Age Better is HelpAge Canada’s flagship granting program, supporting community-based seniors’ services (CBSS) organizations with grants of up to $20,000 to invest in community-led solutions that help older Canadians to live with purpose, belonging, and dignity.

In 2026, Age Better will begin scaling up sustainable funding to CBSS organizations who operate high-impact, innovative programs and services that address loneliness and help foster belonging for older adults in their communities as part of our wider CanBelong initiative. 

Since 2020, the Age Better program has reached more than 10,000 older adults in over 65 communities across Canada.

    Announcing the 2026-2027 Age Better Grant Recipients

    Learn More About This Year's Recipients

    Program Impact

    Disbursed to local community organizations

    Over 10,000 underserved older Canadians directly benefiting from support

    Directed to men’s initiatives countering isolation, loneliness, and depression

    “I’m very grateful that when I was down and out, and I couldn’t hardly move, they brought the food right to my door. The meals are nourishing me back to health.”

    – Jerry, Calgary, AB (Beneficiary of an Age Better-funded community program)

    Discover Stories from Older Adults and their Communities

    Compassionate Cancer Care, Close to Home ― John’s Story

    John, an older man from Manitoba, faced a challenging fight when he was diagnosed with stomach cancer. Eventually, part of his stomach even needed to be removed. The effects of his treatment and changes to his digestion badly eroded John’s teeth, leaving him...
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    An Older British Columbian’s Resilience – Clara’s Story

    Clara, an older British Columbian, found her world turned upside down after a series of hardships. She was left without a place to live after having to move out of her daughter’s home, and not long after, her right foot was amputated after she contracted a...
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    A New Lens on Life – Frieda’s Story

    Frieda, 82, has called Elie, Manitoba, home for the past seven years. In 2015, after her husband’s health declined, she made the heart-wrenching decision to move him into a senior living facility. Unable to afford to live on her own, Frieda moved in with her lifelong...
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    From Volunteer to Table – Jerry’s Story

    After undergoing open heart surgery, Jerry, an older person from Calgary, Alberta, knew he would need some extra help at home. That’s when one of his nurses referred him to Calgary Meals on Wheels’ Going Home program, which provides weekly meals to people who are...
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    Finding Your Herd After Loss – Mellhina’s Story

    Having lost her spouse of 32 years, Mellhina knows the profiund impact grief can have. The loss left her grappling with not just an emotional void, but also a change in her sense of self. She had spent the past three decades as one half of a couple – what now? Like...
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    Age Better with Luca – What It Takes to Nourish a Community

    An older person and a volunteer at an Innovation Youth Solidarity MarketLuca, an older adult in Montreal, Quebec, is known for his warmth and kindness, but he often feels isolated. His specific dietary needs — avoiding sugar, processed fats, and most carbohydrates —...
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    Two Sheds are Better Than One – The Story of New Beginnings Men’s Shed

    The New Beginnings Men's Shed is a Shed true to its name. After experiencing a tragic house fire, Brent Goetz sought connection with others, eventually meeting with the former president of Men’s Sheds Canada. They talked over coffee about the value of Men’s Sheds,...
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    Wrenches, Wheels, and a Warm Welcome – The Bike Shed’s Story

    Six years ago, John Dicks found himself captivated by radio interviews featuring Doug Mackie, a key figure in the Men's Sheds Canada community. John later had the opportunity to chat with Doug about the difference Men’s Sheds can make in a community, and he was...
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    Crafting Community Together: The Story of the Cold Lake Men’s Shed and Age Friendly Cold Lake

    In 2019, Cold Lake Alberta saw the inception of the Cold Lake Men’s Shed, spearheaded by Wayne Warner. Drawing from his military experience, Wayne noticed that older men often didn’t get the mental health support they need and was motivated to take action. Speaking to...
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    “Who can I help today?” – The Story of Fundy Men’s Shed

    The Fundy Men's Shed, located in Saint John, New Brunswick, launched in 2023 with eight members. Their collective mission is powerful: learn new skills, forge meaningful connections, and make a difference in their community.  The group was fortunate to land the...
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    Frequently Asked Questions

    Will there be an open call for Age Better grant applications this year?

    This year, we are evolving the Age Better program to focus on a new funding model focusing on high-impact programs addressing loneliness as part of our broader CanBelong initiative. This shift is based on what we’ve learned: sustained investment allows organizations to deepen their impact and better support older adults, particularly in underserved communities.

    As part of this transition, there will be no open call for Age Better grant applications at this time.

    What are some other funding opportunities organizations can explore?

    We encourage organizations from across Canada to visit Healthy Aging CORE Canada – the free online hub for CBSS organizations in Canada – where you can access resources, explore funding opportunities, and participate in peer-led discussion groups on a variety of topics.

     

     

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