This guide provides comprehensive information on the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) for applicants․ The NHSP is a federal grant program supporting projects led by seniors that aim to improve their lives and contribute to their communities․ This guide outlines the program’s eligibility criteria‚ project proposal requirements‚ application process‚ funding levels‚ deadlines‚ project management expectations‚ and reporting procedures․ It also includes frequently asked questions and contact information․
Introduction
The New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) is a federal grant program designed to empower seniors and support their valuable contributions to their communities․ This program recognizes the significant role seniors play in society and encourages their active participation in various aspects of community life․ The NHSP provides financial assistance to organizations and groups that develop and implement projects led by seniors‚ addressing their needs and enriching their lives․
The NHSP is a testament to the Government of Canada’s commitment to fostering an inclusive society where seniors are valued and empowered․ The program aims to promote volunteerism‚ mentoring‚ and social inclusion among seniors‚ while raising awareness of elder abuse and providing capital assistance for community projects․ This applicant guide serves as a comprehensive resource for organizations interested in applying for funding through the NHSP․ It provides detailed information on the program’s objectives‚ eligibility criteria‚ application process‚ and funding guidelines․ By understanding these key aspects‚ applicants can effectively navigate the application process and increase their chances of securing funding for their impactful projects․
Program Overview
The New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) is a federal grant program that provides funding to organizations and groups that want to support seniors in their communities․ The program emphasizes the importance of seniors’ contributions to society and encourages them to share their knowledge‚ skills‚ and experience․ The NHSP is administered by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) and offers two funding streams⁚ Community-Based Projects and Capital Assistance․
The Community-Based Projects stream supports initiatives that are led or inspired by seniors and focus on addressing one or more of the program’s five objectives⁚ social participation‚ volunteering‚ mentoring‚ expanding awareness of elder abuse‚ and capital assistance․ This stream provides funding for projects up to $25‚000․ The Capital Assistance stream‚ on the other hand‚ supports projects that require capital funding for the acquisition‚ renovation‚ or construction of facilities that benefit seniors; This stream provides funding up to $50‚000․ Projects funded under either stream must be volunteer-based and aligned with the NHSP’s objectives․
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible to apply for funding under the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP)‚ organizations must meet the following criteria⁚
- Be a registered non-profit organization or a municipality․ This includes registered charities‚ community organizations‚ and other non-profit groups․ Municipalities can also apply for funding․
- Be legally constituted and in good standing․ This means that the organization must be legally registered and operating in accordance with its governing documents․
- Have a board of directors or a governing body․ The board or governing body must be responsible for the organization’s overall management and decision-making․
- Have a clear mandate and a defined purpose․ The organization’s mandate and purpose must be clearly stated and aligned with the NHSP’s objectives․
- Be financially sound․ The organization must be able to demonstrate that it can manage its finances responsibly and that it has the necessary resources to carry out the project․
- Have a demonstrated commitment to serving seniors․ The organization must have a track record of working with seniors or a clear plan for how it will serve seniors through the proposed project․
It is important to note that the NHSP does not fund projects that are primarily religious‚ political‚ or partisan in nature․ Projects must be designed to benefit all seniors‚ regardless of their race‚ ethnicity‚ religion‚ gender‚ or sexual orientation․
Project Proposal Requirements
The New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) requires a comprehensive project proposal that outlines the project’s goals‚ objectives‚ activities‚ budget‚ and evaluation plan․ The proposal should be clear‚ concise‚ and well-organized․ Here are the key elements that should be included⁚
- Project Title⁚ A concise and descriptive title that captures the essence of the project․
- Project Summary⁚ A brief overview of the project‚ including its purpose‚ goals‚ and expected outcomes․
- Project Description⁚ A detailed explanation of the project‚ including its activities‚ timeline‚ and target audience․ This section should also include a clear explanation of how the project aligns with the NHSP’s objectives․
- Project Budget⁚ A detailed breakdown of all project expenses‚ including salaries‚ materials‚ travel‚ and other costs; The budget should be realistic and justified․
- Evaluation Plan⁚ A plan for evaluating the project’s effectiveness‚ including the methods that will be used to collect and analyze data․
- Community Support⁚ At least one letter of support from another organization or group demonstrating community support for the project․ This demonstrates the project’s relevance and value to the community․
The NHSP provides a comprehensive applicant guide that offers detailed explanations and guidance on completing the application form․ It is essential to review this guide carefully before submitting your application․
Application Process
The application process for the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) is straightforward and can be completed online through the Grants and Contributions Online Services (GCOS)․ The application period typically opens in August and closes in September․ Here are the steps involved in applying for NHSP funding⁚
- Review the Applicant Guide⁚ Carefully review the NHSP Applicant Guide to understand the program’s eligibility criteria‚ project proposal requirements‚ and application process․ This guide provides essential information to ensure your application is complete and meets the program’s standards․
