The government is committing funds each year to support the EnAbling Change Partnership Program.

The Accessibility Directorate of Ontario will:

• share project development and implementation costs up to 75 per cent of the total project
• contribute expertise required to make the project a success.

Partners must commit to contributing a minimum of 25 per cent of the total project cost. This contribution can be financial or in-kind through expertise, knowledge or human resources.

Although there is no maximum funding amount per project, funding requests will be assessed for cost-effectiveness.

Costs eligible for funding

The following costs are eligible for ministry contribution:

• salaries for staff and consultants directly involved in project development and implementation
• production costs of deliverables
• costs related to project administration and coordination.

Costs not eligible for funding

The program does not fund:

• capital expenses such as equipment, furniture or building renovations (e.g., ramps, automatic door openers, etc.)
• accessibility audits
• operational expenses related to an organization's ongoing business activities (e.g., administrative and overhead costs such as rent, telephone and communication services); costs associated with ongoing programs and services, etc.
• therapy programs, counselling or support groups
• workplace accommodation or other accessibility measures already required under the Ontario Human Rights Code.

Who is eligible for funding

The lead applicant must be:

• incorporated for at least one year
• a not-for-profit trade or service organization representing a sector, industry or profession
• a non-government organization, and
• located in Ontario.

The lead organization must have a minimum of $2 million general liability insurance coverage.

The lead organization may wish to partner with other organizations in their sector or industry that share the same commitment to improving accessibility for people with disabilities.

Who is not eligible for funding

The following organizations are not eligible to apply as the lead organization:

• public sector organizations
• private/for-profit organizations, and
• individuals.

However, they could participate as secondary partners and be involved in project design and/or implementation.

Organizations, projects or activities whose primary purpose is related to political activity as defined by Revenue Canada, including furthering the aims of a political party, promoting a political or religious doctrine or persuading the public to adopt a particular political view, are not eligible for funding.