Applicant guide: Call for proposals for the Advancing Accessibility Standards Research program

Part 1: Organization

A. Organization identification

Question 1: Legal name

What is your organization's legal name? The legal name is usually:

  • the name on your registration with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and/or provincial/territorial equivalent 
  • the name used on funding cheques

Question 2: Operating (common) name (if different from legal name)

What is the operating (or common) name of your organization (if it differs from the legal name)?

Question 3: Business or registration number

What is your 15-digit CRA business number? 

For registered charities and not-for-profit organizations, what is your registration number? For example, 123456789 RR 0001.

You can find your CRA business number on tax-related documents or written communications from the CRA.

For more information, please visit the CRA website.

If you do not have a CRA business number or a charity or not-for-profit registration number, provide one of the following documents:
If incorporated:

  • a copy of letters of patents
  • articles of incorporation
  • certificate of incorporation
  • memorandum of association
  • your rules, by-laws, or constitution

If not incorporated:

  • a copy of your rules, bylaws, council resolutions, or constitution

Question 4: Organization type

Choose one of the following:

  • research or educational institution (such as a university)
  • not-for-profit organization (an organization that does not make money for itself)
  • Indigenous organization, including:
    • band council
    • tribal council
    • self-governing organization
  • municipal (local) organization
  • provincial or territorial organization (excluding provincial or territorial governments)
  • for-profit organization (organization that can make money for itself)

Note: For-profit organizations may be eligible for funding as long as:

  • the project activities are not commercial or to make a profit
  • the activity supports the program priorities and objectives

Question 5: Organization category 

Choose one of the following: 

Not-for-Profit

  • Indigenous not-for-profit groups
  • workers and/or employer associations 
  • international non-governmental organizations
  • local community, charitable, voluntary organizations
  • non-governmental organizations with a focus to encourage employment
  • national non-governmental organizations
  • not-for-profit band councils
  • provincial or territorial non-governmental organizations
  • sector councils
  • unions

Private

  • banks
  • businesses, bodies incorporated or unincorporated
  • Indian band corporations (profit-based)
  • international sector
  • band councils
  • private universities and colleges

Public

  • public degree-granting colleges
  • public degree-granting universities
  • public community colleges and vocational schools
  • public health organizations
  • school board or other educational institution not classified elsewhere

Question 6: Year established

What year was your organization established? 

Questions 7 to 11: Organization address

What is your organization's address? Give a complete address in a format recognized by Canada Post. Look at the Canada Post website for further information.

Questions 12 to 14: Telephone, fax and email

What is your organization's telephone number, fax number (if it has one) and email address?

Questions 15 to 19: Mailing address (if different from organization address)

What is the mailing address of your organization (if it differs from your organization's physical address)?

Questions 20 and 21: Telephone and fax (if different from organization address)

What are your organization's telephone and fax numbers (if the mailing address differs from your organization's physical address)?

Question 22: Organization's mandate

What are your organization's main activities, including your mission and objectives? 

B. Organization contact

Primary contact

Note: We will use the information provided in this section to contact you. Inform us as soon as possible of any changes in this section

Question 23: First name and last name

Who is the main contact person for the proposed project?
We will send all communications to this person. 

Question 24: Position title

What is the title of the contact person named in question 23? For example, this person could be a:

  • business owner
  • president
  • executive director
  • director
  • principal investigator
  • professor

Question 25: Preferred language of communication

What official language would your contact person prefer to use in written and spoken communications?

Question 26: Organization contact (address)

Does the address of your contact person differ from the organization address or the organization mailing address in Section A?

Questions 27 to 31: Contact address

If you answered “Different” in question 26, what is the address of your contact person?

Questions 32 and 33: Telephone and fax

What are the telephone and fax (if you have one) numbers of your contact person?

Question 34: Email address

What is the email address of your contact person? We will send all communications to the contact person at this e-mail address. 

