Monday, November 30, 2015
Ontario Seniors' Secretariat
Ontario Accepting Applications for Seniors Community Grants
Province Helping Reduce Social Isolation Among Seniors
Ontario is now accepting applications for the 2016 Seniors Community Grant Program to help more seniors stay active and engaged in their communities.
The province is investing $2 million to support not-for-profit community projects that increase volunteerism, social inclusion and community engagement for seniors. Projects that have previously been funded by the grant program include:
- programs that enhance financial literacy,
- health and nutrition promotional programs including dance classes for seniors,
- cultural day trips,
- and conversational Ojibwe classes for Aboriginal seniors and children.
Launched in 2014, the Seniors Community Grant Program aims to reduce social isolation that can have negative effects on seniors' quality of life. Since its launch, the program has supported 544 projects, helping close to 116,000 seniors participate in their communities.
Keeping seniors engaged is part of the government's four-part plan to build Ontario up. The plan includes investing in people's talents and skills, making the largest investment in public infrastructure in Ontario's history, creating a dynamic, supportive environment where business thrives, and building a secure savings plan.
Quick Facts:
- Applications are open between November 30, 2015 and March 4, 2016. Applications for projects aimed at the planning and promotion of Canada’s 150th birthday in 2017 will also be considered.
- Individuals representing non-incorporated seniors groups, incorporated not-for profit organizations, municipalities, Local Service Boards and Aboriginal groups are eligible to apply for Seniors Community Grants.
- Reduced social contact is associated with a lower quality of life among seniors and with a number of negative outcomes, such as poor health and depression.
- The Seniors Community Grant Program is part of Ontario’s Action Plan for Seniors.
Additional Resources:
Quotes:
"Through the Seniors Community Grant Program we’ve been working to help seniors lead engaging and fulfilling lives for two years. This responsibility, this duty, is so significant that it surely takes longer than two years to complete. This is why we continue to invest in this program, so that we can reach more seniors across the province, and help them participate in community life."
— Mario Sergio, Minister Responsible for Seniors Affairs
"Social inclusion is a priority for our seniors, since they often play an essential role in families and in our community. We are happy to have the support of the Ontario government as we work to create opportunities for engagement and for cultural knowledge transfer, which is beneficial not only to our Elders and seniors, but to the younger generations and community at large."
— Monique Raymond, President, Mishko Bimaadziwin Family Support Services
Media Contacts:
Celeste Bottero
Minister’s Office
416-326-1689
Laura Sylvis
Communications Branch
416-314-7010
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