New Horizons for Seniors Program
Last Update: August 1, 2025
Canada
Federal funding supporting seniors' engagement and community initiatives
New Horizons for Seniors Program at a glance
Eligible Funding
- Max. $25,000
Timeline
- Continuous Intakes
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
- Educational services
- Health care and social assistance
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
- Other services (except public administration)
- Public administration
Grant Providers
- Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)
Program status
Open
Overview of the New Horizons for Seniors Program 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.
Financing terms and conditions
- Grants of up to $25,000 are available for community-based projects, with funding provided for a duration of 1 year.
- Funding for Pan-Canadian projects is available for projects lasting up to 5 years; specific funding amounts are not stated.
Eligible projects & activities
- 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.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 24,500
Establishing an intergenerational community garden mentorship initiative
$ 23,900
Equipping seniors with adaptive exercise classes for social inclusion
$ 22,000
Launching elder abuse awareness workshops in community centres
$ 22,000
Starting bilingual mentoring circles for newcomer and local seniors
$ 24,350
Refurbishing a seniors’ lounge for enhanced social participation
$ 24,200
Launching technology training sessions for isolated senior volunteers
Eligibility criteria of the New Horizons for Seniors Program program
- The applicant must submit a project that supports seniors and contributes to their well-being within the community.
- The project must focus on objectives such as promoting volunteerism, engaging seniors in mentoring, increasing awareness of elder abuse, supporting social participation, or providing capital assistance for community projects and programs for seniors.
- The project must demonstrate a positive and measurable impact on seniors and the broader community.
Who is eligible?
- Organizations supporting seniors in the community
- Organizations promoting volunteerism or mentoring initiatives for seniors
- Organizations addressing elder abuse or social participation among seniors
Eligible geographic areas
- All provinces and territories in Canada (federal program administered by Employment and Social Development Canada).
How to apply to the New Horizons for Seniors Program program
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
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.
Apply to this program
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