Funding: Community-Based Projects for Seniors

Community-based projects under the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) that enable seniors to share their knowledge, skills and experiences with others and help communities increase their capacity to address local issues are eligible to receive up to $25,000 per year, per organization.

Projects must address one or more of the program's five objectives:

  1. promoting volunteerism among seniors and other generations;
  2. engaging seniors in the community through the mentoring of others;
  3. expanding awareness of elder abuse, including financial abuse;
  4. supporting the social participation and inclusion of seniors; and
  5. providing capital assistance for new and existing community projects and/or programs for seniors.

We are now accepting applications.

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Deadline for all of Canada, except Quebec: July 5, 2013 (postmarked)
Deadline for Quebec: September 6, 2013 (postmarked)

Call for Proposals in Quebec

Please note that the federal Call for Proposals in Quebec for community-based projects is open from May 22, 2013 to September 6, 2013.

A Canada-Quebec Memorandum of Understanding for the New Horizons for Seniors Program sets out mechanisms for collaboration in order to ensure complementary action between the governments of Canada and Quebec to the benefit of seniors in Quebec. As a result of discussions under this Memorandum of Understanding, the two governments collaborate in the assessment of community projects.

Applicants in Quebec

An application/agreement for the NHSP’s community-based projects has been prepared as a result of the Canada-Quebec Memorandum of Understanding.

You must complete the Quebec application form, print it, sign it and mail it. (You can also print the application form to fill it out by hand, and mail it.) Do not use the application form for all of Canada, except Quebec.

Submit an additional copy of sections A to F, inclusively, of the application (do not include a copy of the attached Terms and Conditions of Grants).

Eligible Applicants

  • Not-for-profit organizations (e.g. churches or church associations, charities, activity clubs, volunteer organizations, professional associations, museums, or in some cases sports associations);
  • Coalitions, networks;
  • Municipal governments;
  • Research organizations and institutes;
  • Educational institutions (e.g. universities, colleges, CÉGEPs);
  • Public health and social service institutions;
  • Band/tribal councils and other Aboriginal organizations;
  • For-profit enterprises; and
  • School boards/school districts.

Post-secondary institutions, as well as social service and public health institutions, are eligible with the agreement of the provincial or territorial government. For this call, institutions in Alberta, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nunavut, Saskatchewan and Quebec are eligible.

For-profit enterprises are eligible provided that the nature and intent of the proposed activity is non-commercial, does not generate profit, and meets the objectives of the NHSP.

Note to applicants in Quebec: An application/agreement for the NHSP’s community-based projects has been prepared for applicants in Quebec as a result of the Canada-Quebec Memorandum of Understanding. You must submit your completed application for funding on the application form for Quebec.

Ineligible Applicants

  • individuals
  • provincial/territorial departments and agencies

Eligible Projects and Activities

General Project Eligibility

Applicants are encouraged to work with other partners in their community to identify local needs and to design projects that respond to these needs. The NHSP seeks to fund programs or projects that:

  • benefit a broad clientele;
  • present an innovative and creative approach to address a community concern;
  • strive to have a lasting impact on communities;
  • involve collaboration and partnerships; and
  • use resources efficiently and effectively.

Funding is available for a project only once and cannot be renewed. If your project will be on-going, you should consider what resources you will need in order to continue after NHSP funding ends.

Projects must:

  • be led or inspired by seniors. If inspired by seniors, they must be involved in the project’s development and/or implementation in a meaningful way. The role of seniors is a very important element in the positive assessment of NHSP projects.
  • occur within a 12-month (52 week) period. NHSP funding can only support projects that are completed within this time frame.

For those projects that primarily meet one of the first four program objectives:

  • involve programs or activities not already carried out by your organization. This could include adding different activities, reaching out to a new client base such as isolated seniors, youth or recent immigrants, or adapting activities to meet the needs of a new community.

For those projects that primarily meet the fifth objective:

  • involve programs or activities not already carried out by your organization. This could include adding different activities, reaching out to a new client base such as isolated seniors, youth or recent immigrants, or adapting activities to meet the needs of a new community; and/or
  • involve current programs or activities that are at risk of not continuing should the renovation and/or equipment purchase not be funded. These current programs or activities must also meet one of the first four program objectives.

