News release

Innovative Project Funding for Seniors

Seniors (Oct. 2007 - Aug. 2021)
Justice

Nova Scotia seniors will benefit this year from $700,000 being awarded to 75 projects that promote safety, age-friendly thinking and opportunities for positive aging.

Premier Darrell Dexter announced the grants today, March 22, at the Glace Bay Seniors Club.

"These grants have been enormously successful at attracting community support from people who volunteer their time and creativity for seniors," said Premier Darrell Dexter. "This is an example of government making the right decisions for Nova Scotia families."

With a focus on community participation and well-being, the Positive Aging Fund offers grants of up to $10,000 to any non-profit organization that proposes new or expanded activities for seniors. The funding covers up to 100 per cent of project costs.

The Age-Friendly Communities Program helps municipalities and community partners create or adapt structures or services to be accessible and inclusive of seniors so they are able to lead healthy, active lives. Participating municipalities match the provincial grants, which can be up to $5,000 per project.

The departments of Seniors and Justice will once again fund Seniors Safety Programs throughout the province. Senior Safety Grants of up to $20,000 per project help protect seniors at risk of financial, emotional, physical, and other forms of elder abuse as well as promoting the Department of Justice's initiative to prevent and reduce crime.

The grants all advance the province's Strategy for Positive Aging. The strategy is a long-term guide for planning for the province's aging population, and was the first strategy of its kind in Canada.

Application forms are available on the Department of Seniors website at www.gov.ns.ca/seniors or by calling toll-free 1-800-670-0065. A complete list of grant recipients will be available by Tuesday, March 23.