New Horizons for Seniors Program - Community-based Projects

• A CRA business number and a CRA or provincial government document providing proof of operations, dated within the last 2 years
• If applicable, a quote from a contractor for each activity for renovation or repair projects, dated within one year
• If applicable, a letter indicating provincial or territorial agreement

Who is eligible?

• Not-for-profit organizations, including charities, faith-based organizations, associations, non-governmental organizations, unions, and sector councils
• Coalitions, networks and ad hoc committees
• Municipal governments and agencies
• Research organizations or institutes, and educational institutions such as universities, colleges, CEGEPs, and school boards or school districts
• Public health and social services institutions, and Indigenous organizations including band councils, tribal councils, and self-government entities

Who is not eligible

• For-profit organizations

Eligible expenses

• Administrative costs directly related to the project, up to 25% of total funds requested
• Capital costs, including facilities repairs or renovations up to $25,000 and capital asset purchases linked to eligible project activities
• Staff wages, project costs, professional fees, event and workshop costs, materials and supplies, and honoraria

Ineligible Costs and Activities

• Medical interventions/devices
• Purchase of vehicle(s)
• Purchase of land or buildings
• Purchase of alcohol, tobacco (outside of specific cultural rituals), cannabis etc.
• Costs incurred before the agreement has been signed by ESDC

• Organization mandate, qualifications, and experience working with seniors account for 20% of the overall assessment.
• Benefits for seniors and how the project addresses identified needs account for 15% of the overall assessment.
• Project objective alignment accounts for 10% of the overall assessment.
• Seniors’ active participation and vital role in planning and project activities account for 10% of the overall assessment.
• Additional weighted factors include national priorities at 10%, community benefits and support at 10%, project activities at 10%, and cost effectiveness, vulnerable seniors focus, and rural and remote engagement at 5% each.

• Use the Grants and Contributions Online Services (GCOS) to apply
• If you are unable to use GCOS, contact your regional NHSP office to request a paper application form
• Submit only 1 copy of your application to ESDC

• ESDC evaluates applications in 3 stages: organization validation, eligibility review, and assessment against program criteria.
• Incomplete applications or applications containing errors will be refused.
• ESDC will contact applicants only for administrative information such as primary and secondary contact details, organization information, or project dates, and will not request missing or unclear quotes, budgets, activities, or project details.
• ESDC will begin informing applicants of their status by email in January 2027, and all applicants will receive a written decision whether approved or refused.
• If approved, applicants will receive an email with the maximum approved funding amount and the forms required for the agreement.

• Organizations with a mandate or mission to primarily serve seniors are strongly encouraged to apply.
• A letter of support is not required; if attached, it will not impact the funding decision.
• Whenever possible, applicants are encouraged to support local, regional or national businesses by choosing to Buy Canadian when purchasing goods and services for their project.
• Information on successful projects is posted on Open Government, including the organization name, business number, funding amount, project title, agreement number, agreement dates, and location.