Applicant guide: Funding for the 2022 Small Projects Component – Enabling Accessibility Fund

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This page guides you on how to fill out the application for funding form (EMP5670).

There is limited space on the application form. If necessary, additional information can be included and uploaded in a separate document. Please ensure the relevant question number is clearly referenced.

As you prepare your application, you can consult the ESDC Accessibility Resource Centre and the EAF program page. These resources will provide information to help you submit your proposal.

Please refer to the Steps to Apply section on the funding page for guidance on how to submit your application.

Section A – Notice to applicants

Please read this section of the Application for funding form before completing the rest of your application.

Section B – Program information

Please read this section of the Application for funding form.

Section C – Application form

Part 1 – Organization

Organization identification

Question 1: Legal name (Organization’s full name, as it appears on legal documents)

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

  • the name on your registration with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) or provincial/territorial equivalent
  • the name used on funding cheques or bank accounts
Question 2: Operating 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: Year established (Year the organization was created)

When was your organization established?

Question 4: Organization type

Choose 1 of the following:

  • not-for-profit
  • private sector (businesses with up to 99 full-time equivalent employees)
  • public sector
Question 5: Organization category

If you are a business, please indicate your number of full-time equivalent employees. For example, you could employ 1 person for 1 full year or employ 2 persons for 6 months each and both would be considered 1 full-time equivalent employee. Only a business with a maximum of 99 full-time equivalent employees can apply for funding. You can then indicate the most appropriate category from the following options:

Not-for-Profit

  • Local community, charitable, voluntary organizations
  • Provincial or territorial non-governmental organizations

Private (businesses with up to 99 full time equivalent employees)

  • Private sector (businesses, private schools, etc.)
  • Businesses (incorporated or unincorporated)

Public

  • Municipal governments and agencies
  • Territorial governments
Question 6: Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) business number

What is your 15-digit Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) business number? (For example, 123456789 RR 0001).

For registered charities and not-for-profit organizations, what is your registration number?

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

For more information, please visit the Canada Revenue Agency website.

If you do not have a CRA business number or a charity or not-for-profit registration number, provide 1 of the following documents:

  1. if incorporated:
    • a copy of letters of patents
    • articles of incorporation
    • certificate of incorporation
    • memorandum of association
    • your rules, bylaws, or constitution
  2. if not incorporated, provide:
    • a copy of your rules
    • bylaws
    • council resolutions, or
    • constitution

Important: To be eligible for funding, your organization must provide, either:

  • proof of a CRA business or registration number, or
  • proof of provincial incorporation or registration, such as:
    • certificate of incorporation
    • memorandum of association
    • CRA document with your organization listed

This document must include the address of your organization. You will be prompted to upload this supporting document when submitting your application.

If your application is incomplete, it could be rejected as being ineligible for funding.

Question 7: Organization primary address

What is the address of your organization? Give a complete address in a format recognized by Canada Post.

Consult the Canada Post website for information.

Question 8: Mailing address

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

If you select "No", another section will appear for you to fill out your organizations mailing address.

Question 9: Organization’s primary activities

In 500 words or less, describe your organization’s primary activities. Please explain how your organization caters to persons with disabilities.

You will then be asked to select the target group(s) that best aligns with your organization’s primary activities. Please note that you may select more than 1 option and your answer(s) to this question will not impact the assessment of your project.

Organization contacts

Primary contact

This should be your primary contact person with respect to this application for funding.

Question 10: Given name/surname

Who is the main contact person for the proposal?

Question 11: Position title

What is the title of the contact person named in question 10?

For example:

  • President
  • Executive Director

Question 12: Preferred language of communication

Please select the primary contact’s preferred written language and their preferred spoken language between English and French.

Question 13: Primary contact – Address

Please select whether the primary contact’s address is:

  • same as organization primary address
  • same as organization primary mailing address
  • different (include below)

If you select "different (include below)", a new set of boxes to complete an address will appear for you to populate. Please give a complete address in a format recognized by Canada Post.

Please indicate the email address for the primary contact.

Secondary contact

This should be your secondary contact person with respect to this application for funding in case we cannot reach the primary contact.

Question 14: Given name/surname

Who is the secondary contact person for the proposal?

Question 15: Position title

What is the title of the secondary contact person named in question 14?

For example:

  • President
  • Executive Director
  • Project Manager

Question 16: Preferred language of communication

Please select the secondary contact’s preferred written language and their preferred spoken language between English and French.

Question 17: Secondary contact – Address

Please select whether the secondary contact’s address is:

  • same as organization primary address
  • same as organization primary mailing address
  • different (include below)

If you select "different (include below)", a new set of boxes to complete an address will appear for you to populate. Please give a complete address in a format recognized by Canada Post.

