Government programs assist at-risk groups like low-income residents and senior citizens.
While most grants are generally awarded to businesses and non-profit organizations, Canada does offer some personal grants to its citizens. Personal grants are usually given to people who are low-income, disabled or senior citizens, as these groups oftentimes need the most help. Grant amounts usually vary based on need, and eligibility requirements differ depending on the grantee.
ecoENERGY Retrofit
The ecoENERGY Retrofit is open to homeowners living in single-family, semi-attached or fully detached homes, or people living in low-rise residential buildings with not more than three stories. The goal of this program is to make homes more energy efficient through improvements to the home. Before a homeowner can apply for the grant, he must undergo an energy efficiency survey by a Natural Resources Canada licensed service organization. Homeowners can receive up to $5,000 for home improvements, while residential building owners can receive up to $5,000 per unit. Qualifying equipment replacements include oil furnaces, oil boilers, gas furnaces, wood-burning appliances, ceiling insulation, thermostats, air conditioners, ventilation systems, hot water heaters and heat pumps.
Natural Resources Canada
580 Booth
Ottawa, ON K1A 0E
613-995-0947
http://www.nrcan-rncan.gc.ca/com/
Home Adaptations for Seniors' Independence
The Home Adaptations for Seniors' Independence program offers grants to seniors over the age of 65 who have trouble performing daily living duties. The goal of this program is to assist low-income seniors with making minor home repairs so that they can safely and fully live in their own homes. To qualify for this program, a senior must have an income either at or below the low-income maximum for the area that she lives in and her home must be her permanent residence. Updates to the home must be permanent in nature, must improve the home's safety and must provide better access to necessary home facilities.
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
700 Montreal Road
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0P7
613-748-2000
http://cmhc-schl.gc.ca/
Home Owner Grant
The goal of the Home Owner Grant, which is given out to residents of British Columbia, is help homeowners reduce the amount that they pay in residential property taxes. To qualify for the grant, the home must be the applicant's permanent residence and applicants must be either Canadian citizens or landed immigrants. Homeowners must reapply for this grant each year. Citizens living in rural areas must apply for the grant at their local Surveyor of Taxes office or Service BC Centre. Individuals living in municipalities must apply at their local municipal tax collector's office.
Income Taxation Branch
Main Floor, 1802 Douglas Street
Victoria BC V8T 4K6
877-387-3332
http://www.fin.gov.bc.ca/rev.htm
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