How much funding can be received?

The Seniors Community Grant Program offers funds ranging from $1,000 to $25,000 to support projects that enhance social inclusion, volunteerism, and community engagement for older adults. Eligible activities focus on physical and social participation, technology and digital solutions, and access to health prevention and promotion.

grant_single_labels|projects

The Seniors Community Grant Program supports projects aimed at engaging and enhancing the lives of older adults within their communities. The eligible projects focus on promoting physical activities, boosting social engagement, and increasing access to health and digital resources.

Providing weekly physical activities such as pickleball and organized social events like coffee and cards sessions.
Developing technology and digital solutions, such as creating apps or conducting workshops, to support seniors' access to programs and services.
Organizing seminars on health prevention topics like falls prevention, elder abuse, and ageism prevention.
Conducting intergenerational activities designed to build stronger relationships and enhance mental and physical well-being.
Hosting programs aimed specifically at senior veterans, possibly in partnership with local branches of the Royal Canadian Legion, to support their engagement and access to services.
Implementing outreach programs to engage seniors in underserved and equity-seeking groups like Indigenous peoples or low-income individuals.
Supporting senior-based digital literacy and technology adoption initiatives to reduce social isolation and improve language skills.

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's profile and their ability to support seniors in Ontario.

Represent seniors’ groups and/or offer programs or services that directly benefit older adults living in Ontario.
Be registered in Transfer Payment Ontario.
Be a not-for-profit organization incorporated pursuant to the laws of Ontario or Canada or an individual representing an unincorporated community group focused on senior well-being.
Not-for-profit organizations must have been incorporated and in operation since at least April 1, 2024.
Examples of eligible organizations include municipalities, local services boards, district social services administration boards, indigenous groups, not-for-profit licensed retirement homes, public libraries, and Ontario branches of the Royal Canadian Legion.
Individuals representing local unincorporated community groups must have been in existence for at least one year prior to the date of application.
Organizations must not be agencies, boards, or commissions of the federal or provincial governments, broader public service organizations, fundraising organizations that provide funding to others, for-profit organizations, private schools, politically related organizations, or organizations currently in default of a provincial government grant.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

Eligible applicants must:1. Represent seniors’ groups and/or offer programs or services that directly benefit older adults living in Ontario.2. Be registered in Transfer Payment Ontario.3. Be either: - A not-for-profit organization incorporated pursuant to the laws of Ontario or Canada. - An individual that represents an unincorporated community organization or group that contributes to the well-being of local older adults.Not-for-profit organizations that have been incorporated and in operation since at least April 1, 2024, can apply for up to $25,000. Examples of eligible organizations include:- Municipalities or regional governments.- Local Services Boards.- District Social Services Administration Boards.- Indigenous groups (e.g., band councils, tribal councils, self-governing entities, health access centres, First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities or organizations).- Not-for-profit licensed retirement homes.- Public libraries.- Ontario branches of the Royal Canadian Legion.Individuals representing local unincorporated community groups can apply for up to $10,000. The individual must be responsible to the Province for the project’s implementation, financial management, and reporting.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

This grant excludes certain entities from applying based on their status and main purpose. These restrictions ensure that the funding is allocated to organizations that align with the grant's mission to support seniors in Ontario.

Agencies, boards, or commissions of the federal or provincial governments.
Broader public service organizations such as universities, school boards, and hospitals.
Organizations that primarily fundraise to provide funding to other organizations.
For-profit organizations.
Private schools.
Organizations whose purpose is related to political activity (lobbying), as defined by the Canada Revenue Agency.
Organizations or individuals currently in default of a provincial government grant.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

Eligible expenses for the Seniors Community Grant include a variety of costs directly related to the implementation and safety of the project.

Material costs for workshops, seminars, training, or instructional classes.
Costs for infection control measures and alternative program delivery formats.
Admission costs to cultural or learning events.
Recognition of generic holiday celebrations.
Space and equipment rental.
Marketing and advertising, such as website or promotional materials development.
Personal protective equipment, including masks, gloves, and sanitizer.
Honorarium for non-employee services.
Fees for fitness instructors, workshop facilitators, educators, or trainers.
Portable asset purchases directly related to the project or health and safety of participants.
Purchase of technology and software for program delivery.
Human resources costs, including wages allocated to the project.
Transportation and travel expenses for employees or volunteers in Ontario.
Catering, meals, and refreshments according to the provincial Travel, Meal and Hospitality Expenses Directive.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

This grant is accessible to organizations that operate specifically within Ontario, aiming to support initiatives that benefit older adults in these areas. The eligible geographical zones align with the strategic goals of enhancing community support across the province.

Local branches across all regions of Ontario.

grant_single_labels|criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria with allocated point scores to ensure alignment with the grant’s objectives.

