€100,000 Allocated for Elderly and Community Activities in 2026

The Girona City Council has approved a budget of €100,000 for grants supporting activities aimed at older residents and local non-profit organisations in 2026. This marks an increase of €10,000 from the previous year and continues a rising trend from the €68,000 allocated three years prior. Applications are open via the municipal procedures portal until 18 September. The funding is divided into two categories: one for pensioners' associations and municipal senior centres (casals), and another for projects run by non-profit groups across the city.

Support for Senior Centres and Grassroots Organisations

Senior centres can receive up to 90% of eligible project costs, capped at €10,000 per initiative. Other non-profits may claim up to 50% of total costs, with a maximum of €5,000. These terms maintain conditions set in the previous round. The evaluation criteria prioritise social relevance, user participation, and network collaboration for senior centre projects. For broader community initiatives, emphasis is placed on social interest, community impact, and especially inclusion and accessibility standards.

We want older people to find in their neighbourhood activities that interest them, for health, learning, leisure, creativity, sport, culture, and above all, spaces to enjoy, connect, and take part in community life.

Councillor Gemma Martínez Villagrasa, responsible for the City that Cares, Environmental Services, and Animal Welfare, stressed the role of these groups in strengthening community ties. She highlighted how such activities foster cultural engagement, health promotion, intergenerational action, and local traditions. Martínez noted that volunteer-led efforts help sustain neighbourhood vitality and support inclusive urban life. The council’s commitment aims to stabilise the network of senior centres and empower local associations to lead initiatives rooted in community needs.

Primary sources: eb.girona.cat, Ajuntament de Girona. Reported by diarideladiscapacitat.cat, Redacció/Fonts, xarxanet.org, Diari de la Discapacitat.