New Horizons for Seniors Program is a grant from Employment and Social Development Canada that funds community-based projects led by and for seniors to promote volunteer participation and active aging. The program supports initiatives that reduce social isolation, encourage seniors to share skills and knowledge, and engage older Canadians in their communities.

Community-based project awards reach up to $25,000 for up to one year; pan-Canadian projects may receive up to $5 million. Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations with senior-led and volunteer-based projects. The September 17, 2025 call for proposals is now closed; monitor ESDC for future cycles.

Closed: New Horizons for Seniors Program- Community-Based Projects (Up to $25,000)- How to apply - Canada. ca Status: This call for proposals is closed. September 17, 2025 was the last day to apply for the New Horizons for Seniors Program – Community-based projects.

When you'll get a funding decision Note: Important tip to help you complete your application The Department recommends that you have a copy of the Prepare to Apply section available (either in print or virtual format) while you are completing the Application Form to ensure you include all the required information for each question.

Please note that each section of the application needs to be filled out and that the Department will not click on or go to websites or other links that are included in the application form to find the required information. Use the Grants and Contributions Online Services (GCOS) to apply. If you do not have a GCOS account, you can register now.

Once your GCOS account is created, you can immediately apply for funding After your application is submitted, you will need to finalize and validate your GCOS account information in order to become a fully registered user to benefit from all the advantages What is the Grants and Contributions Online Service (GCOS)?

The Grants and Contributions Online Services is a secure online platform where users can apply for funding from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).

GCOS allows users to: save your application and finish it later track the status of your application sign agreements, manage active projects and send documents access your account 24/7, and review past projects submitted through your GCOS account Please ensure that the system has generated a tracking number for your application. If you do not see one on the screen, the application was not successfully submitted.

When you submit your application through GCOS, you will immediately receive an acknowledgment receipt by email, which includes a tracking number. ESDC encourages organizations to apply for funding using GCOS. However, if you are unable to use this method, you can also apply using the following option: To apply online, you will use the Online fillable form.

The application will be completed using your browser and submitted to ESDC when you click the button at the end of the application.

To avoid data loss or timeouts Review the “Prepare to Apply” section and answer all application questions in a Word document Gather your supporting documents and information before you begin your application Copy and paste your final information from Word into the online application After 20 minutes of inactivity on a page, the system will time-out and you will lose any information you entered during this session If you need to stop at any point during the application process, you will have the option to “Save and Continue later” This feature will save all the information entered on the previous pages (not the information entered on the page where you will “Save and continue Later”) You will need to provide an email address and password A link to your draft application will be sent to your email and will only be available for 48 hours from the time you initiate the “Save and Continue” option Please note that saved applications cannot be submitted after the call for proposal has closed The questions in the online form are in the same order as in the Prepare to Apply section.

However, the questions are not numbered online You can print a copy of your application before submitting your application. This is the only opportunity to print your application After you print a copy of your online application, click “Submit” to complete your application.

If you do not click “Submit”, your application will not be sent to us Click “Submit” to complete your application Once your application is submitted online, you will receive a confirmation number by email.

If you do not receive it, please re-submit The online application will only be available for 48 hours from the time you start completing your application Apply using the Online fillable form Submit 1 application only Submit only 1 copy of your application to ESDC. ESDC will only accept the first application submitted. When you'll get a funding decision ESDC expects to make funding decisions in February 2026.

You should not start your project until you receive approval from ESDC, as you will not be reimbursed for expenditures incurred before an agreement is signed between ESDC and your organization. If you do, your entire project may no longer be eligible. If you apply through GCOS, you will be able to track the status of your application throughout the process.

Not all submitted applications will be selected for funding, as funding is limited. Please note that decisions are final and there is no appeal process. What to expect after applying for a grant Service standards and performance reporting Previous: Prepare to apply