- Prepare your Project Proposal⁚ Develop a detailed project proposal that outlines your project’s goals‚ objectives‚ activities‚ budget‚ and evaluation plan․ Ensure your proposal is clear‚ concise‚ and well-organized‚ demonstrating the project’s value and potential impact․
- Gather Supporting Documents⁚ Gather the necessary supporting documents‚ such as letters of support‚ financial statements‚ and organizational profiles․
- Submit your Application⁚ Submit your completed application through GCOS․ You will receive an acknowledgment immediately and a tracking number to monitor the status of your application․
While ESDC recommends GCOS as the most efficient application method‚ you can also apply by submitting a single copy of your application to ESDC․ However‚ only the first application submitted will be considered․
Funding Levels and Deadlines
The New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) offers two funding levels for community-based projects⁚
- Regular Grants⁚ Up to $25‚000 for projects that are led by seniors and are volunteer-based․ These grants support projects that empower seniors in their communities and contribute to improving their health and well-being․
- Small Grants⁚ Up to $5‚000 for projects that are led by seniors and are volunteer-based․ These grants are designed to support smaller-scale projects that can make a positive impact in local communities․
The application period for the NHSP typically opens in August and closes in September․ The exact dates for each application period are announced annually by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)․ The NHSP has a funding decision timeline‚ with decisions expected to be made in February or March of the following year․ Projects must start no later than March 31 of the following year․
It is essential for applicants to familiarize themselves with the funding levels and deadlines for the NHSP․ This information is crucial for planning and submitting a successful project proposal․
Project Management and Reporting
Successful project management is crucial for ensuring the effective implementation of New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) initiatives․ Applicants are expected to demonstrate a clear understanding of project management principles and their ability to execute their projects effectively․ This includes establishing a realistic timeline‚ identifying key milestones‚ and assigning responsibilities to project team members․ Applicants should also outline the project’s budget‚ outlining how funds will be allocated and accounted for․
Transparent and timely reporting is a vital component of the NHSP․ Funded organizations are required to submit a final report within 30 days of project completion․ This report should provide a comprehensive overview of the project’s achievements‚ outlining how it met its objectives and impacted the target audience․ The final report template is provided by the NHSP office in each province or territory‚ and applicants are advised to familiarize themselves with the reporting requirements․
In addition to the final report‚ funded organizations may be required to submit progress reports at regular intervals throughout the project duration․ These reports help the NHSP monitor the project’s progress and ensure it remains aligned with the program’s objectives․ Effective project management and transparent reporting contribute to the successful implementation of NHSP projects and demonstrate the value of the program’s investments․
Frequently Asked Questions
The New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) receives numerous inquiries from potential applicants․ Here are some frequently asked questions to provide clarity and guidance⁚
What are the eligibility criteria for the NHSP? The program is open to eligible organizations‚ including non-profit organizations‚ community groups‚ municipalities‚ and Indigenous organizations․ Projects must be led or inspired by seniors and be volunteer-based․
What types of projects are eligible for NHSP funding? The NHSP supports projects that empower seniors in their communities and contribute to improving their health and well-being․ These projects can include a wide range of initiatives‚ such as social programs‚ volunteer opportunities‚ mentoring programs‚ awareness campaigns on elder abuse‚ and capital assistance for community projects․
What is the application deadline for the NHSP? The application deadline for the NHSP varies each year․ It is crucial to check the NHSP website or contact the program office for the most up-to-date information․
How can I track the status of my NHSP application? If you apply through the Grants and Contributions Online Services (GCOS)‚ you can track the status of your application throughout the process․
What happens if my NHSP application is not selected for funding? Not all submitted applications are selected for funding due to limited resources․ Decisions are final and there is no appeal process․
Contact Information
For inquiries regarding the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP)‚ you can reach out to the program office or your nearest regional office for assistance․ The program office can provide comprehensive information about the NHSP‚ including application procedures‚ funding guidelines‚ and project requirements․
If you require assistance with the application process or have questions about specific aspects of the program‚ you can contact the NHSP office by phone or email․ The program office is dedicated to assisting potential applicants and ensuring they have the necessary information to submit a successful application․
For more information on your application‚ you can contact the New Horizons for Seniors Program at 1-800-277-9914 (press 0 to speak to an agent)․ If you have questions‚ need help or require an accommodation with this application process‚ contact your nearest New Horizons for Seniors Program office․
The New Horizons for Seniors Program is a valuable initiative that empowers seniors to make a positive impact in their communities․ By providing financial support and guidance‚ the program encourages seniors to engage in meaningful activities‚ share their knowledge‚ and contribute to the well-being of others․
Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the program guidelines‚ eligibility criteria‚ and application procedures․ The information provided in this guide is intended to assist potential applicants in understanding the program and developing a strong project proposal․
Successful applicants have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of seniors and their communities․ The New Horizons for Seniors Program is committed to supporting projects that foster inclusivity‚ promote social participation‚ and enhance the quality of life for seniors across Canada․