Backgrounder: Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities

Launched in 1997, the Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities (OF) was designed to fill a gap in federal supports for Canadians with disabilities who are not eligible for the Employment Insurance program or training support. The program is intended to assist Canadians with disabilities prepare for, obtain and maintain employment or self-employment.

Eligible OF contribution recipients may include:

• not-for-profit organizations;
• municipal governments;
• Indigenous organizations (including band councils, tribal councils and self-government entities);
• for-profit organizations; and
• provincial and territorial governments, institutions, agencies and Crown corporations (with approval from the Minister).

The OF supports a broad range of activities, including wage subsidies, skills development, self-employment assistance, and employer awareness.

OF projects can be either regional or national in scope.

For more information about how to submit proposals, please visit:

Funding: Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities
Funding: Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities – Local and Regional Projects