Did You Know: The majority of workplace accessibility enhancements are low-cost, or entirely free. In fact, research conducted by the Retail Council of Canada found over two-thirds of job accommodations cost less than $500.
If you’re committed to making positive accessibility changes in your workplace, you don’t need to shoulder any financial burden alone. Start with the Workplace Accessibility Grant, a $5,000 reimbursement grant administered by SBBC.
Elsewhere, we’ve gathered a list of some other workplace accessibility funding opportunities to be aware of.
List of Workplace Accessibility Funding Sources
Disability Alliance BC
Disability Alliance BC supports people with disabilities to live with dignity and independence, as equal and full participants in the community. They champion issues impacting the lives of people with disabilities through direct services, community partnerships, advocacy, and research.
Grant Name: Accessible Organizations Project
Grant Amount: $40,000
Grant Information: This grant is delivered to BC-based non-profit organizations for community engagement projects focusing on increasing accessibility for people with disabilities.
Government of Canada
The Government of Canada is committed to providing improved opportunities for people with disabilities. This goal is achieved through a mix of direct funding, education, and grant programs.
Grant Name: Enabling Accessibility Fund
Grant Amount: $500,000 – $3 million
Grant Information: Successful projects under this funding stream will receive funding for new construction, renovation and/or retrofit activities that will contribute to reducing waitlists for persons with disabilities to access programs, services and/or support.
BC Centre for Ability
The BC Centre for Ability serves children, youth and adults with diverse physical, neurological, and developmental abilities and their families in British Columbia. Their mission is to lead in the design and delivery of community-based services for persons with disabilities.
Grant Name: Opportunities Fund Program
Grant Amount: Depends on Circumstances
Grant Information: Open to individuals and employers, the Opportunities Fund Program is designed to help improve employment outcomes for people with disabilities. Individuals can apply for training, accommodation support and wage subsidies. Employers can receive support with inclusive hiring, partial coverage of employee wages, accommodation support and professional development.
BC Arts Council
The BC Arts Council supports arts and cultural activities in communities across our province.
Grant Name: Access Support
Grant Amount: Maximum of $7,500
Grant Information: This program exists to provide an additional contribution towards costs for specific accessibility services and supplies, rental equipment, and other supports required to carry out a project funded by the BC Arts Council.
The Access Support Program is not a standalone program. It can only be applied for jointly with a BC Arts Council grant application.
Rick Hansen Foundation
The Rick Hansen Foundation is a non-profit social enterprise that works to remove physical barriers in the places we live, work, learn and play. They achieve this goal through advocacy, education, and direct funding.
Grant Name: BC Accessibility Grants Program
Grant Amount: Up to $90,000
Grant Information: This grant helps select BC municipalities and Indigenous communities to improve accessibility. The funding can be used for accessibility improvements and upgrades to three sites within the municipality.
SPARC BC
The Social Planning and Research Council of BC works with communities to build a more just and healthy society for all. They are an independent, non-partisan registered charity.
Grant Name: Local Community Accessibility Grant Program
Grant Amount: Up to $25,000
Grant Information: One-time funding for local governments, of up to $25,000, 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 Foundation
The BC Rehab Foundation assists individuals whose lives are impacted by a physical disability. Alongside their advocacy work, BC Rehab disburses funding and provides support to individuals, organizations and programs across BC.
Grant Name: Project Grant
Grant Amount: Up to $5,000
Grant Information: This grant is designed to create opportunities for the full participation of people with physical disabilities in every aspect of society. There’s no cap on individual amounts for this grant, but most successful applications have been between $2,000 and $5,000.
Government of British Columbia
The BC Government is committed to providing accessible information and services. Learn more about their efforts, including their accessibility and inclusion toolkit. Visit BC Government Accessibility Hub.
Grant Name: Community Gaming Grant
Grant Amount: Up to $125,000 for local organizations. Up to $250,000 for regional/provincial organizations.
Grant Information: This grant program distributes funds from commercial gambling revenues to not-for-profit organizations that deliver programs and services throughout BC. These grants can fund ongoing programs, as well as minor capital projects and capital acquisitions related to program delivery.
Continue your Accessibility Journey with SBBC
Small Business BC is a non-profit resource centre for BC-based small businesses. Our Workplace Accessibility Resources page is full of tips, tools, and more to support your next stage.
We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction.
