Mannville, AB —Leon Benoit, Member of Parliament for Vegreville – Wainwright, is encouraging organizations that work to promote the well-being of Canada’s seniors to apply for federal funding.
The 2012–2013 call for proposals for community-based projects under the New Horizons for Seniors Program launched on May 8, 2012 for all provinces and territories.
Organizations can receive up to $25,000 in funding per year and must address one or more of the program’s five objectives: volunteering, mentoring, expanding awareness of elder abuse, social participation and capital assistance.
“We know how important it is to provide meaningful programs and activities involving seniors,” said MP Benoit. “This is just one more way we can help support organizations in their goal to promote and support the quality of life of Canadian seniors.”
“The New Horizons for Seniors Program helps seniors put their experience to use through volunteerism and mentorship,” added Benoit. “By investing in these community projects, our government is improving both the quality of life for Canadian seniors and their neighbourhoods.”
The application deadline for community-based projects is June 29, 2012 for all of Canada, except Quebec. The Quebec call will close on September 14, 2012, to coincide with a provincial call for proposals. For more information about the call for proposals, visit www.hrsdc.gc.ca/seniors.
Backgrounder
New Horizons for Seniors Program
The New Horizons for Seniors Program is a federal grants and contributions program that supports projects led or inspired by seniors who make a difference in the lives of others and their communities. Through the New Horizons for Seniors Program, the Government of Canada encourages seniors to share their knowledge, skills and experience to the benefit of others.
Organizations can receive up to $25,000 in funding per year and must address one or more of the program’s five 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.
Eligible recipients for grant and contribution funding include:
- not-for-profit organizations, community-based coalitions, networks and ad hoc committees;
- for-profit organizations, provided that the nature and intent of the activity is non-commercial, does not generate profit and fits within the program objectives;
- municipal governments, band/tribal councils and other Aboriginal organizations, as well as public health and social services institutions; and
- research and educational institutions, including school boards, school districts, universities, colleges and CÉGEPs.
Since its beginning, the Program has funded more than 10 400 projects in hundreds of communities across Canada. The New Horizons for Seniors Program recently approved over 1 920 community-based projects worth over $35.6 million in funding through the 2011–2012 call for proposals.
