Community Interaction Program — Awareness-raising
Highlights
This program is a fantastic opportunity for your business to secure funding for projects that enhance and protect the St. Lawrence ecosystem. By participating, you can receive up to 70% of your project costs covered, with a maximum of $200,000 for restoration and protection projects. This financial support can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket expenses, allowing you to focus on impactful environmental initiatives.
What You Get
- Up to $200,000 in funding for restoration and protection projects
- Up to $100,000 for awareness-raising activities
- Up to $25,000 for study projects
- Up to $200,000 for study-action projects
Benefits
- Significant financial support: Cover up to 70% of eligible project expenses.
- Diverse project categories: Funding available for awareness-raising, studies, study-action, and restoration/protection.
- Community involvement: Enhance your business's reputation by contributing to the conservation of the St. Lawrence ecosystem.
Applying is straightforward, and the program officers are available to assist you throughout the process. This is a unique chance to make a positive environmental impact while receiving substantial financial backing.
Financing Details
Type of Financing: Grant
Repayment Terms and Interest Rates:
- No repayment required.
- No interest rates apply as this is a grant.
Eligible Expenses:
- Human resources, including salaries and benefits.
- Management and professional services, such as communications, graphic design, and translation.
- Travel expenses.
- Equipment and supplies.
- Printing, production, and distribution costs.
- Equipment purchase or rental.
- Vehicle rental and use.
- Contractors required for project activities.
- Reasonable share of overhead and/or administrative costs.
- GST and QST amounts not reimbursable by the Canada Revenue Agency or the Quebec government.
Ineligible Expenses:
- Land or infrastructure maintenance.
- Contaminated site remediation projects.
- Lobbying activities.
- Recurring projects.
- Operating expenditures not related to the projects.
- Creation of organizations.
- Land purchases.
Fees:
- No fees are associated with this grant program.
Qualifications
- Must be a non-profit non-government organization.
- Must have been legally constituted for at least one year.
- Must have an established place of business in Quebec.
- Must demonstrate a charter under Quebec’s Companies Act (Part III) or its equivalent.
Indigenous communities are eligible.
Disqualifications:
- Individuals.
- Departments and government agencies.
- Municipalities.
- Educational institutions.
- Private companies.
Description
This program offers your business a chance to receive up to $200,000 in funding. This money can be used for various projects that aim to conserve and improve the St. Lawrence ecosystem.
Funding can cover up to 70% of your project costs, which can include expenses like:
- Human resources (salaries and benefits)
- Management and professional services
- Travel and equipment
- Printing and production
- Contractors for project activities
Eligible projects fall into several categories, such as awareness-raising, studies, study-action, and restoration/protection efforts. This means you can use the funds for activities like shoreline clean-ups, habitat restoration, or public awareness campaigns.
The program encourages community involvement and partnerships, making it a great way to engage with local organizations and stakeholders. Projects can last up to 36 months, giving you ample time to see your initiatives through to completion.
This is a valuable opportunity to enhance your business's role in environmental conservation while receiving substantial financial support.
Program Steps
Contact a Project Officer: Reach out to a project officer to discuss your project idea and confirm its eligibility. They can provide guidance and feedback on your preliminary proposal.
Prepare Documentation: Gather the necessary documents for your application. These include:
- Completed application form
- Detailed project proposal
- Budget plan
- Letters of support from partners
- Maps or photographs of the project area
- Any required approvals or permits
Develop a Project Proposal: Write a clear and detailed project proposal. Include:
- Description of the environmental problem
- Rationale for the project
- Environmental scope
- Community and partner involvement
- Target group
- Communications plan
- Realistic budget estimate
- Schedule and work methodologies
Secure Matching Funds and Partnerships: Identify and secure matching funds and partnerships. Ensure that at least 10% of the total funding is in cash if the project value exceeds $35,000. Obtain letters of support from partners detailing their contributions.
Submit the Application: Send your completed and signed application by one of the following methods:
- By Mail: Community Interaction Program, 1550, D’Estimauville Avenue, Quebec QC G1J 0C3
- By Fax: 418-649-6674
- By Email: [email protected]
Await Response: After submission, wait for a response, which typically takes about 16 weeks. Be prepared to provide additional information if requested.
Finalizing Agreements: If your project is selected, finalize agreements with all partners and confirm all matching funds. An agreement will be signed with the program to formalize the funding.
Implement the Project: Once funding is secured, begin implementing your project according to the approved plan and schedule. Ensure all activities are documented and performance indicators are tracked.
Report Progress: Regularly report on the progress of your project, including any changes or challenges encountered. Submit required documentation and updates as specified in the agreement.
Complete and Review: Upon project completion, review the outcomes against the performance indicators. Submit a final report detailing the achievements and any lessons learned.
