Keeping Seniors Safe and Connected During COVID-19

This year’s Seniors Community Grants will go towards virtual programs to help older adults safely access programs while staying socially active and connected with their communities

Our PC government’s top priority is the health and safety of all Ontarians, especially our seniors isolating and staying home due to COVID-19. We are doing everything possible to ensure that seniors are connected to programs and activities in their communities to improve their safety and overall wellbeing. 

That is why we are investing up to $4.5 million through the Seniors Community Grant program to support over 180 diverse community projects across the province. These projects will help older adults stay connected with their communities from the safety of their home, including:

• helping older Ontarians receive the support they need in their community, reducing demand on acute and long-term care 
• ensuring Ontarians are less at risk for neglect, abuse and fraud, and that their rights and dignity are protected 
• ensuring more older adults are connected and engaged, reducing social isolation and leading to wellness and better health; and 
• providing more opportunities for older adults to achieve greater financial security and engagement within the community.  

This year, non-profit organizations, local services boards and Indigenous groups were eligible to apply for funding from $1,000 up to $100,000. Organizations are focusing on virtual programming to help older adults maintain their physical, mental and social well-being as they continue to self-isolate due to the COVID-19 outbreak.  

Since the program was established in 2014, nearly 1,900 grants have been provided which have positively impacted the lives of more than a half-million seniors.