Secondary contact

Question 35: First name and last name

Who is the secondary contact person for the proposed project?

We will use the secondary contact person in case we cannot reach the primary contact.

Question 36: Position title

What is the title of the secondary contact person named in question 35? 

Question 37: Preferred language of communication

What language would your secondary contact person prefer to use in writing and speaking?

Question 38: Organization contact (address)

Does the address of your secondary contact person differ from the organization address or the organization mailing address in Section A?

Questions 39 to 43: Contact address

If you answered “Different” in question 38, what is the address of your secondary contact person?

Questions 44 and 45: Telephone and fax

What are the telephone and fax (if you have one) numbers of your secondary contact person?

Question 46: Email address

What is the email address of your secondary contact person? We will send communications to the secondary contact person at this e-mail address if necessary.  

C. Organizational capacity

This section helps us determine if your organization can manage a project.

Question 47: How many employees does your organization currently have?

Indicate the total number of employees in your organization.

Question 48: Has your organization undergone any important transformations in the past two (2) years?

Important transformations or major changes can include, but not limited to:

  • a change in leadership in the board of directors or at the executive level
  • a large reduction, increase or turnover in staff
  • a merger with or split from another organization
  • a change in mandate or main activities, etc.

If you answer “yes”, tell us about the changes.

Question 49: Describe how your organization has the experience and expertise to carry out the proposed project activities. 

  • You must clearly demonstrate your organization’s capacity to design and carry out research projects. 
  • You can describe your capacity through:
  • past projects
  • established partnerships 

Question 50: Does your organization owe any amount to the Government of Canada?

If yes, how much? Use the spaces provided. Here is an example:

Amount owing Nature of amount owing  Department or agency to which money is owed
$10,000 Overpayment Employment and Social Development Canada

Question 51: If an amount is owing, is a payment plan in place?

Have you set up a plan to pay back the money?

If you answer “yes”, your application can continue. But you have to tell us what you owe and how you are paying back the money. 

Part 2: Project

A. Project identification

Question 52: Project title

Give a short title that describes your project.

Questions 53 and 54: Planned project start and end dates?

When do you plan to start and end your project?

Projects can run from 6 months and not more than 36 months. You must end your project by March 31, 2024. 

You cannot start your project activities before we approve and sign a funding agreement. We will not reimburse any activities that take place prior to the signing of the funding agreement.

B. Project description

Question 55: Project Objectives (must clearly link to the program goals)

Clearly describe how your proposed project meets each of the following program goals. Use concrete examples from your proposed project.

  • advance/inform research on accessibility standards to help develop new or revise existing accessibility standards that fall under federal areas of responsibilities*. 
  • connect people with disabilities, other experts, and partners in the disability field and other fields to design and implement the research, and
  • share findings of the research, information, best practices and tools on accessibility barriers and standards

* Federal areas of responsibility include but are not limited to:

  • Government of Canada programs, services and activities
  • Federal buildings and national parks
  • Private sector organizations, such as:
    • banks
    • broadcasting and telecommunications
    • the federal transportation network

It does not include organizations under provincial or municipal responsibility such as:

  • health care
  • housing
  • education
  • public transit
  • shopping malls
  • traffic lights, etc.

You must also clearly describe the research needs in the chosen priority area(s) (listed in the description of funding) 

We will consider the following to select a diverse range of projects to fund:

  • projects that advance research on accessibility standards related to a range of disabilities

Question 56: Project activities (give clear steps for each one)

Project activities are the steps used to meet the project objectives that you indicated in your answer to Question 55.

