2026 Age-friendly Communities grants to open soon
Community grant funding focused on helping B.C. seniors to lead independent, active lives will open on January 19, 2026, through the Age-friendly Communities (AFC) Program, delivered in partnership by the Province of British Columbia and BC Healthy Communities (BCHC).
“Age friendly community grants play a crucial role in supporting seniors as they age, and I am delighted to see them continue to fund a wide range of local projects that promote seniors’ engagement and belonging,” said Susie Chant, Parliamentary Secretary for Seniors’ Services and Long-Term Care. “It is wonderful to see the growing list of communities joining the movement to create safe and accessible environments for seniors where they feel socially engaged.”
Local and Indigenous governments and communities are invited to submit applications for 2026 funding. This year’s grant intake will support two funding streams:
- Stream 1 – Up to $25,000 for age-friendly assessments and action plans
- Stream 2 – Up to $15,000 for age-friendly projects that promote the health, safety, and engagement of older adults
By 2031, nearly one-quarter of the province’s population will be 65 or older. The AFC Program helps communities respond to this demographic shift by supporting initiatives that foster independence, connection, and wellbeing among older adults.
“Everyone in B.C. deserves to feel at ease and connected with the people in their homes and communities,” said Debra Toporowski, Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Health. “Age-friendly grants are giving communities, particularly rural, remote and Indigenous communities, the tools they need to grow healthier and become more resilient so older adults can age in place and live active, independent and fulfilling lives.”
In 2024, 26 communities received AFC funding across both streams, including 13 rural/remote communities and six Indigenous communities. The full list of AFC grant communities in 2024 can be found here. Funded projects ranged from transportation plans, emergency-preparedness strategies and inclusive communications to accessible outdoor spaces such as community gardens, parks and nature trails.
“The Age-friendly Communities Program continues to drive meaningful change across B.C.,” said BCHC Executive Director Vanessa Manuel. “These grants help ensure local and Indigenous governments have the tools they need to support older adults in living healthy, connected, independent lives.”
Info Session
An online information session will be hosted in late January (stay tuned for details), offering prospective applicants an opportunity to learn more about the AFC grant process and to ask questions.
Learn More
Full details on the 2026 program – including application guidelines, eligibility and deadlines – will be available at the AFC funding page:
https://bchealthycommunities.ca/index.php/afc-grants-application-guide/
Grant applications will be open until 11:59 pm, PST, on March 12, 2026.