New Horizons for Seniors Program – Community-based projects (up to $25,000)

On August 6, 2025, the Government of Canada will launch the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) 2025-2026 call for proposals (CFP) for community-based projects across Canada. This call for proposal is open to new applications.

The deadline to submit applications will be September 17, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight time (12:00 noon Pacific Standard Time). Organizations will have a total of 6 weeks to submit their applications. 

NEW – Please take note of the following important updates for this 2025-2026 NHSP Call for Proposals:

In order to qualify as an eligible project, the project must request no more than $25,000; meet at least one program objective; seek to benefit seniors and communities, and, must demonstrate cost effectiveness. 

The project must also be led by senior citizens, or, they must play a vital role in its planning and/or delivery; and, the project should occur within a 12 month (52 week) period. Please note that salaries, wages and mandatory employment-related costs (MERCs) must not be more than 25% of the eligible costs of the funding request from the program.

The NHSP supports projects that address the following objectives:

• Promoting volunteerism among seniors and other generations;
• Engaging seniors in the community through the mentoring of others;
• Expanding awareness of elder abuse, including financial abuse;
• Supporting the social participation and inclusion of seniors; and
• Providing capital assistance for new and existing community projects or programs for seniors.

Organizations will be invited to apply for funding that supports the program’s national priorities:

1. Supporting healthy ageing
2. Preventing senior abuse
3. Celebrating diversity and promoting inclusion
4. Supporting financial security

Organizations interested in applying for NHSP-CB 2025 funding are encouraged to submit their applications electronically on the Grants and Contributions Online Services (GCOS) portal. Registering for a GCOS account is a one-time process that allows to securely apply for Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) funding opportunities.

Visit this page for more information about NHSP.