Seniors lead and inspire projects to make a difference in the lives of others and in their communities.
The objectives of the NHSP are to:
- promote volunteerism among seniors and other generations;
- engage seniors in the community in mentoring 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 programs for seniors.
The NHSP provides seniors access to important recreational and social programs and initiatives that reflect the current realities of seniors and senior-serving organizations. The program continues to empower and support seniors through specific program parameters, delivery and access to ensure their needs.
Since 2004, the NHSP has funded more than 33,500 projects, including projects related to COVID-19, in hundreds of communities across Canada. The total Government of Canada investment has been more than $720 million. Program funding supports community-based projects and pan-Canadian projects.
Community-based projects
Community-based project funding supports activities in which seniors are engaged, connected and actively involved in their communities. Organizations are eligible to receive up to $25,000 in grant funding.
As part of the 2022-23 NHSP community-based call for proposals, organizations were able to apply for funding that supports the NHSP national priorities for this cycle:
Priority 1: Supporting healthy aging, including:
- addressing social isolation, including through supporting seniors' digital literacy;
- addressing ageism;
- supporting mental health and dementia; and
- developing and delivering virtual programming for the above.
Priority 2: Preventing senior abuse, including:
- providing measures to reduce crimes and harm against seniors, including elder abuse;
- developing educational material to prevent unscrupulous practices, financial fraud and scams from happening to seniors; and
- supporting financial empowerment of seniors.
Priority 3: Celebrating diversity and promoting inclusion, including:
- promoting intergenerational mentoring and engagement;
- advancing reconciliation with Indigenous peoples and helping to secure a better quality of life for Indigenous seniors;
- collaborating with diverse communities (notably by serving members of the following vulnerable groups: low-income seniors, Indigenous peoples, members of 2SLGBTQI+ communities, members of official language minority communities, members of racialized and newcomer groups, persons with disabilities and veterans); and
- supporting seniors living in rural or remote areas.
Priority 4: Helping seniors age in place, including:
- providing practical supports, tools and resources to seniors to help them remain in their homes longer; and
- helping seniors navigate and access government services and benefits and providing support to file their taxes.
