The Manitoba government is now accepting applications for the 2024-2025 Manitoba Accessibility Fund, which offers grants up to $50,000 to projects improving accessibility and removing barriers for Manitobans living with disabilities, Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine, minister responsible for accessibility, announced in a media release Wednesday (Jan 17).
“This grant program plays a crucial role in supporting better accessibility in Manitoba organizations and agencies,” said Fontaine. “I look forward to collaborating with this year’s recipients and seeing how their projects can help remove barriers and make Manitoba more accessible for everyone.”
Eligible organizations must have been in operation for one year prior to application and may include:
-registered charities;
-non-profit organizations incorporated and registered with the Companies Office;
-non-profit organizations that have a bank account and can verify activity for at least one year;
-local businesses or corporations based in Manitoba providing services to Manitobans that are registered with the Companies Office;
-on-reserve businesses and organizations that meet all other eligibility requirements;
-municipalities and local authorities such as planning districts and Northern Affairs Community Councils; and
-universities, colleges and school divisions.
Application projects must address accessibility standards under the Accessibility for Manitobans Act, tackling barriers to customer service, employment or information and communication. Projects must fulfil one of three objectives including:
-raising awareness about the prevention and removal of barriers;
-developing tools, resources and training to support compliance with legislated standards; or
-removing barriers to information and communications electronically, in print and in person.
The Manitoba Accessibility Office will be hosting an informational webinar on Manitoba Accessibility Fund applications this Thursday, Jan. 18, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Register to attend this virtual webinar at: Webinar Registration – Zoom
The Manitoba Accessibility Fund, managed by The Winnipeg Foundation, was launched in 2021 with an initial $20-million investment. Since 2021, the program has supported increased compliance with the Accessibility for Manitobans Act through $1.6 million worth of funding for 72 projects across the province.
The application deadline is Feb. 16. For more information on accessibility in Manitoba and the Manitoba Accessibility Fund, visit: The Accessibility for Manitobans Act | Province of Manitoba | Grants & Awards | Manitoba Accessibility Fund (accessibilitymb.ca)
