Age-friendly Communities Grant

The Age-Friendly Communities Grant program provides funding for projects and planning that help older Nova Scotians stay active, healthy and engaged in their communities.

The 2025-2026 AFC Grant cycle is now closed. We are no longer accepting applications.

All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application through email by the end of February 2026. Approved projects will receive funding by the end of March 2026.

If you have questions about the AFC Grant, email agefriendly@novascotia.ca

Funding opportunities

There are two types of grants available through the program: project grants and planning grants.

Project grants:

Project grants help older Nova Scotians stay active, healthy, and engaged in their communities. These projects aim to ensure older adults remain socially connected, support their quality of life, and foster diverse and engaged communities.

Areas of focus:

  • Intergenerational activity
    Projects that bring older adults and younger people together to build relationships, socialize, share skills, stories, and experiences

  • Physical activity
    Projects that help older adults stay active through a mix of balance, strength (resistance), and functional exercises. Programs support physical health and independence

  • Nutrition and healthy eating
    Projects that support healthy eating for older adults. This could include meal planning, cooking classes, grocery store tours, or programs that improve access to healthy food

  • Building digital skills
    Projects that help older adults build confidence and skills using technology. Projects are designed for older adults and may include learning to use smartphones, computers, social media, video calls, or health apps to stay connected and safe

  • Transportation
    Projects that improve access to transportation for older adults, especially in rural or underserved areas. These projects help older adults get to programs, services, or activities in their community

Affordability, accessibility, inclusion, and engagement with culturally diverse and traditionally marginalized communities should be key considerations when planning your project.

Planning grants:

Planning grants support work to understand the needs and priorities in communities to support aging Nova Scotians. This includes local government, community organizations and older adults themselves. Initiatives must be in partnership with local government and include consultation, collaboration and engagement with older adults and other community stakeholders.

Areas of focus for planning:

  • understand community needs: assess local resources, services and gaps related to aging. Information gathered should help inform future planning and improvement of community programs and services
  • develop solutions: explore innovative approaches to support older adults living at home, with a focus on sustainability and equity
  • enable participation: create and improve initiatives that help older adults remain engaged, connected, and active in their communities

How much funding is available?

Project grants: Most projects receive a grant of up to $10,000. Projects can receive funding of up to $20,000 if they are a large-scale in-depth or provincial initiative. Applications requesting $10,000 or more must provide a project plan and identify partner organizations.

Planning grants: Funding is available up to $25,000, with the specific amount determined based on the scope and scale of the project in consultation with SLTC. A minimum 10% contribution (cash or in-kind) is required.

Eligibility

To apply for a grant, your organization must be a:

  • registered not-for-profit community organization based in Nova Scotia
  • local government (municipality or Mi'kmaq Band Council)
  • university or not-for-profit post-secondary institution based in Nova Scotia
  • schools (through their Regional Central of Education or Conseil Scolaire Acadien Provincial)

Businesses and individuals are not eligible to apply.

Applicants who have received Age-Friendly Communities Grants in previous years must submit their final reports before applications for funding 2025-26 are considered.

Related information

Past recipients

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