The Ontario government is providing up to $4 million for the Seniors Community Grant Program, a significant increase over last year.
This funding will help non-profit organizations, local services boards, or Indigenous groups develop programs for seniors that focus on combatting social isolation, promoting seniors’ safety and well-being, improving financial security and making communities age-friendly.
This year’s grants will range from $1,000 to $100,000 and will fund projects that will:
- Help older individuals and couples receive the support they need in their community;
- Ensure seniors are less at risk for neglect, abuse and fraud, and that their rights and dignity are protected;
- Ensure more older adults are connected and engaged, reducing social isolation; and,
- Provide more opportunities for older adults in employment and volunteering, achieving greater financial security and engagement within the community.
In the past, the Seniors Community Grant Program has supported community-based activities like seniors’ fitness classes, lawn bowling, brain fitness activities, multicultural dance, along with a public education and awareness campaign that challenges the myths and stereotypes that portray older adults as frail, out-of-touch, technologically illiterate, and no longer employable.
The application period for the Seniors Community Grant Program is now open and will close on August 7, 2020. Unincorporated and incorporated not-for-profit organizations, local services boards, or Indigenous groups must submit applications to Transfer Payment Ontario (formerly Grants Ontario) online at Ontario.ca/GetFunding.
DID YOU ALSO KNOW?
- Since the Seniors Community Grant Program was established in 2014, nearly 1,900 grants have been provided, which have positively impacted the lives of more than half a million seniors.
- By 2023, there will be three million Ontarians over the age of 65. Older adults are the province’s fastest growing demographic.
- Questions about the program can be answered by contacting the Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility: email:Â [email protected]; toll free: 1-833-SCG-INFO (1-833-724-4636); TTY (for the hearing impaired): 1-800-387-5559; fax: 416-326-7078.