New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) - Community-Based Projects

• Proof of operations document
• CRA document showing legal name and valid business number, if applicable
• Letter of community support
• Contractor quote for each renovation or repair activity, if applicable
• Letter indicating provincial or territorial agreement, if applicable

Who is eligible?

• Not-for-profit organizations
• Indigenous organizations
• Municipal governments

Who is not eligible

• For-profit businesses or commercial enterprises
• Organizations that do not involve seniors in the project
• Projects focused on core operational tasks
• Projects with medical or therapeutic activities
• Projects involving vehicle purchases, new construction, or non-owned buildings

Eligible expenses

• Capital assets linked to eligible project activities
• Staff wages and mandatory employment-related costs for direct project activities
• Professional fees for external facilitators, presenters, or instructors
• Event planning and implementation costs, shipping, and honoraria
• Capital expenditures for facilities and project-related administrative costs up to 25%

Ineligible Costs and Activities

• Core operational expenses unrelated to the project
• Medical or therapeutic activities and personal medical equipment
• Vehicle purchases, land purchases, and new construction
• Activities not directly benefiting seniors, including fundraising and leisure transportation
• Costs incurred before the agreement is signed or to prepare the application

Eligible geographic areas

• Canada
• Quebec, where provincial approval may be required for selected projects

• National priorities, if applicable, receive extra points in the assessment process (10%).
• Senior involvement in planning, development, and delivery (10%).
• Benefits to seniors and response to their needs (15%).
• Benefits to the community and a signed support letter (15%).
• Cost effectiveness, project clarity, and realistic activities and timelines (10% each).
• Consideration for new or not recent recipients (10%).
• Targeting vulnerable seniors and rural or remote areas (20%).

• Step 1: Prepare supporting documents
  • Gather proof of operations.
  • Gather the letter of community support.
  • Get contractor quotes if renovations or repairs are planned.
  • Obtain provincial or territorial agreement, if applicable.
• Step 2: Complete the application
  • Use GCOS, the recommended online platform, or the online fillable form.
  • Follow the Prepare to Apply section for the required answers and information.
• Step 3: Submit the application
  • Submit the application online.
  • Send any required supporting documents as instructed.
• Step 4: Receive confirmation
  • Keep the confirmation number or acknowledgement of receipt for your records.

• ESDC screens applications for completeness and eligibility.
• Only complete applications meeting the criteria are assessed further.
• Funding decisions are made after review and are communicated to applicants.
• Applicants should not start the project before approval and a signed agreement.

• Applications must include a letter of community support dated no earlier than July 1, 2025.
• Renovation or repair projects require a contractor quote for each activity.
• For some applicants in Quebec, government approval may be required before funding can be accepted.
• Successful projects are posted on Open Government.