Government of Canada announces call for proposals for community-based projects supporting seniors
GATINEAU, QC, May 7, 2018 /CNW/ - Seniors make significant and valuable contributions to their families, communities and society. That is why the Government of Canada remains committed to empowering all Canadians, including seniors, to contribute to and share in the prosperity of the country. In support of this commitment, the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, announced today, the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) 2018-2019 call for proposals for Community-based Projects. Programs like NHSP not only encourage seniors to stay involved in their community, but also increase their social participation and inclusion. This is key to enhancing their well-being and quality of life, as well as to enable them to stay active and share their knowledge, skills and experience with other community members.
The NHSP call for proposals, open until June 15, 2018, is seeking proposals for projects led or inspired by seniors. Organizations are invited to apply for funding, under the following three national priorities, for projects that empower seniors to initiate and participate in activities that benefit:
- the vulnerable seniors populations,
- focus on diversity of Canada's seniors; and
- will promote volunteerism to increase an organization's capacity.
Eligible organizations can receive up to $25,000 in project funding. Starting this year, organizations that have not benefitted from NHSP funding during the last five years can receive up to $5,000 as part of the new small grants pilot project.
The Government recognizes the remarkable contributions that seniors make to our communities. By investing in NHSP community-based projects that help reinforce partnerships with local governments, institutions and organizations, the Government is confirming its commitment to deliver positive change and improve the lives of seniors.
Quote
"Through the New Horizons for Seniors Program, our government is providing a wide range of opportunities for seniors to participate in meaningful activities that nurture their personal growth and foster community prosperity. These activities empower seniors, enabling them to pursue an active lifestyle, expand their social network and explore new learning experiences that will better help them face the challenges of our rapidly evolving society."
- The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development
Quick Facts
- The call for proposals is open from May 7, 2018 until June 15, 2018.
- Eligible organizations can receive up to $25,000 in project funding, and, as of this year, up to $5,000 in new small grants funding for organizations that have not received funding within the last five years (including the 2012-2013 NHSP call for proposals).
- Three national priorities have been identified for the small grants initiative: projects benefiting vulnerable seniors populations, projects focusing on the diversity of Canada's seniors, and projects using volunteerism to increase an organization's capacity. Applicants must submit projects in line with at least one of these priorities.
- Since 2004, the Program has funded more than 21,600 projects in communities across Canada, with a total federal investment of more than $452 million.
Associated Links
- Funding: New Horizons for Seniors Program – Community-based projects
- Funding: New Horizons for Seniors Program – Pan-Canadian projects
- New Horizons for Seniors Program – Engaging Seniors, Strengthening Communities
Backgrounder
The New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) is a federal grants and contributions program that supports projects led or inspired by seniors who make a difference in the lives of others and their communities. Through the NHSP, the Government of Canada encourages seniors to share their knowledge, skills and experiences to the benefit of others.
The objectives of the NHSP are:
- Promoting volunteerism among seniors;
- Engaging seniors in the community through mentoring of others;
- Expanding awareness of elder abuse, including financial abuse;
- Supporting social participation and inclusion of seniors; and
- Providing capital assistance for new and existing community projects and/or programs for seniors.
NHSP funding supports community-based projects and pan-Canadian projects.
Community-based projects
Community-based project funding supports activities that engage seniors and address one or more of the program's five objectives: volunteering, mentoring, expanding awareness of elder abuse, social participation and capital assistance. These projects are eligible to receive up to $25,000 in grant funding and, as of this year, up to $5,000 in new small grants funding for organizations that have not received funding within the last five years. Approximately $35 milllion is provided each year for community-based projects.
The NHSP 2018-2019 call for proposals for community-based projects closes on June 15, 2018. Organizations are invited to apply for funding of up to $25,000 for projects that help empower seniors to share their knowledge, skills and experiences with others and support communities by increasing their capacity to address local issues.
Approximately 1,905 projects across Canada were approved through the NHSP 2017-2018 call for proposals for Community-based Projects and 1,885 of these are now in progress.
For more information, visit Funding: New Horizons for Seniors Program – community-based projects, where the Program's priorities can also be found in the applicant guide.
Pan-Canadian projects
Pan-Canadian projects test and share best practices across the country and replicate interventions that have worked well in addressing seniors' issues.
Projects that have received funding through the NHSP 2015–2016 call for proposals for pan-Canadian projects are using a collective impact approach where project partners work together to achieve measurable results in addressing social isolation among seniors.
Funded projects are up to three years in duration and are receiving financial support of up to $750,000.
More than $21 million is being made available for pan-Canadian projects funded through the NHSP 2018–2019 call for proposals.
For more information, visit Funding: New Horizons for Seniors Program – pan-Canadian projects.
SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada
For media enquiries, please contact: Émilie Gauduchon-Campbell, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, P.C., M.P., Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, 819-654-5546; Media Relations Office, Employment and Social Development Canada, 819-994-5559, [email protected]
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