Seniors’ Support and
Connect Grant
In fall of 2023, Community Links announced the Seniors’ Support and Connect Grant. This fund recognized the important role senior serving clubs, groups, and organizations share in supporting older Nova Scotians to age in their homes while staying connected and engaged in their communities. Funded by the Nova Scotia Department of Seniors and Long-term Care, the Seniors’ Support and Connect Grants were small micro-grants of $2,000.
189 community-based senior serving groups and organizations received a micro-grant with a total of $378,000 going directly to initiatives that supported older adults in one or more of the priority areas identified through our 2023 research.
In spring 2023, Community Links and IONS conducted research to identify the needs of older adults across the province and understand the contributions and challenges of the clubs, groups, and organizations that serve them. Through interviews, focus groups, surveys, and community conversations, the following seven categories were identified as priority funding areas.
Priority Funding Areas:
Social Connection & Reducing Isolation
Transportation
Food Security
Help at Home
Internet Access & Skills
Climate Emergency Preparation
Individual Emergency Support
The Seniors’ Support and Connect Grant offered financial support for various programs and initiatives that address the needs of older Nova Scotians (ages 55+), contributing to the goal of making Nova Scotia a more age-friendly province. A full list of the 2023 grant recipients can be found here.
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Community Links provided food funds to senior serving organizations all over the province to support existing food security programs and initiatives. Examples of programs included weekly seniors’ luncheons, community food pantries and freezers, gardening programs, produce hampers, and cooking classes. Thanks to the Department of Community Services who contributed $20,000, the Food Fund supported 25 organizations with grants ranging from $500-$1800.
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In fall of 2022 Community Links distributed 110 micro-grants to senior serving groups for a total of $106,000 spent to directly support older adults in need. Supports provided included: groceries, water, personal care items, transportation, fuel, outreach and social supports, and more. These micro-grants were made possible thanks to support from the Nova Scotia Department of Seniors and Long-term Care.
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In spring of 2020, with funding from the Province of Nova Scotia, Community Links supported senior serving organizations to connect vulnerable older adults in remote and rural communities with emergency basic living supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic.