Funding Opportunities: Province Accepting Applications for Seniors and Recreation Infrastructure Grants

Written By David Brown

Local community organizations, non-profits, and recreational groups across Ward 21 have opportunities to access provincial funding this fall through two open grant programs: the Seniors Community Grant Program and the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund.

Both programs support projects that strengthen community connections, improve local facilities, and keep residents active and engaged. Below are the details, eligibility criteria, and deadlines for each program.

Seniors Community Grant Program

The Government of Ontario is currently accepting applications for the Seniors Community Grant (SCG) Program. This initiative provides up to $25,000 to support local programs, services, and events that offer older adults (aged 55 and older) greater opportunities for social inclusion, volunteerism, and active community participation.

Eligible projects can include:

  • Cooking and healthy eating workshops

  • Digital literacy and technology training

  • Intergenerational learning, mentorship, and games nights

  • Arts, cultural, and volunteer activities

Funding details:

  • Grant amount: Up to $25,000 for incorporated non-profits, municipalities, and Indigenous organizations (up to $10,000 for unincorporated community groups)

  • Application deadline: December 17, 2026, at 5:00 pm EST

  • How to apply: Submissions must be completed online through Transfer Payment Ontario (TPON)

Virtual informational webinars are available through the province to assist applicants with navigating the submission process. Groups that are new to TPON are encouraged to register early, as account creation and verification can take several business days to finalize before applications can be submitted.

More information and application guidelines are available online at:https://www.ontario.ca/page/seniors-community-grant-program

Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF)

The Ontario government is also accepting applications for Stream 1 of the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF). This stream provides cost-shared capital grants to repair, modernize, and rehabilitate existing sport and recreation facilities so they remain safe, accessible, and functional for public use.

Eligible projects focus on critical repairs and accessibility improvements to publicly accessible facilities, such as:

  • Arena, gymnasium, and community centre repairs and upgrades

  • Sports field, playground, and multi-sport court resurfacing or rehabilitation

  • HVAC, electrical, and mechanical system replacements

  • Accessibility improvements, including retrofitting ramps, entrances, and washrooms

Funding details:

  • Who can apply: Municipalities, local services boards, Indigenous communities, and incorporated not-for-profit organizations that have been incorporated for at least one year and own or manage a publicly accessible recreation facility.

  • Application deadline: December 22, 2026, at 4:00 pm EST.

  • How to apply: All applications and mandatory supporting documentation must be submitted through Transfer Payment Ontario (TPON).

More information on program streams, eligibility guidelines, and application forms can be found at:https://www.ontario.ca/page/available-funding-opportunities-ontario-government#section-2

If your community association, club, or local service group has questions or requires assistance connecting with provincial staff regarding either grant stream, please feel free to reach out to our office.

David Brown
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