Organizations who help older Nova Scotians lead healthy and active lives and stay involved in their communities can now apply for financial support under the 2019-20 Age-Friendly Communities Grant Program.
The program provides funding of up to $25,000 for organizations to develop age-friendly communities – communities where policies, services and structures help older adults live safely, enjoy good health and stay active and involved. The first deadline for applications is Oct. 4.
“Our population of older Nova Scotians is growing and we can support their health and well-being in meaningful ways,” said Seniors Minister Leo Glavine. “The projects funded through this grant program and the partnerships between government and community organizations, continue to positively impact older Nova Scotians and enable them to stay connected to their communities.”
In 2018-19, 35 projects received grants totalling $411,924. Two of the 2018-19 recipients were the Halifax Chamber of Commerce and the Hants County 55 and Over Club.
The chamber received $24,916 to create a pilot program that will address the development of dementia-friendly business education.
“One of our strategic pillars is diversity and inclusion, and accessibility is a huge part of that,” said Patrick Sullivan, president and CEO of the Halifax Chamber of Commerce. “This funding and our partnership with Person Centred Universe, will help us create inclusive and supportive communities for all.”
The Hants County 55 and Over Club received $7,000 to provide outreach, events and activities for isolated and older adults in Hants County.
“A lack of supportive networks account for an increase in mental and physical health issues. And we want to change that,” said Anne Snow, president of the club. “Social connections are extremely important to combat isolation and with the help of this grant program we have been able to create the foundation of a project that will benefit older Nova Scotians in Windsor.”
Other projects funded last year included:
— improving knowledge of travel connections in Kings County and rural Nova Scotia
— valuing the legacy of older 2SLGBTQIA Nova Scotians in a public, digital archive
— assisting older entrepreneurs to launch and grow their businesses
For a full list of 2018-19 grant recipients and this year’s application forms visit http://www.novascotia.ca/age-f
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/shift .