Ontario To Double Seniors Community Grant Program

Posted on by CARP

senior and kids

Editor’s Note:  The Ontario Ministry of Finance issued a press release today to announce their  proposal to double funding to the Seniors Community Grant Program.  The proposed funding would increase the total funding envelope to $1 million  in 2014-15 (it currently stands at $500, 000).  The Seniors Community Grant Program supports initiatives by not-for-profit community groups that help seniors stay connected, active and involved in their community by encouraging greater social inclusion, volunteerism and community engagement.  It is allocated to applicants who make successful proposals – below is the Ministry of Finance’s Press Release announcing their plan to double the funding, you will also find more information about the program and related reading.

Ministry of Finance Press Release

April 4, 2014: Ontario is proposing to help more seniors stay connected to their community by doubling the Seniors Community Grant Program, the province’s first grant program dedicated solely to seniors.

The Seniors Community Grant Program supports initiatives by not-for-profit community groups that help seniors stay connected, active and involved in their community by encouraging greater social inclusion, volunteerism and community engagement. This could include courses for seniors on financial literacy, computer literacy classes, community events and physical and learning activities such as exercise classes and cooking classes.

Helping seniors stay active in their communities is part of the government’s economic plan that is creating jobs for today and tomorrow. The comprehensive plan and its six priorities focus on Ontario’s greatest strengths — its people and strategic partnerships.

QUICK FACTS

By 2016, for the first time, people over 65 will account for a larger share of the population than children aged 0-14.

The Seniors Community Grant Program gives out grants ranging from $500 to $10,000 to help support initiatives that will allow seniors to contribute to all aspects of community life.

The proposed funding would increase the Seniors Community Grant Program from $500,000 to $1 million in 2014-15.

LEARN MORE

QUOTES

“We are working with our community partners to address the problem of social isolation faced by seniors. Through the Seniors Community Grant Program we are helping seniors remain active and engaged members of their communities.”
; Mario Sergio, Minister Responsible for Seniors Affairs

“Keeping seniors connected to their communities helps them live longer and healthier lives. Thats why we are proposing to double the size of our Seniors Community Grant Program.”
; Deb Matthews, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care

“Investing in the Seniors Community Grant Program will have a meaningful and positive impact on the lives of people across Ontario. Seniors have long helped build our communities and we owe it to them to make Ontario the best place to live and retire.”
; Charles Sousa, Minister of Finance