Beaver Staff
Hastings-Lennox and Addington MPP Daryl Kramp is urging local non-profit community groups and municipalities in his riding to apply for $1,000 up to $25,000 in funding from the new provincial Seniors Community Grant Program.
According to Kramp, the program’s goal is to enable seniors to remain healthy, active and socially connected within their homes and communities for as long as they can.
“The application deadline is June 27 and I’d like to see interested local groups, towns and villages apply as soon as possible,” said Kramp. “The Seniors Community Grant Program will invest up to $3 million in grants to partner with non-profit community organizations and municipalities across the province.”
The program aims to help seniors who may be on a fixed income and have difficulty accessing affordable programs and services.
“At the current rate of growth, Ontario’s senior population is increasing by over 100,000 people a year. Seniors built this province and our government is committed to helping seniors live independent, healthy, active and engaged lives,” said Raymond Cho, minister for seniors and accessibility. “We are working with non-profit organizations, community groups and municipalities to support projects that help seniors stay connected to their communities, access programs or volunteer.”
Cho added that this year’s program is designed to better support the unique needs of seniors living in under-serviced rural, remote, multicultural and Francophone communities. “We are looking to promote projects that prevent social isolation and elder abuse,” Cho said.
“When seniors are engaged and involved in their communities, they are less likely to suffer from social isolation and elder abuse,” added Kramp.
Larger incorporated organizations can also now access a ‘one-window’ application service through Grants Ontario to help make the program more efficient. To access the grant application, visit www.grants.gov.on.ca/GrantsPortal/en/OntarioGrants/GrantOpportunities/PRDR019668.html