Eligible Projects

In order to be eligible, project activities must be led by seniors, or seniors must play a meaningful role in the project (planning and/or delivery). Activities eligible for funding can include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • seniors developing approaches to encourage new and emerging cohorts of seniors to be more actively involved in community activities;
  • adopting approaches (policies and tools) to more effectively attract, recruit and retain diverse cohorts of volunteers, including other generations;
  • seniors sharing their knowledge, skills and experience with others;
  • promoting awareness of elder abuse, including financial abuse;
  • seniors reaching out to vulnerable seniors such as those who are socially or geographically isolated;
  • volunteering, mentoring, leadership training and skill matching for seniors;
  • seniors’ intergenerational and intercultural learning and relationship building programs and activities;
  • seniors involved in developing / sharing tools and resource materials;
  • seniors sharing best practices;
  • equipment purchase or replacement for programs and activities for seniors, and
  • renovations and repairs to facilities for programs and activities for seniors.

Remember: When planning your project activities, your organization should look into whether or not they will need any special permits, insurance, waivers, or support from governing bodies, such as Band Council Resolutions.

Ineligible Projects and Activities

The following activities are not eligible for community-based funding:

  • core or on-going activities (activities regularly/normally carried out by the organization);
  • activities where the role of seniors is minimal or unclear;
  • projects that deal primarily with health interventions;
  • projects to develop or deliver accredited primary, secondary, or post-secondary curricula; and
  • programs or services that fall within the responsibility of other levels of government.

Funding maximum

The maximum funding available is $25,000 per year, per organization. Projects cannot exceed one year, and funding cannot be renewed.

Funding requests that exceed $25,000 will be rejected.

Eligible Project Costs

Project costs must relate to the project and could include:

  • salaries, wages and mandatory employment-related costs for project staff;
    • Salaries, wages and mandatory employment-related costs for project staff must account for less than 25 percent of the total amount requested from the NHSP. This reflects the Program’s focus on volunteerism.
  • professional services (e.g. presenters, trainers, facilitators, researchers, etc.);
  • trades/construction contractors, installers, technicians, etc.;
  • evaluation costs (e.g. surveys to be distributed to participants at events);
  • honoraria and hospitality costs;
  • security checks for volunteers;
  • travel expenses within Canada;
  • purchase of materials and supplies;
  • printing and distributing project materials;
  • rental and maintenance of equipment;
  • rental of space or other facilities;
  • utilities;
  • capital costs required to undertake the project (e.g. computers, equipment for participants, furnishings and fixtures);
    • Capital costs are non-consumable single items or (a) grouping(s) of similar items that cost $1,000 or more. For example, a group of similar items could be a computer ($600), plus a printer ($200), and software ($300), which equal $1,100 in total since they are a collection of items that are designed to function together. Non-consumable items are those that will continue to exist after the funding period ends, such as equipment, electronics, furniture and fixtures.
  • renovations or repairs;
  • delivery/shipping costs for material and equipment;
  • dumping and disposal fees; and
  • any applicable taxes.

Project costs will be assessed and certain items may not be accepted in funding applications.

When your project is over, your organization may either keep the capital items you bought with the funding and use them for other community-related activities or donate them to other non-profit organizations in the community, provided that Human Resources and Skills Development Canada agrees. You may not keep these items for personal use.

Ineligible Costs

The following costs are not eligible for funding:

  • general operating costs of your organization that are not related to this project (e.g. regular telephone and heating costs, rent, utilities, property taxes, insurance, equipment for staff, audit costs, etc.);
  • costs incurred to prepare the application;
  • items of a personal/medical nature such as wheelchairs/scooters, CPR/First Aid equipment, hearing aids;
  • feasibility studies needed for physical work, including environmental assessments;
  • project costs incurred before the agreement is approved and signed by the Government of Canada;
  • purchase of land or buildings, including new construction;
  • repairs or renovations to a building that your organization does not yet occupy; and
  • cost over-runs (the value of an NHSP community-based grant cannot be increased once it has been approved and signed by Canada); and
  • contingency costs.

Next Step

Funding Priorities

Applications must be consistent with the program objectives and at least one of the funding priorities of the province or territory.

Objectives of the New Horizons for Seniors Program

Supporting projects across Canada, the Program’s objectives are to:

  • promote volunteerism among seniors and other generations;
  • engage seniors in the community through the mentoring of others;
  • expand awareness of elder abuse, including financial abuse;
  • support the social participation and inclusion of seniors; and
  • provide capital assistance for new and existing community projects and/or programs for seniors.

Funding Priorities

Funding priorities vary by province and territory and may change for each Call.

View funding priorities of the province or territory.

Funding priorities are set by a Regional Committee in each province and territory. Committee members include people active in seniors’ and community issues. The Committee normally includes representatives from federal and provincial or territorial governments.

