Age-Friendly Communities Grant

The Age-Friendly Communities Grant supports community-based initiatives that promote healthy aging and help older adults stay active, healthy, connected and engaged in their communities.

This grant program is now open. Applications are being accepted until 11:59 p.m. AST on 19 November 2026. Applications received after 19 November 2026 will not be accepted.

Email completed applications and supporting documents to agefriendly@novascotia.ca

Funding opportunities

There are two types of funding available through the grant: project funding and planning funding.

Project funding:

Project funding supports organizations that are ready to deliver:

  • a new activity, program or service that benefits older adults
  • a meaningful expansion of an existing activity, program or service
  • work that strengthens an organizations or community’s ability to support older adults, such as training, outreach or practical resources

Projects can help older adults participate in community life, build social connections, stay active, learn, access programs and services, and live safely and independently.

Examples can include social and recreational activities, intergenerational programs, physical activity and healthy eating programs, community meals, digital literacy and educational activities, transportation and outreach initiatives, and training or resources that strengthen community capacity to support older adults.

Funding is not available simply to continue or repeat an existing program without meaningful changes.

Planning funding:

Planning funding is for organizations and communities that need to better understand an issue, consult older adults and community partners, explore possible solutions or develop a plan before taking action.

Planning can include needs assessments, research, community engagement, identifying gaps and barriers, or developing an age-friendly community plan or roadmap.

Planning initiatives must include an active local government partner and meaningfully engage older adults and relevant community partners throughout the process.

How much funding is available?

Project funding: most projects can receive up to $10,000. Funding of up to $20,000 may be available for larger scale, more complex or provincial initiatives where the scope of the work justifies the higher amount.

Planning funding: up to $25,000 is available to help communities better understand the needs of older adults, engage community partners and develop plans for future action. Planning initiatives require a minimum 10% contribution, which can be cash or in-kind.

Eligibility

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

  • registered not-for-profit community organization based in Nova Scotia with an active Registry of Joint Stock Companies number or Canada Revenue Agency charitable registration number
  • local government (municipality or Mi'kmaq Band Council)
  • university or not-for-profit post-secondary institution based in Nova Scotia
  • school (that applies 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 2026-27 are considered.

How to apply

There is one application form for project and planning funding. You will need to fill out the appropriate parts of the application based on what funding you are applying for:

  • Project funding for less than $10,000: complete Part A only
  • Project funding for $10,000 to $20,000: complete Parts A and B
  • Planning funding: complete Parts A and B

AFC Grant Guidelines (PDF)

AFC Grant Application (PDF)

Email your completed application and supporting documents to agefriendly@novascotia.ca.

Deadline for completed applications is 19 November 2026 at 11:59 p.m. AST.

Contact

Past recipients

Follow