You must clearly describe:

  • the important role the following people or organizations play in the project:
    • people with disabilities
    • other experts 
    • partners in the disability field 
    • partners in other fields
  • how you will involve persons with disabilities and other sectors to design and implement your project
  • how and with who you will share the project findings and results

You must also describe the steps that your organization will take to meet the objectives of the project, by providing:

  • clear and relevant description of the project activities
  • clear and feasible project timelines

We suggest you submit project timelines using the following format:

  • Months 1 to 3
    • Plan project activities 
    • Form project team
  • Months 4 to 8
    • Collect data
    • Analyze data
    • Prepare and submit interim report to Accessible Standards Canada
  • Months 9 to 12
    • Prepare and translate Research report
    • Submit Research report to Accessible Standards Canada
    • Make Research report publicly available in an accessible format and in both official languages

The following activities may be eligible:

  • reviewing , assessing and synthesizing the current body of evidence on accessibility standards in one or more of the priority areas
  • identifying gaps in the evidence and sources of best practices to support and develop next generation accessibility standards
  • looking at current accessibility standards in Canada, how people or organizations use them, and what they have achieved
  • research in priority areas specifically focusing on how to inform standards development
  • research that will increase the knowledge base, generate data within federal jurisdictions in one or more of the listed priority areas 
  • research that will inform the development and revise accessibility standards within federal jurisdictions in one or more of the listed priority areas, for example: 
    • environmental scans 
    • evidence syntheses 
    • gap analyses
    • comparative studies
    • needs assessments
    • focus groups
    • surveys 
  • organizing a research event in Canada to bring together important institutions and players to identify research needs or revise standards for the future

Ineligible activities include:

  • the main activities that the organization carries out now
  • local infrastructure or retrofit projects
  • development of standards 
  • development of tools such as:
    • apps and other technology
    • training
    • service delivery programs 

Question 57: What do you expect the project to deliver and produce (project outcomes and outputs)? (must clearly link to the project goals and must be specific, concrete and measurable) 

Outcomes are the short-term, medium-term and long term changes that you expect the project to deliver. You can link more than one outcome to a goal. Outcomes answer the questions “How do we know the project is a success?” and “How do the activities improve things for the people with disabilities?”

Outputs are direct products or services that you will produce to get the outcomes you want. They answer the question “What will the project produce?” For example, a recommendation to make a facility safe and accessible. 

You must clearly:

  • describe what your project will achieve and how it aligns to your project objectives
  • explain how your research will help solve the need identified
  • demonstrate how your project will inform the development and revision of accessibility standards and research 
  • describe what you expect your project to deliver (outcomes) and produce (outputs)

Question 58: Does the project include indicators to measure results?

Your answer to this question must be “yes”.

You must:

  • include indicators that you will use to measure results 
  • outline how you plan to collect, measure and report on your project’s results 

Question 59: Does this proposed project fit with your organization's other activities?

If “yes”, describe how your proposed project relates to the work your organization is doing now.

Question 60: Will any of the project activities take place somewhere other than where your organization is located?

If “yes”, please give the main address first, then add other addresses.

If there are more than five locations, please include in Appendix A. This only applies if you complete your request in the PDF form.

We will consider the following to select a diverse range of projects to fund:

  • projects that take place in and impact a variety of locations across Canada

Question 61: Will your project benefit or involve people in English or French language minority communities?

Answer “yes” to this question if your project involves official language minority communities (English in Quebec, and French in other parts of Canada). Make sure the activities are part of your answer to Question 56 - Project activities.

If you answer “no” to this question, we will still consider your application.

We want to meet the obligations under the Official Languages Act. We will ask the funding recipients to: 

  • publicly announce the project in English and French
  • actively offer project-related services to the public in English and French
  • make project documents or other project information for the general public available in English and French
  • encourage members of English and French language communities to take part in the project
  • consider the needs of English and French language communities in providing services, when they can

Also, tell us what languages the people your project is targeting speak. Tell us about any special needs of the official language minority communities, and tell us if you will consult them. 

Click on the link to learn more about official language minority communities.

Question 62: Will any other organizations, networks or partners be involved in carrying out the project?

Partners must not be a member of the applicant's organization. 

