New Horizons for Seniors Program - Call for proposals

The New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) is a federal grants and contributions program. Its goal is to strengthen seniors’ social inclusion so they can benefit from and contribute to the quality of life in their communities.

Community-based projects

Community-based project funding supports activities in which seniors are socially engaged, connected and actively involved. Seniors lead and inspire projects that make a difference in their lives, in the lives of others and in their communities. More than 400 communities benefit from community-based projects each year.

Eligibility Criteria for Community-Based Stream Project Funding:

• be no longer than 52 weeks
• request no more than $50,000
• meet one program objective*
• seniors will lead or plan a vital role in its planning and/or delivery
• seek to benefit seniors and their communities
• demonstrate cost effectiveness

* Note: If a proposed project is requesting capital assistance, it must meet two program objectives:

• capital assistance; and
• any other objective

Capital assistance projects may use up to $25,000 of the total approved funding for eligible capital expenses.

Applications must demonstrate the active participation of seniors in the eligible activities. Activities must be confirmed and described when the application is submitted. 

Eligible recipients for NHSP community-based funding include:

• non-profit organizations 
• coalitions, networks and ad hoc committees
• municipal governments
• research organizations or institutes
• educational institutions (in other words, universities, colleges, CEGEPs, school boards/school districts)*
• public health and social services institutions
• Indigenous organizations, including: 
  • band councils;
  • tribal councils; and 
  • self-government entities

*Provincially/territorially funded institutions are eligible with the agreement of the provincial/territorial government.

Organizations with a mandate or mission to primarily serve seniors are strongly encouraged to apply.

How to apply for community-based project funding

Interested organizations will have a six-week period to apply for funding (June 2 to July 14, 2026). Organizations are prompted to submit their applications through the Grants and Contributions Online Services (GCOS) portal. For more information on the eligibility requirements and instructions on how to apply, visit the NHSP website. Organizations can also contact their local Service Canada Centre for more information.

Organizations will have to submit all required documents at the time of the application to be eligible. An application with missing information may be considered as incomplete and may be screened out from the process if the missing information is not provided by the required time.

For more information, visit About the New Horizons for Seniors Program – Community-based projects.

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