Innovative Programming Grant

The Innovative Programming Grant aims to empower local communities to best respond to the needs of low-income older adults that they serve. Selected Canadian community-based seniors services' (CBSS) organizations will be awarded with a grant of up to $10,000 to directly deliver programs that address the needs of older persons and enhance their wellbeing. This can include programs focusing on physical and mental health, social inclusion, financial or occupational stability, spiritual and emotional wellness, cognition, environmental and community relationships, and more. 

Purpose of the Grant

By supporting Innovative Programs, HelpAge Canada will further our intended impacts: 

• Older adults experience dignity and joy as they age 

• Older adults exercise their voice and choice in wellbeing 

• Older adults are active, resilient, and healthy 

• Older adults experience belonging and meaningful social connection 

• Communities know, appreciate, and serve the needs of aging adults 

Eligibility:

This granting opportunity is available only to CRA registered charities and qualified donees.

For more information about qualified donees, please see: Qualified donees - Canada.ca

• New, existing or ongoing programs are eligible under this granting stream.  
• Programs must commence by December 31, 2024
• Applicants must demonstrate how the HelpAge Canada grant will contribute to the total program budget, if the program budget is larger than $10,000.  
• Food access services (such as Meals on Wheels) should be submitted under the Well-Being grant for 2024. Innovative nutrition or food-based programs (that may still include a meal) can be applied for in this granting stream. 
• Organizations may only hold one HelpAge Canada Innovative Programming grant at a time. 

10% overhead is an eligible program expense. 

Evaluation:

• We are seeking to support a variety of CBSS organizations from a variety of communities across Canada.  
• We are particularly interested in supporting programs that take a holistic approach to well-being and address multiple areas of need for older persons.  We prioritize programs that incorporate innovative components or new ways of addressing well-being for older adults when compared to other similar programs. 
• Applications will be scored on the overall quality (including articulation of the program, need, and clarity of the budget) as well as the demonstrated alignment with HelpAge Canada’s intended impact areas (described above).  

Applications will close at 11:59PM EDT on August 5, 2024.