Please indicate the email address for the secondary contact.

Questions 18 and 19: Does your organization owe any amounts to the Government of Canada

Select "yes" or "no"

If "no" proceed to question 20.

If "Yes", complete the fields for each amount owing. If your answer is "Yes", your application will not be rejected for this reason. However, you must provide details as to the type of debt owed and department or agency to which the amount is owed.

Question 19: If an amount is owing, is a payment plan in place

Select "Yes" or "No" for each amount owed.

Here is an example:

Table 1: Amounts owing to the Government of Canada
Amount owing Nature of amount owing (such as, taxes, penalties, overpayments) Department or agency to which money is owed If an amount is owing, is a payment plan in place? (please answer yes or no)
$10,000 Overpayment Employment and Social Development Canada Yes

Part 2 – Project Proposal

Question 20: Project title

The title will be: [the name of your organization] – Small Projects Component EAF 2022.

Questions 21 and 22: Planned Project Start and End Dates (YYYY-MM-DD)

When do you plan to start and end your project?

Projects must be completed within 24 months of the date the funding agreement is signed.

You must start your project activities after we approve your project and when a signed funding agreement is in place. We can only pay for activities that have started after the agreement is signed.

Question 23: Amount requested from Employment and Social Development Canada

Please enter the amount you are requesting from ESDC for your proposed project.

This amount must match the amount indicated in the EAF Calculator and cannot exceed $100,000, which is the maximum funding amount for this call for proposals.

Please note, the amount inputted here will populate the first line of question 31.

Question 24: Project summary

In 500 words or less, you must: describe how your project will improve accessibility, remove barriers, and enable persons with disabilities to participate in and contribute to their community and/or the labour market. Please include the following points in your project summary:

  • how will your project increase the overall accessibility of the facility and access for persons with disabilities to community spaces and / or workplaces?
  • are there other accessible features in the space and have you considered a barrier-free path of travel throughout the facility? Consult the flowchart for information on barrier-free paths of travel
  • how will your project benefit persons with disabilities and improve their inclusion in your community or workplace?

Question 25: Project Objectives (must clearly link to the program objectives)

In 500 words or less, describe the need for your project and why you are applying for funding through the Enabling Accessibility Fund. You must explain:

  • gaps in services, programs or employment opportunities for persons with disabilities in your community; and
  • the current barriers to accessibility and safety that your project will address for persons with disabilities in your community

Question 26: Project activities and timelines (provide the activities that will be taking place as part of this project)

Project activities are the steps you will take to meet your goals. They should be specific, measurable, realistic and relevant.

For example:

Table 2: Project activities and timelines
Activities Timelines
Hire contractor March 2023
Demolition work June 2023
Construction of Accessible washroom July to December 2023
Project completion January 2024

Question 27: Will your organization deliver any of the project activities at its primary address?

Select "Yes" or "No".

Will your organization deliver project activities in a different location from your primary address?

Select "Yes" or "No".

If yes, include the address for every other location where project activities will occur in the table.

Question 28: Will the project or any of its activities involve or benefit people in English or French linguistic minority communities in Canada, in some way?

Select "Yes" or "No".

We commit to enhance the vitality of the English and French linguistic minorities in Canada. We support and assist their development and foster the full recognition and use of both English and French in Canadian society. Official Language Minority Communities (OLMCs) are generally defined by their geographic location (Francophones outside Quebec and Anglophones in Quebec) and by their shared collective identity. This collective identity is linked to the use of an official language in a minority setting.

If your proposal involves official language minority communities, you should answer "Yes" to this question. While the Application Form gives a limit for the number of words that can be used in responding to this question, please disregard this limit and use a WORD document to provide as much detail as possible. The following would need to be included in your response:

  • clearly identify the linguistic profile of the beneficiaries targeted
  • document any specific needs of the OLMC and specify how the proposal will meet these needs
  • demonstrate that the applicant has the necessary human and financial resources to meet the specific needs of OLMC

Answering "No" to this question will not invalidate your application.

Find more information about Official Language Minority Communities.

Question 29: Is your project targeting vulnerable and underrepresented groups

Select "Yes" or "No"

If "Yes", select the specific target group(s) that applies to your proposal.

For the visible minorities selection, please specify a group in the space provided (Other (specify)). For example, you can specify any of the following:

  • South Asian
  • Chinese
  • Black
  • Filipino
  • Latin American
  • Arab
  • Southeast Asian
  • West Asian
  • Korean
  • Japanese

This list aligns with Statistics Canada and the Employment Equity Act.

