Grant and Funding Programs Offered by Fondation pour les Aînés et l'Innovation Sociale (FAIS)

The Foundation for Seniors and Social Innovation emerged from the evolution and consolidation of several philanthropic initiatives historically connected to care and service environments for older adults in Quebec. Building on this legacy, it has gradually positioned itself as a structuring actor at the intersection of the institutional health system, community organizations and research, with the overarching goal of fostering a society in which people can age in good health, dignity and social participation. Its mission focuses on sustainably improving seniors’ quality of life, whether they live in care facilities, at home or within their communities, by emphasizing social innovation, prevention and the adaptation of living environments to the realities of aging.

The foundation acts in complement to public services by providing tangible support to care and residential settings through funding for equipment, facility enhancements and activities that enrich seniors’ daily lives. It also supports community-based initiatives and research projects that explore new ways of addressing aging-related challenges, including autonomy preservation, cognitive stimulation, sustainable health and social inclusion. By encouraging experimentation, cross-sector collaboration and locally driven solutions, the foundation helps strengthen organizations’ capacity to innovate for the benefit of older adults.

In addition, the Foundation for Seniors and Social Innovation plays a significant role as a mandatary for public financial support programs targeting seniors. In this capacity, it administers public funds entrusted to it to support projects led by organizations, institutions and communities. These funding actions align with broad orientations aimed at promoting active aging, encouraging seniors’ social and civic engagement, preventing isolation and improving the accessibility of services and environments designed for older adults. Acting as a trusted intermediary, the foundation ensures sound fund management, supports project proponents and monitors funded initiatives to maximize their social impact.

Through this dual role as a philanthropic organization and an administrator of public financial support, the Foundation for Seniors and Social Innovation holds a strategic position within the seniors’ funding ecosystem. It helps bridge institutional priorities with grassroots needs while promoting inclusive, human-centered and innovative approaches. Its sustained action contributes to building more supportive and age-friendly communities, better equipped to address demographic change and to recognize older adults as full participants in social life.