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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. Eligible organizations can apply for up to $25,000 for projects that are led by seniors and are volunteer based.

Program objectives

Projects submitted for this grant (up to $25,000) must meet at least 1 of the following program objectives:

• promoting volunteerism among seniors and other generations
• engaging seniors in the community through the mentoring of others
• expanding awareness of elder abuse, including financial abuse
• supporting the social participation and inclusion of seniors
• providing capital assistance for new and existing community projects and/or programs for seniors

Organizations will be invited to apply for funding that supports the 2024-2025 program’s national priorities:

Priority 1: Supporting healthy aging

• addressing social isolation, including through supporting seniors’ digital literacy;
• addressing ageism; and,
• supporting mental health and seniors living with dementia.

Priority 2: Preventing senior abuse 

• providing measures to reduce crimes and harm against seniors including elder abuse; and,
• developing educational material to prevent unscrupulous practices, financial fraud and scams from happening to seniors.

Priority 3: Celebrating diversity and promoting inclusion 

• promoting intergenerational mentoring and engagement;
• advancing Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and helping to secure a better quality of life for Indigenous seniors; and,
• collaborating with diverse communities notably by serving members of the following vulnerable groups: have low income, are Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit and Métis), are 2SLGBTQIA+, are Black or racialized, are members of OLMCs, are persons with disabilities, are immigrants or newcomers, are living in rural and remote settings, are at increased risk of social isolation due to factors such as being an informal caregiver or living alone, and are veterans.

Priority 4: Supporting financial security 

• helping seniors navigate and access government services and benefits and providing support to file their taxes; and,
• supporting financial empowerment of seniors.

In addition, regional information sessions will be offered to give an overview of this application process. You can take part online or by teleconference. If you are interested, send an email to your nearest New Horizons for Seniors Program office. If you have questions, need help or require an accommodation with this application process, contact your nearest New Horizons for Seniors Program office and for technical support for GCOS, please visit the Employer Contact Centre on the GCOS website.