Seniors’ Support and
Connect Grant
In Fall 2024 Aging Well Nova Scotia announced the return of the Seniors' Support & Connect Grant. This was the third and final round of micro-grants made possible through the Community Connections Research Project funds.
Funded by the Nova Scotia Department of Seniors and Long-term Care, the Seniors’ Support & Connect Grants were designed to support the important work the CBSS sector shares in empowering older Nova Scotians to age in their homes while staying connected and engaged in their communities. $100,000 was used to fund 52 organizations, in most cases but not all, with a $2,000 micro-grant.
45% of micro-grants supported social and food gatherings, 36% of funds supported programs focused on Indigenous and Black/African Nova Scotians and 33% of funds supported programs focused on folks with disabilities.
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Community Links provided food funds to senior serving organizations all over the province to support existing food security programs and initiatives. Examples of programs included weekly seniors’ luncheons, community food pantries and freezers, gardening programs, produce hampers, and cooking classes. Thanks to the Department of Community Services who contributed $20,000, the Food Fund supported 25 organizations with grants ranging from $500-$1800.
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In spring 2023, Community Links and IONS conducted research to identify the needs of older adults across the province and understand the contributions and challenges of the clubs, groups, and organizations that serve them. Through interviews, focus groups, surveys, and community conversations, seven categories were identified as priority funding areas. In Fall of 2023, Community Links announced the Seniors Support & Connect Grant. 189 community-based senior serving groups and organizations received a $2,000 micro-grant with a total of $378,000 going directly to initiatives that supported older adults in one or more of the priority funding areas.
Read the 2023 Seniors’ Support & Connect Grant Impact Snapshot.
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In fall of 2022 Community Links distributed 110 micro-grants to senior serving groups for a total of $106,000 spent to directly support older adults in need. Supports provided included: groceries, water, personal care items, transportation, fuel, outreach and social supports, and more. These micro-grants were made possible thanks to support from the Nova Scotia Department of Seniors and Long-term Care.
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In spring of 2020, with funding from the Province of Nova Scotia, Community Links supported senior serving organizations to connect vulnerable older adults in remote and rural communities with emergency basic living supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic.