The Ontario government is investing in more than 250 local initiatives to help Ontario’s seniors stay safe, healthy and active in their communities.
The Seniors Community Grant Program will deliver a record $5 million to municipalities and local organizations across the province for programs that safely bring seniors together to learn new skills, socialize and keep fit.
“Seniors Community Grants keep Ontario’s seniors fit, active, healthy and connected to their families and friends. Our government is proud to invest in local organizations which are well-positioned to meet the needs of seniors in their community,” said Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility. “Seniors Community Grants provide tremendous enjoyment and personal value to Ontario’s seniors.”
In addition, Ontario is increasing its investment in the Seniors Community Grant Program up to $6 million for the 2022-23 program cycle. Intake will begin on March 1, 2022 to allow community organizations time to prepare their applications. The application window is nine weeks and closes at 5 p.m. on April 28, 2022.
“After several months of increased social isolation, we have seen a surge in demand for targeted and reliable access to programs and services that address the unique needs of Ontario’s seniors,” said Michael Tibollo, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and MPP for Vaughan-Woodbridge. “With this investment, our government is taking real action to further empower seniors in their own communities and provide them with high-quality supports that contribute to their physical, mental, and social well-being.
A selection of programs and services being funded this year include:
Computer literacy classes for seniors at Rexdale Community Health Centre in Etobicoke
A knitting group to reduce isolation in Scarborough
A culture and heritage committee of Indigenous, Métis and non-Indigenous seniors in Pickle Lake
A French services directory for Francophone seniors in Sarnia and Lambton county
A Nordic pole-walking program for seniors in rural South Glengarry
A volunteer program on bereavement training in Peterborough
A speaker series on elder-abuse awareness in Parry Sound-Muskoka
These projects and many others are being supported by this year’s Seniors Community Grants. They offer diverse and innovative ways for older Ontarians to safely connect with friends and neighbours and engage with their communities.
The Seniors Community Grants Program provides funding ranging from $1,000 up to $25,000 for local projects.
Ontario’s seniors are the province’s fastest growing demographic, and by 2023, there will be 3 million Ontarians over the age of 65.
The Seniors Community Grant program was established in 2014 and has provided more than 2,000 grants to benefit older Ontarians.