The OHS is passing along news from the Federal Government that the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) for 2026/2027—Community-Based stream is now accepting applications. The program’s goal is to strengthen seniors’ social inclusion so they can benefit from and contribute to the quality of life in their communities.
While not all OHS-member organizations may meet the requirements for this grant, we do encourage groups to look through the eligibility, and reach out to the program to ask questions if you think this funding stream may fall within your organization’s mandate.
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The NHSP Community-Based stream is an annual federal grant program that supports seniors’ social inclusion and helps older adults remain active in their communities. Please note that there have been significant reforms to the NHSP since its creation in 2004. These include:
- Doubling the maximum grant amount to $50,000 per project, with capital expenditures capped at $25,000
- Introducing a new assessment criterion to encourage applications from organizations primarily focused on seniors
- Requiring applicants to have a Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) business number
- Requiring applications to be submitted through the Grants and Contributions Online Services (GCOS) portal (paper applications available upon request)
Projects submitted for this grant (up to $50,000) must meet 1 of the program objectives out of 5. In addition, projects submitted for this grant (up to $50,000) do not have to meet 1 of the following National priorities. However, if your project does meet 1 of the 4 National priorities, it will receive extra points during the assessment process. To receive additional points only one national priority needs to be met.
Community-based projects
Community-based project funding supports activities in which seniors are socially engaged, connected and actively involved. Seniors lead and inspire projects that make a difference in their lives, in the lives of others and in their communities. More than 400 communities benefit from community-based projects each year.
Eligibility Criteria for Community-Based Stream Project Funding:
- be no longer than 52 weeks
- request no more than $50,000
- meet 1 program objective*
- seniors will lead or play a vital role in its planning and/or delivery
- seek to benefit seniors and their communities
- demonstrate cost effectiveness (value for money)
* Note: If your proposed project is requesting capital assistance, it must meet 2 program objectives:
- objective 5: capital assistance
- any other objective
Capital assistance projects may use up to $25,000 of the total approved funding for eligible capital expenses.
Applications must demonstrate the active participation of seniors in the eligible activities. Activities must be confirmed and described when the application is submitted.
Eligible recipients for grants and contributions funding include:
- non-profit organizations
- coalitions, networks and ad hoc committees
- municipal governments
- research organizations or institutes
- educational institutions (in other words, universities, colleges, CEGEPs, school boards/school districts)*
- public health and social services institutions
- Indigenous organizations, including: band councils; tribal councils; and self-government entities
Ineligible Applicants
- For-profit organizations
*Provincially/territorially funded institutions are eligible with the agreement of the provincial/territorial government.
Organizations with a mandate or mission to primarily serve seniors are strongly encouraged to apply.
Projects submitted for this grant (up to $50,000) must meet 1 of the program objectives out of 5. In addition, projects submitted for this grant (up to $50,000) do not have to meet 1 of the following National priorities. However, if your project does meet 1 of the 4 National priorities, it will receive extra points during the assessment process. To receive additional points only one national priority needs to be met.
Deadline:
July 14, 2026, at 3:00 PM, Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
*Unless the deadline is extended for all applicants, please note that late submissions will not be considered or accepted. Therefore, I would strongly encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible and certainly well in advance of the deadline (especially to avoid any technical difficulties).
For more information and to apply, please visit the website below:
New Horizons for Seniors Program- Community-based Projects – Prepare to Apply (Applicant Guide) – Canada.ca