Parkinson Canada CARE Fund

CARE Fund is a Parkinson Canada initiative designed to support the unmet needs of people living with Parkinson’s and their care partners. This program provides funding and grants to qualified organizations that develop and implement local health, wellness, and educational programs aimed at improving quality of life. CARE Fund prioritizes initiatives that reach diverse and underserved communities across Canada, ensuring equitable access to essential resources and support. 

On this page:
More about CARE Fund
Funding details
Key dates and how to apply
Info sessions


More about CARE Fund

Many people, especially those in remote areas, lack access to specialized Parkinson’s resources and support systems. By prioritizing initiatives that reach these populations, CARE Fund ensures equitable access to health, wellness, and educational resources. 

Beyond access, CARE Fund seeks to enhance quality of life by supporting programs that improve physical health through specialized exercise, foster mental well-being through counseling and support networks, and build social connections within the Parkinson’s community. These initiatives empower individuals with the knowledge and tools needed to manage Parkinson’s more effectively. 

Equity, diversity, and inclusion are central to CARE Fund’s mission. The program emphasizes initiatives that support marginalized or underrepresented groups, ensuring that all individuals within the Parkinson’s community receive the care they need. Additionally, sustainability is a key consideration – funded programs must develop long-term strategies to continue beyond the grant period, ensuring lasting benefits and reducing reliance on short-term funding. 

By bridging resource gaps, CARE Fund supports programs delivered in-person, virtually, or through hybrid models, ensuring accessibility for individuals in all regions. These efforts break down barriers to participation, making crucial resources available to those who might otherwise be excluded.  

To summarize, CARE Fund focuses on three key objectives: 

  • Bridging gaps in access to resources by funding programs that support individuals in remote or underserved areas. 
  • Promoting equity and inclusion by ensuring marginalized or underrepresented groups within the Parkinson’s community receive necessary support. 
  • Ensuring sustainability by funding initiatives that develop long-term strategies for ongoing program success beyond the grant period. 

Programs eligible for funding must align with one or more of the following focus areas: 

  1. Exercise programming – Providing education and activities led by professionals experienced in Parkinson’s-specific exercise fields (e.g., dance, Tai Chi, adaptive fitness, etc.). 
  1. Education and skill-building initiatives – Equipping individuals and their caregivers with knowledge and practical tools to enhance their well-being. 
  1. Mental health and Parkinson’s – Offering support programs that foster emotional, psychological, and social well-being for those affected by Parkinson’s. 

Funding details

  • Parkinson Canada has allocated $100,000 for CARE Fund. 
  • Grants range from $5,000 to $25,000 for a one-year period. 
  • A detailed budget justification is required. 
  • Applications below the minimum amount may be considered on a case-by-case basis. 

Key dates and how to apply

Key Dates 

  • Online application opens: April 15, 2025 
  • RFA release: April 15, 2025 
  • Application deadline: June 1, 2025 
  • Review period: June & July 2025 
  • Award notification: Late August 2025 
  • Grant period: September 1, 2025 – August 31, 2026 

Application Process 

Check out the full 2025 Parkinson Canada CARE Fund – Request for Applications document for full details about the program. 

When you’re ready to submit an application, visit: https://parkinsoncan.smapply.io/res/p/carefund/