After you apply
This section outlines the key steps and timelines after an application has been submitted, including when you can expect a funding decision, and your next steps and responsibilities.
On this page
- How funding is decided
- When you will get a funding decision
- What happens after an application is approved
- What happens if an application is not approved
How funding is decided
- To ensure that the distribution of funded projects reflects the distribution of seniors across Canada, funding is allocated based on the percentage of seniors in each region across Canada.
- Recommendations on funding are based on provincial/territorial funding allocations (according to senior populations), project merit and funding priorities.
When you will get a funding decision
We will start letting applicants know the status of their application in January 2027. You will receive an email confirming whether your application is eligible and if it will receive funding. Funding is limited, so not all applications will be approved.
Before your project starts
You cannot be reimbursed for any activities that happen before your project is officially approved and a signed agreement is in place between your organization and ESDC.
Submitting an application does not mean your project is approved. You must wait for written confirmation from ESDC before making any commitments.
Final decisions
All decisions are final. There is no appeal process.
What happens after an application is approved
If your application is approved
We will send you an email with:
- the approved maximum funding amount by January 2027
- the forms you need to complete your agreement
The email will also include the contact information for an ESDC representative who can help if you have questions about your agreement.
What happens if an application is not approved
All applicants will receive a written decision by email, whether their application is approved or not.
To keep the process fair and consistent, we do not share individual assessment scores.
However, we encourage you to review the program objectives and assessment criteria on our website. This can help you understand how applications are evaluated and how to strengthen future submissions.