New Horizons for Seniors - Frequently Asked Questions

Questions and Answers:

The Program

• How does New Horizons for Seniors work?
• What is the difference between the original New Horizons program and this new program?
• When is the next Call for Applications?

The Application Process

• What criteria must an organization meet to qualify for funding?
• What are the funding priorities for my province or territory?
• What is the first thing an organization should do when preparing an application?
• How much funding can an organization receive?
• What can an organization receive funding for?
• How can an organization get an application form?
• Where does an organization send its application?
• Why can't organizations submit their applications online?
• What is the application deadline? Once it is passed, can an application still be submitted?
• What if I am still unsure about the suitability of my organization's project after I have read the application guidelines?

Funding Decisions

• Who sits on the review committees?
• When will organizations find out if their applications were approved?
• How is an organization accountable for the funding it receives? Must an organization prepare a report on all project expenditures?
• Once an organization finds out that its application was successful, how will it receive payment?
• My organization's application was not approved. Who can I talk to about why my organization was not successful?
• Do you have an appeals process for organizations who have had their applications declined?

The Program

How does New Horizons for Seniors work?

Social Development Canada will invite non-profit organizations to submit applications for project funding. Projects must be consistent with the program's objectives which are to:

• Encourage seniors to contribute their skills, experience and wisdom in support of social well-being in their communities; and
• Promote the ongoing involvement of seniors in their communities to reduce their risk of social isolation.

Projects must also meet the funding priorities set for their province or territory. Calls for Applications are issued once or twice a year. Applications will be accepted after a Call for Applications is issued. Continue to check our web site for the next Call in your province or territory.

What is the difference between the original New Horizons program and this new program?

The federal government first introduced a New Horizons Program in 1972. It ran until 1996 and promoted the health, well-being, independence and community participation of seniors. The 2004 New Horizons for Seniors Program retains some similar objectives but has a stronger focus on seniors not only benefiting from, but also contributing to, their communities. The program encourages seniors to volunteer, to share their wisdom and experiences with others, and to provide leadership.

When is the next Call for Applications?

The Call for Applications is now closed. Continue to visit our web site for details on the next Call for Applications in your province or territory.

The Application Process

What criteria must an organization meet to qualify for funding?

New Horizons for Seniors program projects are inspired, implemented and led primarily by seniors themselves. Projects must be consistent with the program objectives and must meet the funding priorities that are set by review committees within the applicant's province or territory. Applicants are encouraged to work with partners in their community to identify local needs and design projects that respond to them. The Application Guidelines provide full details on the program's eligibility criteria.

What are the funding priorities for my province or territory?

The funding priorities are listed in the Call for Applications for your province or territory.

What is the first thing an organization should do in preparing an application?

First, find out the Call for Applications dates for your province or territory. Read the funding priorities (listed on the Call for Applications) for your province or territory. Before you apply, we also suggest that you carefully review all the information on our web site and in the application guidelines. Contact us before submitting your application if you have any questions or would like to discuss your project ideas with us.

How much funding can an organization receive?

Organizations may receive grants of up to $25,000 for eligible projects.

What can an organization receive funding for?

Funding is provided for expenses required for your project activities such as space rental, purchase of materials and supplies, travel costs, fees for services provided by others, and similar types of expenditures. Limited funding may be available for some capital expenditures that are necessary to support the project activities you plan to carry out. In this context, the costs of general building maintenance or repairs are not eligible.

How can an organization get an application form?

Application forms and application guidelines are available on our web site.

If you would like us to mail you an application form, contact us. 

Where does an organization send its application?

Mail your application to the regional office in your province or territory. The mailing address is listed under the Call for Applications for your province or territory or in the application guidelines.

Why can't organizations submit their applications online?

For legal reasons, we need to receive an original, signed application form that is mailed to us.

You can fill in the application form online, then print and submit it by regular mail. For help, please contact us.

What is the application deadline? Once it is passed, can an application still be submitted?

The deadlines for accepting applications are set by each regional office. Application deadlines are listed online under the Call for Applications for each province and territory.

Once the deadline is passed, applications are no longer considered for that round of funding. Continue to check our web site for the next Call for Applications (occurring once or twice a year) in your province or territory.

What if I am still unsure about the suitability of my organization's project after I have read the application guidelines?

You can discuss your project idea with us before submitting an application by contacting us. Arrangements will be made for a regional representative from your province or territory to call you back.

Funding Decisions

Who sits on the review committees?

Each province and territory has a review committee. These committees are made up of government representatives, seniors and others interested in seniors issues.

When will organizations find out if their applications were approved?

Your organization will be advised of the final decision by letter. Normally, you'll receive a written decision from Social Development Canada within four months of the application deadline for your province or territory.

How is an organization accountable for the funding it receives? Must an organization prepare a report on all project expenditures?

You will be asked to complete a final report (RTF format) within two months of the planned project end date and to send it to the New Horizons for Seniors office in your province or territory.

Once an organization finds out that its application was successful, how will it receive payment?

Successful applicants will receive the funding in the form of a cheque within 4 to 6 weeks of the approval letter.

My organization's application was not approved. Who can I talk to about why my organization was not successful?

All applications are first screened to determine if they are eligible for funding. Applications that passed the initial screening process were reviewed by the Review Committee for each province or territory. They assessed and recommended the applications based on which ones best reflected your province/territory's priorities and the program criteria.

For more information about your organization’s application, you can contact us. Ask to speak to an agent who will put you in contact with someone who can discuss your application with you.

Do you have an appeals process for organizations that have had their applications declined?

Funding decisions are final. For more information on their applications, organizations can contact us. Ask to speak to an agent who will put you in contact with a departmental representative for your province or territory.