Project quality and relevance (25%): This includes a clear work plan, roles and responsibilities, the relevance and degree of innovation of the project, and support from meaningful partnerships.
Anticipated impact of the project (25%): The need for the project and its alignment with ministry priorities, and the presence of realistic metrics to measure outcomes.
Budget and financial feasibility (25%): This involves eligibility and clarity of costs, alignment with project plans, evidence of value for money, and detailed documentation of contributions from other sources.
Organizational capacity (25%): This assesses the alignment of the organization’s mandate, financial stability, presence of supportive partnerships, staffing capabilities, and track record of success.

grant_single_labels|register

Here are the steps to submit an application for the Seniors Community Grant:

Step 1: Register with Transfer Payment Ontario (TPON)
Enroll with the TPON system if not previously registered.
Update your organization information, including CRA business number if applicable.
Step 2: Prepare Application
Read the Seniors Community Grant Program Guidelines thoroughly.
Draft a detailed project proposal that addresses program priorities and impact.
Compile all necessary supporting documents including financial statements, letters of support, and proof of incorporation for not-for-profit organizations.
If applicable, gather partnership letters from partners outlining their roles and contributions.
Ensure all proposed expenses comply with eligible and ineligible expense guidelines.
Step 3: Contact Application Support
Reach out to a Regional Development Advisor for guidance on application content questions.
Contact TPON Client Care for technical assistance with the application system if needed.
Step 4: Complete Application Form
Log into TPON and complete the online application form thoroughly.
Ensure all mandatory questions are answered and all required fields are filled.
Upload all supporting documents to the TPON system.
Step 5: Validate and Submit Application
Validate your application within TPON to ensure no information is missing.
Submit the completed application and supporting documents before the deadline, Thursday, January 16, 2025, 5:00 p.m. ET.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

Applications must be submitted electronically through the Transfer Payment Ontario system, and organizations must be registered in this system to apply.
Applicants are encouraged to contact a Regional Development Advisor (RDA) early to discuss their application and ensure completeness.
The program will prioritize applications that focus on engaging underserved and equity-seeking populations.
The funding program does not support capital expenses or operational activities.
All complete applications will be screened for eligibility before being scored; ineligible and incomplete applications will not advance.
Successful applicants will be notified of their approval and grant amount by Summer 2025.
Acknowledgement of provincial funding is required in any communications related to the project.
Insurance requirements include listing the "His Majesty the King in Right of Ontario" as an additional insured party.
Letters of support and partnership letters play a crucial role in demonstrating project viability and support.
Applicants must measure performance indicators and report using surveys during the project.

grant_single_labels|contact

transferpaymentontarioCC@ontario.ca

Apply to this program

Supporting Ontario’s Seniors Through Community Grants

The Seniors Community Grant Program provides financial support to community organizations and individuals in Ontario aiming to enhance the quality of life for older adults. Funding ranges up to $25,000, facilitating projects that promote social inclusion and community engagement among seniors.

Detailed Insights into the Seniors Community Grant Program

The Seniors Community Grant (SCG) Program is a significant initiative championed by Ontario’s Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility, targeted at empowering local communities and individuals to create or enhance supportive environments for seniors. This program is vital as it recognizes the growing need for active community involvement to ensure the safety, engagement, and independence of seniors aged 55 and above within Ontario. Grants range from $1,000 to $25,000, making them accessible for various community-based projects designed to combat social isolation and enhance community integration.The SCG Program underscores a comprehensive approach, supporting projects that emphasize physical and social activities among seniors. This year, significant enhancements include a dedicated Veterans Stream, acknowledging the unique contributions and needs of senior veterans. This stream encourages collaborations with organizations such as local branches of the Royal Canadian Legion, aiming to leverage resources that distinctly benefit veterans by fostering community projects inclusive of digital literacy, health prevention, and physical engagement.Applicants must demonstrate that their project can make a tangible impact, as funding is quite competitive, with about 44% approval in the last funding round. Projects are expected to creatively engage diverse and often underserved populations, including Indigenous peoples, low-income seniors, and rural residents, ensuring an equitable distribution of resources across these communities. Successful applicants are those who can clearly illustrate a project’s sustainability, and how it will remain beneficial beyond the funding period.Moreover, the SCG Program demands a strict adherence to deadlines and documentations, with applications reviewed on criteria such as project relevance, potential community impact, and financial feasibility. Notably, it also encourages partnerships with local groups to expand reach and capacity, enriching projects through shared expertise and resources.By supporting seniors’ active participation in their communities, this grant not only enhances the health and well-being of older adults but also fosters community innovation and resilience. Participating organizations and individuals are empowered to make a lasting difference, helping seniors to thrive in an increasingly digital world and fostering connections that combat isolation and promote overall community wellness.”