NEW FUNDING PROGRAM: Inclusive Community Grant Program

Author: Michael Gimelshtein

You must submit your application by March 3, 5:00pm (EST).

Description

The Inclusive Community Grants (ICG) Program helps ensure local governments and community organizations consider Ontarians of all ages and abilities at every stage of community planning and development. Inclusive communities respond to both the opportunities and challenges of an aging population by:

• creating physical and social environments that support independent and active living
• enabling older adults and people with disabilities to continue contributing to all aspects of community life

This year, Ontario will prioritize projects that support under-served communities and those that address COVID-19-related challenges.

Deadline

 You must submit your application by March 3, 5:00pm (EST).

Eligibility

Eligible local governments are:

• municipalities (single-tier, upper-tier or lower-tier municipalities)
• district social services administration boards
• First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities

Eligible community organizations must:

• be not-for-profit
• be legal entities (please submit documented proof of legal status as part of the application)
• have been in operation for at least one year prior to application

Community organizations, including Indigenous organizations, are encouraged but not required to seek the written endorsement of both the application and the project plan by the local government or First Nation band council.

Funding

The Inclusive Community Grants (ICG) Program will offer a total of up to a maximum of $60,000 per successful applicant for projects that take place between September 2022 and March 2023.

The grant funding amount will be based on the types of activities proposed in the Age Friendly Communities (AFC) planning cycle including:

• AFC needs assessment and action plan development; and/or,
• AFC action plan project implementation and evaluation (this can include adapting an existing plan, given the changing landscape resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic).

Eligible categories for funding include, but are not limited to:

• For communities just starting the AFC process, funding of between $30,000 to $45,000 may be needed to complete an AFC needs assessment and develop an action plan;
• For communities that have an action plan in place funding of between $30,000 to $60,000 may be needed to support implementation of an action plan and evaluation.
• Specific projects to enhance inclusiveness for older adults and people of all abilities, including ramp installation, signage upgrades and community programming.

Projects must address one or more of the World Health Organization’s eight age-friendly community domains: 

1. Outdoor Spaces and Public Buildings 
2. Transportation 
3. Housing 
4. Social Participation 
5. Respect and Social Inclusion 
6. Civic Participation and Employment 
7. Communication and Information 
8. Community Support and Health Services

If you're interesting in applying to this program, please reach out to us to schedule a call.