Application Information for Employers and Project Applicants

The Opportunities Fund supports innovative activities that will assist persons with disabilities to prepare for and obtain employment or self-employment as well as to develop the skills necessary to maintain that new employment.

Once a request is made to a Service Canada Centre by an organization, it will be carefully assessed and reviewed before a decision is made. Contact your Service Canada Centre for more information.

Organizations that wish to develop a project proposal to promote employability of persons with disabilities in their community must enquire at their local Service Canada Centre.

Financial Parameters

Funding may be provided to cover costs such as participant wages or related employer costs; and
Funding may also be provided to cover overhead costs related to planning, organizing, operating, delivering and evaluating approved activities, including costs such as staff wages and employment related costs. Eligible expenses will be negociated with program officials.

How to apply

Organizations interested in submitting an application should contact their Service Canada Centre;
In many places, community-based organizations may provide specialized services and may have information available.

Who can apply

Businesses, organizations, including public health and educational institutions, band/tribal councils, or municipal governments, individuals and provincial/territorial government departments and agencies if specifically approved by the Minister.
To be eligible as a participant, an individual must self-identify as having a permanent physical or mental disability, be unemployed, be legally entitled to work in Canada, and be in need of assistance to prepare for, obtain and keep employment or self-employment.
Participants must normally not be eligible for assistance under the Employment Programs under Part II of the Employment Insurance Act or similar provincial or territorial programs that are subject to agreements with provinces, territories or organizations funded through Section 63 of the Employment Insurance Act.