You must secure partnerships with:

  • at least 1 other organization, if you are asking for less than $100,000 per fiscal year 
  • at least 2 other organizations, if you are asking between $100,000 and $250,000 per fiscal year. One must be a national disability organization.
    • You must also describe the roles and responsibilities of each partner, and how they will support and promote the research

Note: if you are a national disability organization, you do not have to secure a partnership with another national disability organization.

We will consider the following to select a diverse range of projects to fund:

  • projects that secured partnerships with 2 or more national disability organizations 

Eligible partner organization(s) must identify as one of the following types of organizations: 

  • research or educational institution (such as a university)
  • not-for-profit organization (an organization that does not make money for itself)
  • Indigenous organization including:
    • band councils
    • tribal councils
    • self-governing organization)
  • municipal (local) organization
  • provincial or territorial organizations (excluding provincial or territorial governments)

You must include the following information about the partner organization(s):

  • name of the partner organization
  • type of organization 
  • how at least one of the partners is a national disability organization, if you request $100,000 per fiscal year and more
  • what each partner contributes to the proposed project 
  • letters confirming the partnership 

Note: Proof of partnerships must confirm the establishment of a collaboration in delivering the project. Support letters with no collaboration details do not consist of proof of partnership

Question 63: Does the project address the program's national, regional or local priorities? 

Not applicable for this funding. Answer “no” to this question.

Question 64: Does your project include activities that are listed in the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IACC) Regulations Designating Physical Activities?

Not applicable for this funding. Answer “no” to this question.

Part 3: Funding

A. Anticipated sources of funding

We recommend applicants get cash or in-kind contributions from sources other than the Government of Canada. 

If you receive cash or in-kind contributions from sources other than the Government of Canada, give details in your Application for Funding. See instructions below.

Each program has a “stacking limit”. A stacking limit is a maximum allowed amount of combined funding from federal, provincial, territorial and municipal governments. If we accept your proposed project, the contributions must be equal to or less than 100% of eligible costs.

Question 65: Source name 

List Accessibility Standards Canada as the first source name and the amount you are requesting. 

If you are receiving contributions from other sources, include the names of all the organizations that provide cash and/or in-kind contributions to this project.  

Question 66: Source type 

For each organization providing contributions to your project, indicate the type of organization using the following list:

  • non-profit organizations
  • municipal organizations
  • Indigenous organizations including:
    • band councils
    • tribal councils
    • self-government entities)
  • international organizations
  • coalitions, networks or committees
  • research organizations or institutes
  • educational institutions
  • public health and social services institutions

Question 67: Cash contributions

If you are getting a cash contribution, tell us how much. Include proof with your application.
We will consider the following to select a diverse range of projects:

  • projects that receive cash contributions from other organizations or governments 

Question 68: In-kind contributions

Donation (in-kind) contributions are goods or services people or organizations give for free. Your organization or other organizations or partners can make in-kind contributions. In-kind contributions include equipment, services or labour that you receive for free.

To be eligible as an in-kind contribution:

  • you must need it for the project to succeed
  • the organization who give it to you also give you a document showing its commitment

We will recognize in-kind contributions only if we can estimate what a person would pay for the contribution. 

Question 69: Confirmed cash and in-kind 

Tell us if the contributions are confirmed.

B. Budget

Give a brief idea of your project’s costs in your Application for funding and Budget detail template. The amounts must be the same in both documents. 

Your costs must be reasonable and support your project activities. 

You must provide an estimate of the project’s costs. 

You must include the Budget detail template as part of your application. 

We will use the information provided in this section to assess:

  • the overall cost of the proposed project 
  • all anticipated sources of funding must cover the general nature of the expenditures

Question 70: Cost category

Use the Budget detail template to provide necessary details to costs categories. 

