On September 9, 2020, the federal announced the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) 2020–2021 Call for Proposals for community-based projects is open until October 20, 2020.

This year, organizations can apply for funding to support seniors dealing with the pandemic by submitting project proposals that offer specific COVID-19 relief and recovery activities for seniors. More traditional NHSP projects planned for delivery in 2021–2022 can also be submitted.

The program supports activities that engage seniors and address one or more of its five objectives:

o   promoting volunteerism among seniors;

o   engaging seniors in the community through mentoring of others;

o   expanding awareness of elder abuse, including financial abuse;

o   supporting social participation and inclusion of seniors; and

o   providing capital assistance for new and existing community projects and programs for seniors.

Community-based projects are eligible to receive up to $25,000 in grant funding. Funds are set aside for grants of up to $5,000 for organizations that have not received funding from the program in the past five years.

The 2020–2021 NHSP community-based Call for Proposals is open until October 20, 2020. For more information on eligibility and instructions on how to apply, visit www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/new-horizons-seniors.html.