AFC Knowledge Exchange

The AFC Knowledge Exchange is where you can join your region’s age-friendly network, sign up for the provincial AFC distribution list and connect with the AFC Knowledge Broker.

AFC Knowledge Broker

The AFC Knowledge Broker can provide advice, link to resources, connect you to other leaders exploring similar issues, or answer any questions about age-friendly community development in Ontario. For any age-friendly questions, please contact Emily Mullins, by phone 613-544-4900 ext 53328 or email mullinse@providencecare.ca

I have found the AFC Knowledge Broker to be very instrumental in connecting me directly to others within the province who may have worked through a problem or issue before we have, enabling us to get experiential advice and learning from another community addressing the same concerns that we are.” – An Ontario AFCI Lead

Regional Age-Friendly Networks

These networks include age-friendly leads from many of Ontario’s 70+ Age-Friendly Community Initiatives (AFCIs). Network members meet regularly (by teleconference) to share their local age-friendly planning processes, describe innovative programs and services, and discuss emerging trends or gaps. The regional networks are an opportunity to learn from and share with each other to help accelerate and strengthen work at a local level.

  • Northern Ontario Age-Friendly Network
  • Eastern Ontario Age-Friendly Network
  • Central Ontario Age-Friendly Network
  • Southwestern Ontario Age-Friendly Network

If you are interested in joining one of the regional networks, please contact Emily Mullins, by phone 613-544-4900 ext 53328 or email mullinse@providencecare.ca to be connected with the appropriate network chair.

Funding Opportunities

Funding Opportunities

There are a number of funding opportunities available throughout the year that Age-Friendly Community Initiatives can apply for to support their age-friendly planning and implementation efforts.

Government Funding Opportunities:

1. Inclusive Communities Grant (provincial): provided by the Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility, the purpose of the ICG is to help communities become age-friendly by ensuring that the needs of Ontarians of all ages and abilities are considered at every stage of community planning and development. Grants of up to a maximum amount of $60,000 each will support up to 100% of the total eligible project costs.

2. Seniors Community Grant Program (provincial): provided by the Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility, Seniors Community Grants (SCG) support local not-for-profit community groups and organizations to deliver programs and opportunities that encourage greater social inclusion, volunteerism and community engagement for older adults (aged 55+). Grants are available between $1,000 and $25,000.

3. New Horizons for Seniors Program (federal): The community-based stream of the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) is a federal grant that supports community-based projects that are designed by seniors for seniors. This program funds projects that empower seniors in their communities and contribute to improving their health and well-being. Eligible organizations can apply for up to $25,000 for projects that are led by seniors and are volunteer-based.

4. Ontario Trillium Foundation (provincial): The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Government of Ontario and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations. Support is provided to projects that work towards improving the well-being of people across the province.

Other Organizations with Funding Opportunities:

Resources:

If you know of a funding opportunity that is not listed, please contact Emily Mullins, by phone 613-544-4900 ext 53328 or email mullinse@providencecare.ca

Community of Interest on Social Isolation and Loneliness

Join the Ontario Age-Friendly Communities Outreach Program as we explore the best practices to mitigate negative effects of social isolation among community-dwelling older adults during and post COVID-19.

Click here to join this COI.

Past issues of COI newsletter:

For questions about this COI, please contact Emily Mullins, by phone 613-544-4900 ext 53328 or email mullinse@providencecare.ca

2022 Conference - Inspiring Inclusive Communities in Ontario: Moving age-friendly insights, innovations and strategies into action

The age-friendly movement has been gaining momentum in Ontario for over a decade. This is an opportune time to bring together the perspectives of age-friendly community implementers, policy-makers, planners and researchers to reflect upon the lessons learned and respond to emerging challenges. As we move into the next decade, we’re challenged to consider: How do we broaden our work to be more inclusive? Who has been left out of the conversation? What partnerships are needed? What does the future look like for an age-friendly Ontario?

This virtual conference explored these questions, highlighted strategies to strengthen local planning, implementation and sustainability and showcased innovative age-friendly strategies.

This three-day event was split into themed morning sessions:

  1. Inclusive communities
  2. Community planning
  3. Innovation in action

Click here for conference presentations and resources