Closed
New Horizons for Seniors Program
Federal funding supporting seniors' engagement and community initiatives
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
$ 25,000
Timeline
- Open Date : August 6, 2025
- Closing date : September 17, 2025
Location
Canada
Overview
The New Horizons for Seniors Program provides grants of up to $25,000 for community-based projects that promote volunteerism, social inclusion, and elder abuse awareness among seniors. Funding supports initiatives such as mentoring, community engagement, and capital assistance for projects benefiting seniors.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Increase social or community impact
- Develop strategic partnerships
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 25,000 $
Timeline
- Open Date : August 6, 2025
- Closing date : September 17, 2025
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Educational services
- Health care and social assistance
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
- Other services (except public administration)
- Public administration
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Canadians
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Other Recreation and Social Clubs
- Social Services
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Other Philanthropic Intermediaries and Voluntarism Promotion
- Diversity and Inclusion
Target groups
- General public
- Seniors
- Community leaders
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Local
- National
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Promoting volunteerism among seniors and intergenerational groups.
- Engaging seniors in community activities through mentoring programs.
- Raising awareness about elder abuse, including financial abuse, within communities.
- Encouraging social participation and inclusion of seniors in community life.
- Providing capital support for new or existing community projects and programs benefiting seniors.
Documents Needed
- Proof of operations document
- CRA document showing legal name and business number, if applicable
- Community support letter
- Contractor quote for renovation or repair activities, if applicable
- Provincial or territorial agreement letter, if applicable
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Not-for-profit organizations
- Municipal governments
- Educational institutions
- Public health and social services institutions
- Indigenous organizations and 2SLGBTQIA+ organizations
Eligible expenses
- Administrative costs, up to 25% of total project costs
- Capital expenditures directly tied to project activities
- Renovation or repair costs for facilities used in the project
- Professional fees for external facilitators, presenters, or trainers
- In-kind donations such as equipment, services, or labour
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- New construction or expansion of existing space
Eligible geographic areas
- All provinces and territories in Canada (federal program administered by Employment and Social Development Canada).
Selection criteria
- Alignment with at least one program objective.
- Extra points for meeting one or more national priorities.
- Quality of the information provided in the proposal.
- For Pan-Canadian Step 2, only organizations successful in Step 1 can apply.
How to apply
1
Review eligibility criteria
- Review the New Horizons for Seniors Program guidelines
- Determine whether your project is eligible for community-based or pan-Canadian funding
2
Prepare application materials
- Gather all required documents and information for your application
- Prepare a detailed project outline, including objectives and expected outcomes
3
Complete application form
- Complete the application form online or by mail
- Ensure all sections are filled and documents attached
4
Submit the application
- Submit your completed application to Employment and Social Development Canada
- Keep a copy of your application for your records
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are screened for completeness before review.
- Invited organizations only can apply for the Pan-Canadian Step 2 process.
- Projects that meet national priorities may receive extra assessment points.
- Applicants are notified after the assessment process.
- A funding agreement may be required before funding is issued.
Additional information
- The program supports both community-based and larger Pan-Canadian initiatives focused on improving the lives of seniors.
- Community-based projects can receive funding for a duration of up to one year, while Pan-Canadian projects may span up to five years.
- The program aims to address elder abuse awareness, promote volunteerism, and enhance social inclusion for seniors.
- Funding is available through both grants and contributions, depending on the project scale.
Frequently Asked Questions about the New Horizons for Seniors Program Program
What is the New Horizons for Seniors Program?
The New Horizons for Seniors Program provides grants of up to $25,000 for community-based projects that promote volunteerism, social inclusion, and elder abuse awareness among seniors. Funding supports initiatives such as mentoring, community engagement, and capital assistance for projects benefiting seniors.
How much funding can be received?
New Horizons for Seniors Program Funds up to $25,000 of admissible expenses.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program was September 17, 2025.
Who is eligible for the New Horizons for Seniors Program program?
To be eligible for the New Horizons for Seniors Program program, you must:
Projects must have a positive impact on the lives of seniors and their community.
The project must align with the program’s objectives, such as social participation or support for seniors.
What expenses are eligible under New Horizons for Seniors Program?
Promoting volunteerism among seniors and intergenerational groups.
Engaging seniors in community activities through mentoring programs.
Raising awareness about elder abuse, including financial abuse, within communities.
Encouraging social participation and inclusion of seniors in community life.
Providing capital support for new or existing community projects and programs benefiting seniors.
Who can I contact for more information about the New Horizons for Seniors Program?
You can contact Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).
Where is the New Horizons for Seniors Program available?
The New Horizons for Seniors Program program is available across Canada.