Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
Symbol of the Government of Canada

Human Resources and Skills Development Canada

www.hrsdc.gc.ca

Canada’s Public Pension system

New Horizons for Seniors Program

Provides grants for community-based projects that:

  • Encourage seniors to share their skills, experience and wisdom in support of their communities
  • Promote the ongoing involvement of seniors in their communities to reduce the risk of social isolation

New Horizons for Seniors Program enables seniors' social participation, active living and contribution to their community

New Horizons for Seniors Program enables seniors' social participation, active living and contribution to their community

Notes 1

  • Accepts applications once or twice a year
  • Provides up to $25,000 in funding
  • Projects should:
    • Engage seniors as leaders
    • Promote volunteerism
    • Benefit the local community
    • Invest in partnership

To find out more, visit the website at:
 www.hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/community_partnerships/seniors/index.shtml

Notes 2

Notes

  1. The 2004 Budget announced by former Prime Minister Martin set the broad objective of the program.

    It announced a “community-based program” across the country that will enable seniors’ social participation, active living and contribution to their community.

    We have set two specific objectives for the new program which focus on the role the program will play in supporting the empowerment and inclusion of seniors:

    • Encourage seniors to contribute their skills, experience and wisdom in support of social well-being in their communities; and
    • Promote the ongoing involvement of seniors in their communities to reduce their risk of social isolation.

    Building strong communities means supporting innovative ways for seniors to continue to play an important role in their community – by helping others in need, by providing leadership, and by sharing their wisdom and experiences with others.

  2. The program was launched October 22, 2004.

    The program will provide a maximum of $25K in federal funding to projects led by local seniors organizations. This funding cap reflects our interest in providing as much funding as possible for grassroots initiatives.

    The program is not intended to cover on-going services nor will it support large capital projects such as seniors’ centres.
    Projects will be assessed on how well they demonstrate community support, investments in local partnership, and have a positive impact on seniors and community.

    We expect that seniors groups might come forward with activities such as:

    • Intergenerational volunteer programs where seniors and youth identify problems of mutual concern and develop collaborative responses
    • The development of a support network for non-English speaking seniors living in care centres
    • The development of telephone support networks for isolated rural seniors
    • Community gardens organized by community gardeners to grow food for Food Banks.

    The program will be regionally delivered and project funding will be allocated to each province and territory on the basis of their seniors population.

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Date Modified:
2011-01-06