List each activity and its associated cost. Costs must be reasonable and directly relate to your project activities. We can only pay for the following eligible costs:

  • overhead costs up to 15% of the total Accessibility Standards Canada financial support for the project including:
    • costs related to central administrative functions of the recipient organization that you drawn to support agreement activities such as:
      • postage
      • telephones
      • information technology (IT)
      • head office support
  • professional fees and services such as:
    • consultants
    • research
    • IT
    • technical expertise
    • facilitation
    • performance evaluation
    • reporting
    • audit
    • translation
  • salaries, benefits and wages for employees, honoraria, for example:
    • research assistants
    • casual workers
  • staff training and professional development costs, for example:
    • relevant workshops
    • specialised printed materials
    • conferences
  • participant costs, for example:
    • accessibility accommodation costs to engage people with disabilities in research activities
  • the costs of materials, equipment and supplies such as:
    • the purchase of computer software/programs to support agreement activities
  • printing and communication costs
  • travel costs respecting the directive from the National Joint Council  (we must authorize international travel)
  • accessibility related costs that you may need to carry out your project

Ineligible costs are any other costs, such as:

  • costs related to supporting core funding, such as:
  • pay and benefits for employees
  • general costs not related to the project
  • professional fees, including:
    • union dues
    • annual memberships/certification fees
  • money spent on alcoholic beverages
  • land and buildings

Questions 71 to 73: Planned spending ($) (Accessibility Standards Canada/Other, Cash/Other, In-kind) 

Give the total planned spending from all sources, including Accessibility Standards Canada. The amounts should align with those that you put in Section A. “Anticipated sources of funding” of your application.

“Other” means a cash or in-kind contribution from other sources other than Accessibility Standards Canada.

C. Budget details

Question 74: Associated businesses or individuals

Check all statements that apply to your planned spending of the funding from Accessibility Standards Canada.

In carrying out the project, you may have to buy goods or services you need to carry out the project from contractors. You may also contract out to third parties (outside providers) to carry out part of the project activities.

“Associated businesses or individuals” means:

  • an officer, director or employee of your organization, or a member of their immediate family
  • a business in which the following persons have a financial interest:
    • an officer
    • director
    • employee of your organization
    • member of their immediate family
  • a business connected to your organization

We must approve contract work awarded to contractors outside of Canada. You must provide a proof that no Canadian contractors can do similar work.

Question 75: Capital assets: Will capital assets be among your planned expenditures with Accessibility Standards Canada funding? 

Answer “yes” or “no”.

If “yes”, explain how your project will benefit from buying capital assets.

A capital asset is any single or composite asset that costs more than $1,000 (before taxes). A capital asset is not part of another product and you can still use at the end of the project.

A composite asset is a group of assets that form one unit, where you need everything for the asset to work. A group of assets is a single capital asset if the total cost is more than $1,000 (before taxes).

For example, a composite capital asset is a:

  • personal computer with a hard drive
  • monitor
  • keyboard
  • mouse 
  • cables 

Four chairs that each cost $300 are not capital assets because each chair works on its own. The chairs cost less than $1,000 (before taxes).

Question 76: More budget details

Give us a break down of your total costs per fiscal year (April 1 to March 31), by project activity and cost category.

Here is an example of a breakdown per fiscal year for a 3-year project with $120,000 in eligible costs. The breakdown is before the costs per project activity and cost category are listed:

  • April 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022: $50,000
    • List project activities and cost categories
  • April 1, 2022 to March 31, 2023: $40,000
    • List project activities and cost categories
  • April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2024: $30,000
    • List project activities and cost categories

Part 4: Attestation

To be considered eligible, an official representative who has the capacity and the authority to submit proposals on behalf of your organization must attest that:

  • he/she has the capacity and the authority to submit the proposal
  • the information provided is true, and
  • he/she has read and understood the program’s requirements

In order to do this, the official representative must:

  • check the 3 boxes of the attestation, and
  • provide his/her name, title and the date

As this is an attestation, no signature is required.

Appendix A (if you are using the PDF version of the application form)

If you apply by email or postal mail using the PDF form, use this section to add information to questions in the application where you needed more space for your answer, and specify the question number.