilty program.
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