New Seniors Program calling for community-based project proposals

DYLAN ROBICHAUD, Executive Assistant, Office of Jamie Schmale MP, Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock

KAWARTHA LAKES: This year, organizations can apply for funding, to support seniors dealing with the pandemic, by submitting project proposals which offer specific COVID-19 relief and recovery activities for seniors. The New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) supports projects that address one or more of the five program objectives: promoting volunteerism among seniors and other generations; engaging seniors in the community through the mentoring of others; expanding awareness of elder abuse, including financial abuse; supporting the social participation and inclusion of seniors; and providing capital assistance for new and existing community projects and/or programs for seniors. Organizations are invited to apply for funding that supports the program’s national priorities: 1. Supporting healthy aging, including; addressing social isolation, mental health and dementia, and accessible inter-generational housing. 2. Preventing elder abuse and fraud, including; measures to reduce crime and harm against seniors and supporting financial empowerment of seniors. 3. Combating ageism, celebrating diversity, and promoting inclusion, including; promoting labour market participation of seniors, particularly members of underrepresented or under served groups, including, but not limited to; women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of racialized and newcomer groups; and promoting inter-generational mentoring and engagement. 4. Improving seniors’ access to government services and benefits, including; helping seniors navigate access to government benefits, and providing support to file their taxes. 5. Community-based projects are eligible to receive up to $25,000 in grant funding. Funds are set aside for small grants of up to $5,000 for organizations that have not received funding from the program in the past five years. More traditional NHSP projects planned for delivery in 2021–2022 can also be submitted. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact our office 705-324-2400 or 1-866-688-9881.