Call for Applications
Please ensure you read the entire article posted here. Important information about applications and an information session are below.
The Saskatchewan Seniors Mechanism (SSM), in partnership with the Government of Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Health, will once again be providing one-time grant funding to senior-serving organizations and communities in Saskatchewan. This funding supports projects that enable older adults to remain independent and continue living safely and comfortably in their own homes and communities.
This initiative recognizes that aging well at home requires more than basic services—it relies on strong, connected communities. Projects supported through Facilitating Independence Grants (FIG) emphasize the importance of building community support systems that enhance quality of life. These efforts may include maintaining and improving health and wellness, ensuring access to safe and reliable transportation, supporting appropriate and accessible housing options, and creating opportunities for social participation and inclusion. Equally vital is effective communication—ensuring that older adults can access information in a clear manner, regardless of their preferred format or technology skills.
The overall goal of FIG is to fund initiatives that provide meaningful programs with supports, and options, that empower older adults to live a freely chosen, purposeful life within their communities.
Click here for the public documentation, information, and call for applications. The deadline for applications will be January 30, 2026. Additional inquiries may be directed to programs@skseniorsmechanism.ca.
An information webinar regarding FIG will be held on Zoom on Thursday, January 8 from 10:30 am – 12:00 pm. You must pre-register for this session HERE.
Success Story!
Building Connections: How FIG Funding Is Strengthening Strasbourg
When the Facilitating Independence Grants (FIG) program first launched in Strasbourg, the vision was clear: help older adults stay active, connected, and confident in their ability to live independently. Thanks to FIG support, that goal is being achieved every day through the work of the Strasbourg Age Friendly Recreation Board—and the results are remarkable.
The range of programs now available is impressive. The Taxi Program makes transportation affordable and reliable, ensuring seniors can reach medical appointments, shopping, and community events with ease. Wellness Clinics provide footcare, routine health monitoring, and information sessions that help seniors stay active, safe, and informed. Additional supports—such as snow shoveling, handyman services, Meals on Wheels, and window cleaning—allow older adults to remain comfortably in their own homes and maintain independence.
What makes the FIG grant especially impactful is how seamlessly it aligns with broader community initiatives, including Age Friendly and Social Prescribing efforts in the region. Together, these programs create a coordinated network that supports physical, emotional, and social well-being. FIG-funded programming strengthens Age Friendly goals by reducing isolation, improving accessibility, and ensuring seniors have opportunities to connect, participate, and thrive.
As one participant, Margaret, shared: “I used to stay home most days because I didn’t know where to go or who to ask for help. Now I have people checking in, classes I look forward to, and a reason to get out. It’s changed my whole routine.”
Volunteer Strength and Community Impact
At the heart of it all are the volunteers—about 20 strong—who make the programs run. Many are seniors themselves, giving back to the community while benefiting from the services. “They’re living proof of how valuable these programs are,” says Scholefield. “Their passion and generosity are what keep everything going.”
The results speak for themselves. More than 300 older adults have already benefited, with 100–150 participating each month. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive: seniors say they feel healthier, less isolated, and more confident about remaining in their own homes.
Of course, challenges remain. With growing demand, the Board is always seeking additional volunteers and working to secure sustainable funding. But the vision is clear: to keep seniors not only safe, but thriving—body, mind, and spirit.
A Community Where Aging Is Celebrated
In Strasbourg, aging isn’t seen as an obstacle—it’s embraced as another season of life worth celebrating. Thanks to the Age Friendly program, strengthened by FIG funding, seniors here don’t just get by; they flourish, surrounded by care, community, and connection.
Based on the success of the second Facilitating Independence grant program in 2024, SSM has again worked with the Government of Saskatchewan (Ministry of Health) to provide one-time funding for micro-grants/seed money to senior-serving organizations, community groups, or other interested organizations to develop/pilot new approaches for providing supportive services to seniors.
These grants for Facilitating Independence have now all been disbursed.
For full details, please click here.
Based on the success of the first FIG grant program in 2023, SSM has again worked with the Government of Saskatchewan (Ministry of Health) to provide one-time funding for micro-grants/seed money to senior-serving organizations, community groups, or other interested organizations to develop/pilot new approaches for providing supportive services to seniors.
These grants for Facilitating Independence have now all been disbursed.
For full details, please click here.
The first FIG grant program in 2023 was successful. SSM worked with the Government of Saskatchewan (Ministry of Health) to provide one-time funding for micro-grants/seed money to senior-serving organizations, community groups, or other interested organizations to develop/pilot new approaches for providing supportive services to seniors.
These grants for Facilitating Independence have now all been disbursed.
For full details, please click here.