Let’s be social!

Eligible applicants include:

• Not-for-profit older adult clubs or groups within Public Health Sudbury & Districts’ service area.
• Only one (1) application per club or group will be accepted.

Inclusion criteria:

• provide services and programs to older adults
• be a recognized club, group, or organization
• be found on a public directory (municipal directory, 2-1-1, 8-1-1, Healthline, etc.)
• be a not-for-profit organization
• hold or be willing to acquire adequate liability insurance for the proposed activity
• be able to spend funds and submit final report by March 2025
• agree to have club or group name appear on phsd.ca as a recipient of the funds
• agree to report back on the funds in use via photos, short story, or video

Exclusion criteria:

• Private or “special interest groups”, such as knitting clubs, book clubs, Facebook groups
• For profit programs, such as fitness centres, yoga studios, etc.

Please note that applications will be reviewed to make sure that all requirements are met. Those that do not meet the eligibility criteria will automatically be disqualified and will be notified.

Eligible older adult clubs or groups can apply for the social activity funds by filling out the online application form. Application status updates will also be provided by email.

Important dates:

• Timeline for eligible activities: January to March 2025
• Application deadline: January 20, 2025
• Successful applicants selected: On or after January 23, 2025

Online application form

Be creative. Ask about what activities existing members are interested in and consider new activities that might attract new members to your group. Activities can be hosted in-person, virtual, or hybrid (combination of in-person and online). Some examples include but are not limited to:

• intergenerational programs
• multi-activity programs
• recruitment and outreach of new club members
• programs that support education and communication
• art-based activities, such as sketching or drawing, photography, storytelling, drumming, dance
• game-based activities such as nature bingos, dominoes, cards, darts, beanbag toss, game nights
• weekly community garden activity or cooking classes, harvest festival
• mindfulness programs
• woodworking activities
• group travel or outing
• collaborative event with other local older adult clubs

Funds can also be used for supplies, equipment or instructors for social activities/group activities including but not limited to:

• craft supplies (painting, knitting, etc.)
• board games
• outdoor/lawn games (for example, lawn bowling, etc.)
• garden tools, equipment, seeds
• tools and equipment for woodworking projects
• musical instruments
• theatre supplies
• books
• older adult centre membership fee for new members only
• photography supplies
• instructor for new social activity
• cost of vulnerable sector criminal reference checks for new volunteers leading group activities
• pottery supplies

Please note that this funding cannot be used to cover capital expenses or operational costs associated with your club or group’s day-to-day functions.

• projects, events, or supplies purchased outside of the specified date range for the social activity funding
• office and administration fees, such as office supplies, bookkeeping or postage
• overhead costs, such as utilities, rent, mortgage, etc.
• individual travel, accommodation, and meal allowance costs
• compensation for existing staff, grant writers, volunteers, or instructors
• capital investments (for example, building permanent infrastructure, construction, renovations, repairs, or the purchase of significant equipment, such as computers or video recorders)
• expenses that are not directly relevant to the initiative being applied for
• program expenses that are already covered by other grant funding
• prize monies, trophies, or medals
• fundraising activities, donations, or repayment of deficits or debts
• profit-generating activities
• alcohol, cannabis, gambling
• health information fairs
• incidental expenses
• gratuities
• laundry or dry cleaning
• valet services
• dependent care
• home management
• personal telephone calls

All qualifying applications will be entered into draws for random selection. The 16 funding opportunities available will be divided to ensure fair coverage throughout the geographical areas served by Public Health Sudbury & Districts. Selected clubs and groups will be contacted by email and by phone to confirm. Please note that email confirmations will be coming from stayonyourfeet@phsd.ca.

Selected clubs will be provided with a Grant recipient package and must be able to agree with all terms and conditions before funding can be confirmed.

A list of successful applicants will be published on phsd.ca

• Clubs will need to submit a short story, pictures, or videos of the activity in action! This will be due by the March 14, 2025. This information may be highlighted on the social activity funding page on phsd.ca.
• All clubs and groups who receive funding must confirm that funds have been spent within the time frame outlined and must keep a copy of all their receipts.

If you need help with this application or have questions about the process, please reach out to Stay on Your Feet at Public Health Sudbury & Districts 705.522.9200, ext. 4330 or email stayonyourfeet@phsd.ca.

Stay on Your Feet (SOYF) is the North Eastern Ontario regional strategy focused on keeping older adults healthy and living independently for as long as possible. For more information about the strategy, visit stayonyourfeet.ca.