New Horizons for Seniors Program | Community-Based Projects

The Program provides grants and contributions funding for projects that make a difference in the lives of seniors and in their communities.

The New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) community-based stream is a federal grant. It supports projects that are designed by seniors and for seniors in their communities. This program funds projects that empower seniors in their communities and contribute to improving their health and well-being.

Eligibility

To apply, you must meet all the following eligibility criteria.

Applicants

Your organization must be 1 of the following types:

• not-for-profit organization
• municipality
• provincial or territorial government, institution or Crown Corporation
• Indigenous organization including:
  • band council
  • tribal council
  • self-government entity
• coalition, network or committee
• research organization or institute
• educational institution
• public health and social services institution
• for-profit organization provided that the nature and intent of the activity is non-commercial and does not generate profit

The following organizations are eligible with the agreement of their provincial or territorial government:

• post-secondary institutions
• social service and public health institutions
• provincially/territorially funded institutions

Note to organizations in Québec

The Protocol of Agreement sets the terms for the cooperation between the Government of Canada and the Government of Quebec. It is for the implementation of the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP). The application process was discussed with Quebec's Secrétariat aux aînés. This process is consistent with the Protocol.

Organizations can only submit 1 application. Proposals that include multiple locations within an overall organization cannot exceed a total of $25,000 per organization. For example:

XYZ Senior's Centre has 5 locations managed by the organization, operating under the same business number with the same Board of Directors. Each location wants to propose different activities (for example, one wants to start an intergenerational crafting circle, and another wants to expand their Monday coffee chat to happen on Wednesdays as well).

For this scenario, there are 2 options to apply:

• Option 1 - Each XYZ location can apply separately for the project activities taking place at their location, however, the total accumulated requested amount cannot be higher than $25,000.
• OR
• Option 2 - XYZ Senior's Center can submit one application requesting up to $25,000 for all the project activities that would take place at the different locations.

To compare:

123 Veteran's Society has 7 independent chapters, each with their own Board of Directors, their own unique Business number and operate independently. Each chapter can apply for up to $25,000 using their Business Number.

Projects

Your project must meet all of the following criteria:

• be no longer than 52 weeks
• request no more than $25,000
• meet at least 1 program objective
• seniors will lead or play a vital role in its planning and/or delivery
• seek to benefit seniors and communities
• demonstrate cost effectiveness

Activities

Applications must demonstrate the active participation of seniors in the eligible activities

Examples of eligible activities:

• seniors sharing their knowledge, skills and experience with other seniors
• seniors promoting awareness of elder abuse, including financial abuse
• seniors reaching out to vulnerable seniors, such as those who are socially or geographically isolated, including newcomers, Indigenous seniors, or 2SLGBTQIA+ members
• volunteering, mentoring, leadership training and skill matching for activities for seniors
• seniors involved in developing/sharing tools and resource materials to benefit other seniors
• equipment purchase or replacement for programs and activities for seniors
• renovations and repairs to facilities for programs and activities for seniors
• transportation to provide a personal service to seniors in urban, rural and remote areas (transportation services for appointments, home visit or service call, meal delivery service, etc.)
• travel to the main activity location in case low-income seniors are unable to reach it otherwise, if the main activities are eligible
• developing partnerships to encourage new and emerging cohorts of seniors to be more actively involved in community activities
• adapting approaches (policies and tools) to more effectively attract, recruit and retain diverse cohorts of senior volunteers
• seniors engaging in intergenerational learning and relationship building to grow their community networks

Examples of ineligible activities include, but are not limited to:

• activities where the role of seniors is minimal or not clearly described
• activities where tourism is the main project activity
• transportation for the sole purpose of leisure activities
• activities that are not led by seniors and/or not volunteer based
• core operational tasks
• core activities (proposed activities already being delivered by the organization, as listed in their organization mandate with no proposed expansion of the activities)
• previously-funded activities for a past recipient of the New Horizons for Seniors Program Community-based stream with no proposed expansion of activities
• activities of a medical nature and/or a health intervention
• fundraising activities
• activities requiring the purchase of vehicle(s)
• projects seeking funding to renovate or maintain an establishment that is:
  • not owned by the applicant; and
  • does not provide direct seniors' programming (for example theatres, healthcare establishments such as health and foot clinics)
• activities that can be supported under another funding program provided by ESDC

Note: For activities that will contribute to greater access to programs, services and supports for persons with disabilities by improving accessibility in facilities (for example ramps, accessible doors or washrooms, elevators), please see ESDC's Enabling Accessibility Fund

What the funding can be used to pay for

Eligible costs

To be eligible, all costs must be reasonable and directly related to project activities and their development and implementation outside of project administrative costs.

Projects costs must be tied to projects that are designed by seniors and/or delivered for seniors. These costs must empower seniors in their communities and contribute to improving their health and well-being.

Costs cannot exceed $25,000.

Log in with Google

OR

Get Started to Apply