Part 3 – Budget

Question 30: Project costs - (expenses) for the eligible activities of the proposed project

ESDC has developed an online fillable EAF Calculator to determine the amount of funding that you may be eligible to receive. The EAF calculator provides ESDC with the necessary information to assess the budget for your project. It is mandatory for all organizations to complete it.

The maximum amount of funding requested for your project from ESDC is $100,000. If your total project costs are above $100,000, your organization is responsible for assuming all costs in excess of $100,000. You must provide the funding source(s) in Question 31 of the form.

Flat rate costing is available for ramps, accessible washrooms, accessible doors, elevators, accessible lifts, accessible playgrounds, multi-sensory rooms and stations, and pool lifts. You do not require external quotes for these project activities.

Note: When completing your application, you will be prompted to indicate in which province or territory your project will take place. The EAF calculator will automatically apply the proper Goods and Services Tax and Harmonized Sales Tax (GST/HST) to your project. You will then be asked to indicate if your organization is GST/HST exempt. You will then move on to the third question that will ask you to specify whether your organization qualifies for a GST/HST rebate. Afterwards, you will need to indicate what percentage your organization receives as a rebate. The EAF calculator will then take into account the final amount of taxes that you are eligible to receive as part of your eligible costs for your specific project.

For project activities that do not qualify for flat rate costing, you must provide an external quote from a certified or professional contractor. If you cannot obtain an external quote, you will need to provide an explanation of your estimated project costs. You can list these project activities in the "other activities" section of the EAF calculator. Please ensure to include the amount before taxes.

Examples of eligible non flat rate costs:

  • professional fees such as technical expertise and construction contractors
  • costs of the construction or renovation of a building, including materials, supplies and labour
  • costs of the purchase or rental of tools, equipment or machinery necessary to complete the project
  • costs related to information technology specific to the needs of persons with disabilities. Provided that:
    • it will be for community or workplace use (for example, it could be used by multiple persons with disabilities in the workplace or community space and not for a single user in a community); and
    • the end users are persons with disabilities; or
    • the technology is required to support programming and/or services specifically offered for persons with disabilities. This includes adapted and accessible computer software and hardware
  • costs related to the purchase of universally accessible/ergonomic accessories and furniture

Examples of ineligible costs (not limited to)

  • costs incurred before the signing of the agreement with ESDC
  • costs for the purchase of furniture or equipment that does not include a specific feature designed to increase accessibility for persons with disabilities. This includes lockers, refrigerators, Interac terminals, defibrillators, etc.
  • costs linked to constructing, renovating, and/or retrofitting Government of Canada properties, publicly funded hospitals or schools (except for registered/licensed Early Learning Child Care (ELCC) centres in public schools) and private homes/dwellings
  • costs linked to purchasing, retrofitting and modifying motor vehicles (for example automobiles, vans, buses)
  • training costs associated with the project
  • routine repairs and maintenance costs, or general operating costs (overhead, administrative and operating costs, etc.)
  • costs associated with the research and development of a technology
  • costs associated with the commercialization, marketing and promotion of a product or service
  • employee salaries and benefits
  • landscaping or renovations for esthetic purposes

If you are aware of exceptional circumstances that result in your project costs varying from the flat rates in the EAF calculator, please provide a justification and a quote to support your costs. Please outline these details in Question 32.

For information on the flat rate costs, accessibility requirements and specifications, please consult the flat rate information sheet.

Note: You are required to meet or exceed accessibility standards and requirements such as those in the Canadian Standards Association’s "Accessible Design for the Built Environment".

Question 31: Anticipated Sources of Funding

Complete the question by following the instructions in the application form.

Please note that the first line Amount requested from Employment and Social Development Canada will pre-populate from what was inputted in Question 23. This amount cannot exceed $100,000.

For the purpose of this funding process, leveraging funding from other sources is mandatory*. Confirmed cash contributions of 20% or more of the total eligible costs must be provided (see exceptions to the 20% leveraging requirements below). This can come from your own organization or other sources.

Of the total amount of your project, ESDC may fund up to 80% of eligible project costs, up to a maximum of $100,000.

Example 1 – 20% leveraging

A new accessible exterior door with push button operators starts at $8 833.19. ESDC may fund 80% of this cost ($7 066.55). You would be required to demonstrate that you have $1 766.64 from other funding sources.

Example 2- Leveraging exceeds 20%

A new traction elevator starts at $249 586.43. ESDC may fund up to $100 000. You are required to demonstrate that you can fund the remaining amount of the project ($149 586.43) from other funding sources.

All other sources of funding must relate to the eligible project costs and be cash contributions. Other sources of cash contribution(s) are required at the time of application. Your proposal could be disqualified at any stage if this requirement is not fulfilled.

