The Provincial Government is now accepting applications for its Age-Friendly Newfoundland and Labrador (AFNL) Grants Program. The program is designed to provide funding to incorporated municipalities, Inuit community governments and reserves, and seniors' organizations throughout the entire province to support them in planning for an aging population.

"An age-friendly community is one where the physical and social environments are designed to enable older individuals to live in a secure setting, enjoy health and continue to participate fully in society," said the Honourable Jerome Kennedy, Minister of Health and Community Services and Minister Responsible for Aging and Seniors. "The AFNL grants will provide funding to communities and seniors' groups to contribute to the planning of age-friendly communities."

The AFNL Community Grants will allow communities to evaluate resources and assets in terms of their contribution to an age-friendly community. The AFNL Seniors' Organizations Grants will support the development of projects that contribute to an age-friendly community.

Ten communities will receive $10,000 each and 10 to 20 seniors' organizations will receive between $5,000 and $10,000 each.

"This new initiative will help our government continue to fulfill commitments made as part of the Provincial Healthy Aging Policy Framework," said Minister Kennedy. "I strongly encourage incorporated municipalities, Inuit community governments and reserves, and seniors' organizations to take advantage of this opportunity, which will help promote age-friendly communities throughout the province."

The deadline for applications is March 12, 2010.

"This program supports our government's commitment to ensure communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador are vibrant and sustainable," said the Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister of Municipal Affairs (Acting). "Funding available through this initiative will enhance the role that communities play to improve the health, wellness and quality of life for seniors. I encourage all eligible groups to submit an application for funding consideration."

"It's important to our communities that seniors maintain a healthy, active lifestyle," said Mayor Harry Hallett, President of Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador. "Supporting healthy aging helps reduce the need for health-care services and also promotes a meaningful life for seniors living in our communities."