Applications open for GPHSF Senior Care Micro Grant Program (Canada)

Deadline: 30-Sep-2026

The Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation (GPHSF) Senior Care Micro Grant Program provides funding to not-for-profit organizations and registered charities for projects that support senior care and healthy aging in the Peterborough area. For the 2026 funding cycle, two grants of up to $5,000 each are available, providing a total of $10,000 to support initiatives benefiting seniors. What Is the GPHSF Senior Care Micro Grant Program? Established in 1999, the Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation has maintained a focus on supporting senior care projects and healthy aging initiatives in the Peterborough community. The Senior Care Micro Grant Program is designed as a low-barrier funding opportunity for organizations seeking seed funding for a new initiative or financial support for an existing program. The program aims to support projects that: - Benefit seniors. - Promote healthy aging. - Improve quality of life. - Address emerging needs among older adults. - Create lasting community benefits. - Reach as many eligible community members as possible. Projects can be new initiatives or improvements to existing programs. Where Does the Program Operate? Eligible projects must benefit communities within the program’s geographic area, including: - Peterborough City. - Peterborough County. - Hiawatha First Nation. - Curve Lake First Nation. Organizations located outside these areas may be eligible if they serve communities within the eligible geographic boundaries, subject to the program requirements. What Types of Projects Are Supported? The program supports a broad range of senior care and healthy aging initiatives.

Eligible projects may focus on:

- Research. - Equipment. - Nutrition. - Physical activity. - Mental health. - Senior care. - Healthy aging. - Quality-of-life improvements. - Emerging needs affecting seniors. Applicants are encouraged to develop projects that have a lasting impact rather than providing only short-term benefits. Priority Areas While the program accepts a broad range of senior-focused initiatives, priority is given to projects that demonstrate one or more of the following characteristics: Lasting Community Impact Projects should ideally create benefits that continue beyond the initial funding period. Emerging Senior Needs Proposals that respond to new or growing challenges affecting older adults may receive greater consideration. Improved Quality of Life Projects should demonstrate how they will improve seniors’ physical, mental, social, or overall well-being. Broad Community Reach The program encourages proposals that are inclusive and general in scope, with the potential to benefit as many people as possible within the eligible geographic area. How Much Funding Is Available? For the 2026 cycle, the program offers:

- Two grants: 2

- Maximum per grant: Up to $5,000

- Total funding available: $10,000

- Project period: Within one year of approval, unless GPHSF grants an extension

Applicants should request an amount that is appropriate for the scale and needs of their proposed project. Can Funding Support Existing Projects? Yes. The Senior Care Micro Grant Program can provide funding for both: - New projects, and - Existing projects or programs. For existing programs, applicants should clearly explain how the grant will strengthen, expand, or improve the initiative and how the additional support will benefit seniors. Who Is Eligible to Apply? Applications are open to community and not-for-profit organizations, including medical organizations, that are located in or serve the eligible Peterborough communities.

Eligible organizations must:

- Be a registered charity. - Be located in and/or serve the eligible geographic area. - Propose a project that benefits seniors or promotes healthy aging. - Provide the required project information. - Submit a project timeline. - Provide a project budget.

Eligible geographic communities include:

- Peterborough City. - Peterborough County. - Hiawatha First Nation. - Curve Lake First Nation. What Makes a Strong Application? A strong application should clearly demonstrate the connection between the proposed project and the needs of seniors in the Peterborough community.

Applicants should explain:

- What issue the project addresses. - Who will benefit. - Why the project is needed. - What activities will be delivered. - How many seniors could benefit. - How the project will improve quality of life. - How the project responds to an emerging need, where applicable. - How the project could create lasting benefits. - How the requested funding will be used. - How the project will be completed within one year. Why Does This Grant Matter? Older adults may face challenges related to social connection, physical activity, nutrition, mental health, access to services, and overall well-being. Small grants can help local organizations test new approaches, purchase necessary equipment, strengthen existing services, or respond to emerging community needs. Because the Senior Care Micro Grant Program is designed as a low-barrier funding opportunity, it can provide accessible seed funding for organizations developing practical initiatives for seniors. How to Apply Applicants should prepare their proposal around the needs of seniors and the expected community impact.

Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility

Make sure your organization:

- Is a registered charity. - Is a community or not-for-profit organization, including an eligible medical organization. - Is located in or serves the eligible Peterborough communities.

Step 2: Identify the Senior Need

Clearly describe the problem or opportunity your project will address. For example, the project may respond to: - Nutrition needs. - Physical inactivity. - Mental health challenges. - Social isolation. - Access to equipment. - Emerging senior-care needs. - Other issues affecting healthy aging.

Step 3: Describe the Project

Explain what you plan to do, who will participate, and how the pr