Community ACCESS-ability Program
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The Community
ACCESS-ability Program is one way the Government of Nova Scotia is
demonstrating its commitment to equal opportunity and improving access to
community facilities and venues for persons with disabilities. Under this
program, funds are available for cost shared grants to community groups
for accessibility related capital improvements. |
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Proposals for ACCESS-ability Grants are
welcome from non-profit community organizations or groups, and municipalities.
Under this program, the provincial
Government will make grants of up to two thirds of the direct and indirect costs
of renovations, installations, and/or equipment, with the sponsoring
organization being responsible for raising at least one third of their
improvement project’s funding from other sources. The maximum grant available
for individual projects is $10,000. Priority will be given to applications
which demonstrate that the improvement proposed is part of an overall plan and
commitment to the inclusiveness of persons with disabilities.
Applications for ACCESS-ability Grant
funds will be considered any time throughout the duration of the program,
subject to funding availability.
Guidelines
Eligibility
Funding is available to non-profit
community organizations or groups, and municipalities for renovations that will
provide universal public accessibility or to upgrade existing accessible
facilities to improve universal public accessibility. Projects involving new construction are required to meet the Barrier Free Design requirements of the Nova Scotia Building Code Regulations and therefore are not eligible for funding under this program.
Eligible types of facilities include the
following:
- community halls/meeting facilities
- libraries
- parks or playgrounds
- community cultural/heritage facilities
- shelters/group homes [non profit]
- sport & recreation facilities
Ineligible facilities include
- federal and provincial government owned buildings
- private home/buildings
- church sanctuaries
- for profit entertainment facilities
Eligible types of projects include the
following:
- ramps
- barrier free washrooms
- power door operators
- audio signals and loops
- elevators and/or lifts
- lever door handles
- lighting/colour contrasting for visually impaired
Eligible types of organizations are:
- non profit community organizations or groups
- municipalities
Expenditures for renovations and
equipment incurred prior to the date of the application approval will not be
eligible for cost sharing under this program.
Funding Applications for improvements to
leased premises will be considered, provided the lease period extends to at
least five years beyond the date the application is submitted to the Department.
Evaluation Criteria
Program funding is limited. Consequently
it may not be possible to respond favourably to all requests for assistance.
Applications will be assessed on the basis of a variety of criteria including
the following:
- The extent to which
accessibility needs in the Community will be met through renovations or
equipment
- History of sponsoring
organizations service to the community
- Benefits to the community
- Cost effectiveness
- Extent of community support
- Ability of the sponsoring
organization to maintain the improved facility
- Demonstrated ability of the
sponsoring organization to complete the project on time and within budget
- The extent to which the project
will serve the needs of multiple groups
- Identification of partner or
co-sponsor organizations who will benefit
Funding
Funding will be available across the
province to eligible applicants who wish to make their facilities universally
accessible. Grants of up to 66.6% of eligible costs to a maximum of $10,000 per
eligible project will be provided. Cost sharing is required, but applicants may
use donations of eligible labour and materials as part of their contribution.
Grants from other government sources may affect the amount of grant awarded
under this program.
Grant Payments
Grant payments for approved projects
will be processed as follows:
Estimated Eligible Grant
up to $2,500
$2,501 to $10,000
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Payment
100% upon completion of project
50% on approval [$1250.00 - $5,000.00]
balance upon completion of the project |
Documentation Required
Proposals must be accompanied by a
completed ACCESS-ability Grant
Application Form and required documentation.
Please use the checklist on the Grant Application form. Incomplete submissions
will delay consideration of your project.
Application Review
The Department will review and award projects on a quarterly basis as funding permits. All funding has been committed for the fiscal year 06/07. The next deadline for applications is March 31, 2007. Applications may be submitted at any time.
For more information
Contact Karen Ramsland, Program Administrator, at (902) 424-7798 or kramslan@gov.ns.ca
for more information about the ACCESS-abilty program.
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