Recreation budgets in long-term care and retirement homes are always tight. An interactive system, a multisensory room or a new set of active games can feel out of reach. The good news: several federal and provincial programs can help pay for this kind of equipment. This guide covers the main options for homes in Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia, plus the federal program open to organizations across Canada.
Programs, amounts and deadlines change every year. Always confirm the details on the official program page before you apply.
Across Canada: New Horizons for Seniors Program
The New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) is the federal grant program for community projects that keep seniors engaged and socially connected. For the 2026–2027 call, the maximum grant rose to $50,000 per project. One of the program's objectives is capital assistance for new and existing community projects or programs for seniors, which can include equipment.
- Who it suits: not-for-profit homes, residents' councils working with a host organization, and community groups.
- Timing: the 2026–2027 call ran from June 2 to July 14, 2026. The call for proposals usually opens in late spring or summer.
- Tip: seniors must play a real role in leading, planning or delivering the project. Involve your residents' council from the start.
Ontario
Seniors Community Grant Program
Ontario's Seniors Community Grant Program funds projects from $1,000 to $25,000 that help adults aged 55 and over stay active, connected and independent. It is designed for local not-for-profit organizations and community groups. The 2026–2027 program includes a stream for projects that benefit senior veterans. Applications for this year are closed; watch for the next intake in the fall.
Ontario Trillium Foundation
The Ontario Trillium Foundation offers capital grants to not-for-profits. Past grants for seniors' organizations have covered sports equipment and multi-sensory equipment, so a sensory room or an activity program upgrade can be a good fit.
Local Priorities Fund for long-term care homes
Through the Local Priorities Fund, Ontario helps long-term care homes buy specialized equipment for residents with complex needs, including people living with dementia. Most of this funding goes to clinical equipment, but it is worth asking your Ontario Health region whether quality-of-life equipment fits this year's priorities.
Alberta: Assisted Living Innovation Grant Program
Alberta's new Assisted Living Innovation Grant Program has up to $195 million available over three years for projects that improve quality of life, resident and family experience, and person-centred care. Continuing care home operators are among the eligible applicants, and innovation and technology-enabled care are priority areas. The first intake opens in fall 2026.
- Who it suits: continuing care homes planning a larger project, for example a multisensory room or an interactive system such as Höp, with clear outcomes to measure.
- Tip: projects start at $50,000 and must show how results will be measured. Plan your evaluation (participation, agitation, falls, family feedback) before you apply.
British Columbia: Community Gaming Grants
British Columbia's Community Gaming Grants distribute gambling revenues to not-for-profit organizations. The Capital Project Grants stream supports purchases of new equipment, and the Program Grants stream supports ongoing community programs. In the past, provincial programs managed with the BC Care Providers Association have also helped care homes fund sensory rooms and music therapy.
Equipment that fits these grants
Grants are often the best way to fund larger purchases that a regular recreation budget cannot cover. Here are the solutions our clients most often include in their applications:
- Höp: a compact, wall-mounted interactive system that turns any wall in a lounge, activity room or hallway into a space for gentle movement, cognitive stimulation and shared fun. It responds to residents' movements, runs in autonomous mode, is managed remotely and is installed in one day. A strong fit for innovation and technology-enabled care programs.
- maestro: a sensory music device with no screen and no wave emissions. Residents place and turn five discs to build their own orchestra, with 3,124 possible musical combinations, no musical knowledge required. Available in Rounds and Shapes versions.
- inmu: interactive multisensory cushions that turn every movement into soothing music and gentle vibrations. inmuRELAX and inmuJOY support calm and comfort, while inmuRHYTHM and inmuDANCE invite movement, alone or in a group.
- Multisensory equipment: bubble tubes, sensory marble panels, mood projectors and mirrors to create or upgrade a multisensory room.
- Group equipment: Omnikin giant balls and active games that reach many residents at once.
Not sure what fits your project? We can help you match equipment to the program's objectives and prepare a detailed quote for your application.
How to build a strong application
- Start from a resident need. Explain the problem first (isolation, agitation, little physical activity), then show how the equipment helps.
- Get a detailed quote. Funders want exact costs. Request a free quote from CDS Boutique, with product sheets you can attach to your application.
- Show how many residents benefit. Group equipment such as Omnikin balls, active games or a sensory cart reaches many people at once.
- Plan how you will measure results. Simple attendance logs, before-and-after observations and resident or family comments make your final report easy.
- Involve residents and families. Many programs reward projects that residents help choose and lead.
Need help choosing equipment for your grant application? Our team has supported recreation professionals since 1992. Purchase orders are accepted and we ship across Canada. Contact us for a quote.
