Parkinson Canada CARE Fund

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What is CARE Fund?

Parkinson Canada’s CARE Fund provides funds for sustainable programs that serve diverse and underserved communities with limited access to Parkinson’s specific programing across the country. The CARE Fund Program will fund initiatives that range from a minimum of $5,000 to a maximum of $25,000 for one year. 

Programs receiving funding through the Parkinson Canada CARE Fund are expected to align with our commitment to serve diverse and underserved communities with limited access to Parkinson’s specific programming across the country. To be eligible for funding, programs must incorporate at least one of the following focus areas and may integrate multiple areas within a community care model:

1. Exercise Programming. Programs should provide education and activities designed by professionals with experience in various Parkinson’s exercise fields (i.e., dance, Tai Chi, adaptive fitness, etc.).
2. Education & Skill Building Initiatives. Programs should empower individuals and their care partners with both knowledge and practical tools for improved well-being and daily living with Parkinson’s. 
3. Mental Health & Parkinson’s. Programs should provide information and activities that provide support, and socialization that help improve the emotional, psychological, and social well-being of those affected by Parkinson’s.  
4. Community Care Models for Parkinson’s. Programs should provide community-based supports that help people living with Parkinson’s and their care partners better access, navigate, and participate in local health, wellness, education, and support services. Programs may include multidisciplinary, community and/or home-based approaches, care coordination, and strategies that strengthen local community connections.

Organizations interested in submitting applications must meet the following criteria:  

• Non-profit, other tax-exempt community-based organizations or a registered business
• Health and wellness facilities or organizations may be eligible if they are (a) a registered charity or (b) maintain financial records and file a tax return each year for the organization
• For-profit organizations may be eligible to apply on the condition that the proposed program is offered at no cost, and that the organization does not make a profit from the grant funds
• Demonstrate a proven track record in designing and implementing integrated programs or community-based services for individuals living with Parkinson’s and their Care Partners, displaying expertise in addressing the multifaceted needs of the Parkinson’s community
• Demonstrate a commitment to equity and diversity, fostering inclusivity and justice across all facets of their operations
• Demonstrate strong organizational fiscal management and governance

Programs must meet the following criteria to qualify: 

• Must be available within underserved communities in Canada with limited access to Parkinson’s specific programs and services. (Definition of underserved: populations or areas that lack adequate access to necessary resources, services, or opportunities to support them in their Parkinson’s journey)
• Must fill gaps in existing programming in the Parkinson’s community
• Be offered at low or no cost and be available to anyone in the Parkinson’s community
• Demonstrate practices to ensure programs are accessible to People living with Parkinson’s, including virtual, home-based, or community-delivered care
• Use qualitative and quantitative measures to evaluate the program impact and outputs
• Can be in person, virtual or through a hybrid model
• Must have sustainable plan to continue after grant is completed
• Project must be delivered by September 2027

Download the 2026 request for application.

Key dates:

• April 16, 2026: Online application opens
• May 6, 2026 at 2 p.m. ET: Information session
• June 12, 2026 : Application deadline
• June & July 2026: Review period
• Late August 2026: Award notification
• September 1, 2026, to August 31st, 2027: Grant period

Parkinson Canada gives funding priority to programs located in geographic areas with limited access to Parkinson’s-specific programs, services, or care. This priority does not exclude programs outside these areas but may influence funding decisions by the peer review committee.

Any questions about the application process can be sent to carefund@parkinson.ca.