Government of Canada launches call for proposals for community projects to help seniors
News release
New Horizons for Seniors Program marks its 20th anniversary and nearly 40,000 local projects since inception
August 1, 2024 Gatineau, Québec Employment and Social Development Canada
Canadians deserve to age with dignity. That comes down to choice, to affordability, to inclusion, and to community. For 20 years, the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) has helped the Government of Canada deliver on that promise to Canadian seniors by supporting those organizations working to make their lives better.
Today, Canada’s Minister of Seniors, Steven MacKinnon, launched the 2024–25 call for proposals for community-based projects through the NHSP.
Organizations can apply for funding to deliver projects that will help seniors be more connected and active members of their communities. Organizations are encouraged to reflect the four national priorities for this cycle as part of their projects:
- supporting healthy aging;
- preventing senior abuse;
- celebrating diversity and promoting inclusion; and
- supporting financial security.
The NHSP funds a wide variety of projects, such as online computer classes, financial literacy and fraud prevention education, meal deliveries, and the purchase of equipment to help keep seniors informed, connected and engaged.
The call for proposals is open until September 12, 2024. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications electronically on the Grants and Contributions Online Services portal. Creating an account is a one-time process that allows organizations to apply for various Employment and Social Development Canada funding opportunities in a secure web environment. Organizations serving seniors can access support to prepare their application by contacting their nearest NHSP office. For details on how to apply, visit https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/new-horizons-seniors.html.
Quotes
“Every year, the New Horizons for Seniors Program funds thousands of projects that enrich the lives of Canadian seniors, fight loneliness and build community. I encourage all eligible organizations to apply to this year’s call for proposals.”
– Minister of Labour and Seniors, Steven MacKinnon
Quick facts
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Seniors are one of Canada’s fastest-growing population groups. They will represent almost 25% of the population by 2051 and could reach close to 11 million people within 15 years.
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The New Horizons for Seniors Program community-based stream invests in projects that help seniors stay active and engaged in their communities. Organizations are eligible to receive up to $25,000 in grant funding
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Program funding supports projects that address one or more of the program’s five objectives: promoting volunteering among seniors and other generations, engaging seniors through the mentoring of others, expanding awareness of elder abuse, supporting social participation and inclusion of seniors and providing capital assistance for new and existing community projects and programs for seniors.
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Since its inception in 2004, the program has funded around 40,000 local projects and broader reaching initiatives in hundreds of communities across Canada with the Government of Canada having invested a total of more than $850 million.
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Based on the last two years of data, over 900,000 seniors benefit from NHSP community-based projects each year.
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Contacts
For media enquiries, please contact:
Hartley Witten
Press Secretary and Senior Communications Advisor
Office of the Minister of Labour and Seniors, Steven MacKinnon
343-575-1065
hartley.witten@labour-travail.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Employment and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
media@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
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