Seniors’ Support and
Connect Grant
Community Links is excited to announce the return of the Seniors' Support & Connect Grant. These micro-grants offer support for programs and initiatives that address the needs of older Nova Scotians (ages 55+).
Funded by the Nova Scotia Department of Seniors and Long-term Care, the Seniors’ Support and Connect Grants are small micro-grants of $1,000 or $2,000, recognizing the important role senior serving clubs, groups, and organizations share in supporting older Nova Scotians to age well in their homes while staying connected and engaged in their communities. The total funding allocation for the Seniors’ Support and Connect Grants is $100,000.
Application period ended 11:59 PM, October 16, 2024.
Volunteer groups, non-profit societies and seniors’ clubs are encouraged to apply. Applications are not restricted to registered charities. Priority will go to applicants whose grant proposals best align with the high priority areas. Eligible organizations must have a bank account in the organization’s name to receive funding.
For more information and in-depth description of the funding categories, please review the application and eligibility criteria. To request a hardcopy of the application contact our Grants Coordinator, Darlene at: grants@nscommunitylinks.ca or by phone: (902) 229-2579.
Community Links is committed to inclusion, equity, and accessibility and encourages applications for initiatives led by and for diverse groups. If your program, activity, or initiative reaches Indigenous, African Nova Scotian, Black, Acadian, newcomer, disabled, 2SLGBTQIA+ or other underrepresented older adults, we welcome you to identify that in your application.
Priority Funding Areas:
Social Connection & Reducing Isolation
Transportation
Food Security
Help at Home
Internet Access & Skills
Climate Emergency Preparation
Individual Emergency Support
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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 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, seven categories were identified as priority funding areas. In Fall of 2023, Community Links announced the Seniors Support & Connect Grant. 189 community-based senior serving groups and organizations received a $2,000 micro-grant with a total of $378,000 going directly to initiatives that supported older adults in one or more of the priority funding areas.
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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.