In Quebec, the priorities are set by the Joint Management Committee, made up of representatives from the Quebec government’s seniors’ secretariat and Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, in accordance with the Canada-Quebec Memorandum of Understanding on the New Horizons for Seniors Program.

Each committee sets priorities that recognize and support the unique needs of seniors and the communities in its province/territory.

The committees also review funding applications and recommend projects for funding. They play a key role in ensuring that decisions are fair, open and transparent.

Next Step

Project Development

The following information serves to help you develop your project.

Participation

The New Horizons for Seniors Program supports projects led or inspired by seniors who make a difference in their communities and in the lives of others. This means that seniors must be involved in a meaningful way in the project. Applicants will need to identify their role in the project.

Learn how to build a project team.

Project Idea

  • Be original. The project should bring forward new, interesting ways to involve seniors and others in the community. 
  • Think long term. Successful projects have a positive impact on seniors and their communities and can carry on after the proposed end date.
  • Be cost effective. Strong applications clearly demonstrate how the funds will be used to deliver project activities.
  • Be strategic. Think about issues in the neighbourhood and consider developing a project that responds to a community need.

Want ideas? Read success stories of past projects.

Project Goal

Describe what is to be accomplished with the funding. For example, if bridging the gap between seniors and youth is a concern in the community, the project’s objective might be to promote social interaction between seniors and students. Again, make sure that the project goal ties into one or more of the Program’s objectives as well as the province or territory’s funding priorities.

Project Partners

Partnerships and collaboration with other organizations is encouraged because it will be considered positively when the application is assessed. Remember that partners can also provide resources, such as funding, advice, volunteers or free meeting space.

For ideas on how to get partners, read the partnership tip sheet.

Community Involvement

It is imperative that there be community support for the project. Applicants will need a community support letter from another organization or group in the community that supports the idea. Letters from the project partners are not considered letters of community support. Check out our tip sheet for a few hints on how to gain community support.

New Horizons for Seniors Program projects focus on community involvement and volunteerism. To increase the chances of having a successful project, consider involving volunteers. Remember, volunteers can be of all ages, with different skills and abilities. To help with this aspect of the project, see our tip sheet on how to recruit volunteers.

Project Start Date

A project cannot start until notice is received from the New Horizons for Seniors Program that the project has been approved. Projects are normally approved approximately five months after the closing date of a Call for Proposals.

Remember: the project must start before March 31, 2014 and take place within a 12-month (52-week) period.

Project Planning and Timelines

The project activities that are being planned should be specific and realistic. The established timelines should show each step that needs to be completed within the 12-month period.

Project Results

The project results are the difference or changes made in a community in an organization, or to individuals as a result of the project. Set measurable results to track the success of the project.

Final Report

Organizations must submit a final report within two months of the project completion date and send it to the New Horizons for Seniors Program office in the province or territory. A template for the final report will be included in the notification package for successful applicants.

Reminder Checklist:

  • Submit the application before the deadline.
  • Authorized representatives of the organization must sign the application.
  • Include all necessary attachments.

Next Step

How to Apply

Before you get started: If you have any questions or would like to discuss your project idea with us, you can call 1-800-277-9914 (press “0” to speak with an agent).

Steps for applying for New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) funding:

  1. review the eligibility criteria for NHSP funding as listed in the Eligibility tab, or print the Applicant Guide;
  2. review the funding priorities for your province or territory;
  3. know your application deadline as listed on the Funding: New Horizons for Seniors page. Deadlines may be different in each province and territory. Applications postmarked after the deadline will not be considered for funding;
  4. review the tips and the information in the Project Development tab;
  5. review and follow the application checklist found in this tab;
  6. complete and sign the application form;
  7. mail your completed and signed application form and attachments to your province or territory’s Service Canada Centre. The address for your province or territory is listed on the Contact Us page (applications received before the opening date or postmarked after the closing date of the Call will not be accepted); and
  8. become familiar with the approval process in the After You Apply tab.

Note: If your organization's mailing address or phone number changes, please let us know immediately.

Funding Priorities

Your application must address at least one of the funding priorities for your province or territory. Funding priorities vary by province and territory and may change for each Call for Proposals.

Funding priorities are set in collaboration with a Regional Committee in each province and territory. Committee members include people active in seniors’ and community issues. The committees also normally include representation from federal and provincial or territorial governments. In Quebec, the priorities are set by the Joint Management Committee, made up of representatives from the Quebec government’s seniors’ secretariat and Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, in accordance with the Canada-Quebec Memorandum of Understanding on the New Horizons for Seniors Program.

Each committee recommends priorities that recognize and support the unique needs of seniors and the communities in its region.

The committees also review funding applications and recommend projects for funding.

Application Checklist

In order for your application to be eligible for funding, you are required to include:

  • the completed original application form signed by the authorized officer(s) of your organization. The form, and instructions for completing it, can be found on the Application for Community-Based Funding page;
  • the names and addresses of your organization’s board of directors or governing body. If your organization is a coalition, network or an ad-hoc committee, please provide the names and addresses of all of the committee members;
  • copies of documents about your organization’s legal status and governance structure;
    • if your organization is incorporated, please send a copy of one of the following: letters of patent, articles of corporation, certificate of incorporation or memorandum of association, your rules, by-laws or constitution;
    • if your organization is not incorporated, please send a copy of your rules, by-laws or constitution;
  • a minimum of one original letter showing community support for your project (see question 25 of the Application for Community-Based Funding page);
  • a copy of your lease agreement (with at least a five-year lease period remaining) with an original letter from the property owner confirming they agree with the proposed renovation or repair (required if applicable - see question 16 of the Application for Community-Based Funding page; and
  • an original letter from your project partner(s) confirming their involvement (required if applicable - see question 23 b in the Application for Community-Based Funding page).

All letters of support and partnership should include the name, position title, organization and signature of the writer, as well as the date.

Organizations of the same name are eligible to submit applications in different communities, provinces and territories provided they have a separate Board of Directors and operate independently of each other.

New: Organizations are allowed to submit multiple applications; however, the total of those applications must not exceed $25,000 per year, per organization.

To Apply: Application for Community-Based Funding Page

Next Step

Application Review Process

There are three phases in the application review process:

Screening

Applications postmarked by the application deadline are reviewed for eligibility by the Department to ensure they meet the Program’s eligibility criteria. Applications will be rejected at the screening phase for any of the following reasons:

  • the application is late (i.e. postmarked after the deadline);
  • the application is incomplete and/or not signed by the authorized representatives of the organization;
  • the required attachments are missing – for instance, you are missing:
    • at least one original letter or other original document demonstrating community support for your project; or
    • documents that confirm your organization’s legitimacy and governance;
  • the project does not meet any of the program objectives;
  • the project does not respond to any of the funding priorities set out in the Call for Proposals for your province or territory;
  • proposed activities are your organization’s core, existing or on-going activities;
  • proposed activities do not include a strong role for seniors in their planning and/or delivery; and
  • budget costs exceed funding limits (e.g. single funding applications that exceed the $25,000 limit will be screened out.

Assessment

After the screening process is complete, eligible applications are reviewed and assessed in collaboration with the Regional Committee in your province or territory. Applications are assessed on a number of criteria, including:

  • the strength of the community support for the project;
  • the anticipated positive impact on seniors and/or their communities (such as their strong role as leaders in their communities);
  • the project’s cost-effectiveness;
  • the potential for the activities to continue after the funding ends, if applicable;
  • other New Horizons for Seniors funded projects in the same community; and
  • the results of any of your organization’s projects that were previously funded by Human Resources and Skills Development Canada.

There is significant interest in funding for capital assistance, and more applications are received than can be funded. Therefore, funding is more likely to be awarded to organizations that clearly demonstrate a strong link between the proposed renovations or equipment replacement and activities that clearly meet at least one of the Program's objectives. Additional criteria may be considered during the assessment of proposals, such as the security or soundness of facilities or equipment that could compromise the safety of seniors.

Final Decision

The regional committees make recommendations to Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC); the Department makes the final decision.

You will be advised of the final decision by letter. You will receive a written decision from Human Resources and Skills Development Canada no earlier than the beginning of 2014.

If approved, your application becomes a grant agreement.

Please note that funding decisions are final and that there is no appeal process.

Contact us for more information on your application. We will put you in touch with the appropriate representative who can discuss your application or other ideas you may have for future projects.

Next Step

Follow-up

You will be notified by mail that we have received your application. Acknowledgment letters will be mailed within 21 calendar days of the closing date of the Call. If you have not received an acknowledgement letter five weeks after the closing date of the Call, please call 1-800-277-9914 and press “0” to speak to an agent.

Final Report

Funded organizations must submit a final report within 30 days of the project end date in their agreement and send it to the New Horizons for Seniors office in their province or territory. The final report template will be provided in the approval package notifying funded organizations of the Department’s decision.

Reporting on time shows good project management. Should your organization fail to submit a final report on time it may impact your organization’s ability to obtain funding from Human Resources and Skills Development Canada in the future.