*Note: No leveraging is required for the following:

  • Project locations situated in rural and remote areas - Regions 4 or 5 based on the searchable EAF region tool
  • Registered and/or licensed Early Learning and Child Care centres and Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Centres
  • Indigenous organizations, and
  • Shelters for those experiencing violence and gender-based violence

Please include the names of all the organizations that will contribute cash contributions towards eligible costs. ESDC is listed as the first source name. In this field, please provide the amount of funding your organization is requesting, to a maximum of $100,000.

Question 32: Use this field to provide any further budget details that you may find necessary in describing your project

Note: For non-flat rate projects, you must submit 1 external cost estimate (quote) for each project activity.

If you cannot provide a cost estimate, use this question to provide a rationale to explain why 1 cannot be provided and how you estimated your project costs.

If you are aware of exceptional circumstances that result in your project costs varying from the flat rates in the EAF calculator, please provide a justification and a quote to support your costs.

Part 4 – Program Specific questions and Checklist

Question 33: Please indicate the community support you have to ensure the success of your project

Please indicate the community support you have for the project.

Please select from the following:

  1. Who is supporting the project? You must indicate at least 1 of the following:
    • persons with disabilities in your community
    • families of persons with disabilities
    • organizations that serve persons with disabilities
    • community members
    • employees in your organization with disabilities
    • other organizations providing financial support or resources toward your project
  2. What type of support is being provided? You must indicate at least 1 of the following:
    • a contribution (can be financial, volunteer work, etc.)
    • added value to the success of the project (primary user of the space following completion)
    • previous experience in delivering similar projects (expertise/guidance in project management, construction, accessible design, etc.)
    • capacity and commitment to engage in partnerships for the successful delivery of the project (partnership with community disability organizations, and/or support from employees to ensure proper use of space, etc.)

Question 34: Please select if your project falls under any of the following

Please indicate if any of the following applies to your project. Is your organization a (an):

  • shelter for those experiencing violence and/or gender-based violence:
    • organizations whose primary activities are providing temporary but immediate shelter and/or services for individuals/families fleeing domestic abuse or the threat of violence
  • workplace:
    • facilities or spaces where job opportunities for persons with disabilities will be created and/or maintained
  • community Space
  • Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) centre – please provide the registration/license number if applicable:
    • if you are applying for ELCC funding and your project is on school property, the project must be exclusively for the use of the child care centre/program
  • Indigenous ELCC – please provide the registration/license number if available:
    • ESDC recognizes that not all Indigenous ELCC centres (including those on reserves, operating in Inuit communities, or operated by Self-Governing First Nations or Modern Treaty Holders) are issued a registration or licensing number. In this question, please include a statement if this is the case. These organizations are still eligible to apply under this call

Question 35: Please indicate if your organization is Indigenous

Please indicate if your organization is an Indigenous organization.

Question 36: Program checklist

Ensure you have included the required documents before submitting your application. If your application is incomplete, it could be rejected as being ineligible for funding.

  • Application for Funding (EMP5670): filled out in its entirety
  • I confirm that I am either:
    • the owner of the building, or
    • have a lease and written approval of building owner to undertake the project (select only 1 option)
  • I confirm that the project is not located on a Government of Canada property, in a public hospital, in a public school nor in a private home or dwelling
  • I confirm (applicable for ELCCs) that either:
    • our ELCC centre is situated in or on public school property and that the proposed project activity is exclusively for the use of the child care centre/program; or
    • our ELCC project is not in or on public school property
  • I have used and provided the online fillable EAF Calculator results for all activities to determine the amount of requested funding from ESDC and the amount required form other funding sources
  • for non flat rate activities, I have provided an external quote for each project activity or an acceptable rationale if a quote is not provided (Please note this is not required for flat rate activities)
  • I have provided proof of leveraging (if applicable)
  • I have provided a digital picture of the project space to be improved in an appropriate format (JPEG). Please note that this is not required for Information and Communication Technology projects
  • I have provided a document which includes both our CRA business number and the address of our organization, or I have provided an acceptable alternative if my organization does not have a CRA business number

Part 5 – Attestation

In order for your application to be eligible, an official representative must:

  • have the capacity and the authority to submit this Application for Funding on behalf of the applicant organization
  • certify and warrant on behalf of the organization and in their personal capacity that the information provided in this Application for Funding and any supporting documentation is true, accurate, and complete
  • have read the Applicant Guide and understand the program’s requirements

To do this, the official representative must:

  • agree with the attestation by providing their name, title and the date

As this is an attestation, no signature is required.

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