[Invitation to Apply] Together Across Generations (TAG) Initiative

HelpAge Canada is proud to partner with GrandPals to strengthen intergenerational belonging in communities across Canada.

Through the Together Across Generations (TAG) initiative, ten communities across the country will receive the support they need to bring older adults and students together through high-quality programming centred on shared experiences, friendship and storytelling.

Support to bring intergenerational programming to your community

Through GrandPals’ proven program model, participating organizations will receive end-to-end support to deliver the GrandPals program in their community. This includes onboarding, curriculum, volunteer recruitment support and ongoing coaching

As part of TAG, organizations will participate in the GrandPals program, removing many of the barriers that can make it challenging to launch high-quality intergenerational programming.

Weekly conversations and activities can grow into meaningful relationships that extend beyond the program itself. For older adults, these connections create opportunities to share knowledge, experiences and stories. For younger participants, they can help build empathy, understanding and an appreciation for the value of community.

Is your organization interested?

We are looking for 10 community organizations across Canada that are interested in bringing older adults and students together and building stronger connections across generations.

If your organization is interested in participating, we invite you to apply to be one of the communities selected for the Together Across Generations initiative.

The deadline to apply is September 15th, 2026.

_________________________________________________________

Frequently Asked Questions

What is being offered through TAG?

TAG is an opportunity for selected organizations to participate in the GrandPals program free of charge. This is an in-kind opportunity rather than a grant or financial contribution. Participating organizations will receive end-to-end support from GrandPals to deliver the program in their community, including onboarding, curriculum, volunteer recruitment support and ongoing coaching.

How long does the program run?

The GrandPals program runs from Fall 2026 until the end of the school year, with onboarding taking place for approximately 8–10 weeks. Organizations will be provided with program and implementation support for two consecutive years. 

What does end-to-end support include?

GrandPals will support participating organizations throughout the program, from onboarding and preparation through delivery. Support includes the program curriculum, volunteer recruitment assistance and ongoing coaching to help organizations deliver a meaningful intergenerational experience.

Who can apply?

We welcome applications from community-based seniors’ services (CBSS) organizations that have trusted relationships with older adults, the capacity to coordinate local programming, and an interest in bringing intergenerational programming to their community.

Successful applicants will have access to older adult volunteers and an existing or potential school or classroom partner. Organizations should also be open to integrating the GrandPals model into their ongoing activities, participating in evaluation and storytelling, and exploring opportunities to sustain the program beyond the initiative. 

Participating organizations are expected to provide the local leadership and coordination needed to deliver GrandPals in their community. This includes designating a Primary Implementation Coordinator, providing staff time to manage the program, building relationships with schools and classrooms, recruiting and engaging older adult volunteers, and coordinating local outreach, scheduling, and logistics. Organizations will also be responsible for supporting volunteer and teacher preparation, completing required screening and safeguarding steps, using the GrandPals platform and resources, participating in evaluation and communications activities, and working collaboratively with GrandPals and HelpAge Canada to explore opportunities for the program’s longer-term sustainability. 

Does TAG provide funding to participating organizations?

No. TAG provides an in-kind opportunity. Selected organizations will participate in the GrandPals program at no cost and receive end-to-end support to deliver the program in their community.

Who should I contact if I have questions?

For questions about the GrandPals program, program model or what it is like to deliver GrandPals in your community, please contact GrandPals directly by visiting https://grandpals.app/contact or email team@grandpals.app directly. 

For questions about the TAG application process or this opportunity, please contact HelpAge Canada at info@helpagecanada.ca 

We look forward to hearing from organizations that are ready to help build stronger connections across generations in their communities!

Submit your Application