News release

Grant Program to Benefit Older Nova Scotians

Seniors (Oct. 2007 - Aug. 2021)

NOTE: A list of grant recipients is at the end of the release.


More older Nova Scotians will benefit from a provincial grant program that funds organizations and their work to develop age-friendly communities.

Minister of Seniors Leo Glavine announced 16 recipients of the Age Friendly Community Grant program, today, Jan. 17, at the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre.

The grant program provides funding of up to $25,000 for projects that fall into one of two categories – age-friendly community planning and community projects. The 16 projects announced today amounts to an investment of about $160,000.

“While each of these projects is unique, they share a common focus to ensure older Nova Scotians - in all their diversity - can stay connected to their communities,” said Mr. Glavine. “Together, we must value older adults and their contributions to our province.

“Thank you to the organizations across the province that are making a difference and celebrating all Nova Scotians and their contributions. Nova Scotia is a stronger province when everyone is given the chance to participate.”

Some of the projects include:

  • exploring innovative and supportive housing options
  • programs that address healthy, active living and social isolation
  • mentoring programs linking retirees with young adults and those that encourage inter-generational relationships
  • professional development and training to help organizations plan and support older adults living in their communities

One of the grant recipients is the Dartmouth Family Centre which will receive $10,000. They will expand their SPACE to Thrive program to support participation and broaden volunteer opportunities. The expansion will include making physical activity programs more inclusive to a wider range of abilities, speaker nights on topics related to aging and wellness navigators to be available during drop-in times.

“We want to strengthen relationships in our community with older adults,” said Wendy Fraser, executive director of the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre. “With the support of the Age-Friendly Grant, we’re able to ensure that older adults who have decided to live independently can do so without having to deal with social isolation, loneliness and the feeling of being disconnected from their community. All Nova Scotians deserve to be a part of the community at any age.”

The next application deadline is Feb. 1. Information and application forms are available at http://www.novascotia.ca/age-friendly-grant or by calling 902-424-0770 or toll-free 1-844-277-0770.

The grant program is one of more than 50 actions identified in SHIFT: Nova Scotia’s Action Plan for An Aging Population. The plan is available at, http://www.novascotia.ca/age-friendly-grant .


The following is a list of grant recipients:

  • Canadian Association for Community Living, Clare, $1,725
  • Dartmouth Family Centre, $10,000
  • Directions Nova Scotia (2 projects), $25,000
  • Dr. Kingston Memorial Community Health Centre, L'Ardoise, Richmond Co., $18,962
  • Inverness Women’s Club, $2,100
  • Locke’s Island Players, Lockeport, Shelburne Co., $9,850
  • Main-A-Dieu Community Development Association, Cape Breton Regional Municipality, $8,810
  • Municipality of the County of Richmond, $6,000
  • Municipality of the County of Inverness, $10,000
  • Musquodoboit Valley Family Resource Centre, $3,840
  • Middleton United Church, Musquodoboit, $9,992
  • Mi’kmaq Friendship Centre, Halifax Regional Municipality, $25,000
  • Paqtnek Mi’kmaq Nation, Antigonish, $10,000
  • Red Bear Healing Home Society, Annapois Co., $7,352
  • Sable River Community Hall, Shelburne Co., $1,506