Community Interaction Program — Study projects
Highlights
This program is a fantastic opportunity for your business to secure funding for projects that conserve and improve the St. Lawrence ecosystem. By participating, you can receive up to 70% of your project expenses covered, with a maximum of $200,000 for restoration and protection projects. This financial support can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs, 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
- Flexible funding: Use the funds for a variety of eligible expenses, including human resources, equipment, and travel.
- Community involvement: Enhance your project's impact by engaging local partners and volunteers.
- Expert guidance: Access support from project officers to ensure your application is strong and meets all criteria.
Applying is straightforward, and with the program's support, your business can make a meaningful contribution to the sustainability of the St. Lawrence ecosystem.
Financing Details
Type of Financing: Grant
Repayment Terms:
- No repayment required.
Eligible Expenses:
- Human resources, including salaries and benefits.
- Management and professional services (e.g., communications, graphic design, 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 and the Quebec government.
Ineligible Expenses:
- Operating expenditures not related to the projects.
- Creation of organizations.
- Land purchases.
- Contaminated site remediation projects.
- Projects under government or municipal jurisdiction.
- Lobbying activities.
- Recurring projects.
- Activities that are already underway or completed.
- Annual activities, regular events, competitions, and fundraising events.
Fees:
- No fees associated with the program.
Qualifications
- Must be a non-profit non-government organization.
- Must be 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.
- Government agencies.
- Municipalities.
- Educational institutions.
- Private companies.
Description
This program offers your business a chance to receive up to $200,000 in funding. The money can be used for projects that help conserve and improve the St. Lawrence ecosystem. This includes activities like shoreline clean-up, habitat restoration, and water quality improvement.
Funding Breakdown:
- Awareness-raising projects: Up to $100,000
- Study projects: Up to $25,000
- Study-action projects: Up to $200,000
- Restoration and/or protection projects: Up to $200,000
The program covers 70% of eligible project expenses. This means you only need to cover 30% of the costs. Eligible expenses include salaries, travel, equipment, and professional services.
Why this is beneficial for your business:
- Significant financial support: Up to 70% of your project costs covered.
- Diverse project types: Funding available for a variety of projects, from studies to hands-on restoration.
- Community impact: Your project can make a real difference in conserving the St. Lawrence ecosystem.
This is a great opportunity to get financial help for projects that benefit both your business and the environment.
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. This includes:
- 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
- Plans and specifications, if applicable
Develop Your Project Proposal: Clearly outline your project’s objectives, activities, and expected outcomes. Include a description of the problem, the rationale for the project, and the environmental scope. Detail the methodology, implementation schedule, and performance indicators.
Secure Matching Funds and Partnerships: Identify and secure matching funds from partners. Ensure that at least 10% of the total funding is in cash if your project exceeds $35,000. Obtain letters of support from partners detailing their contributions.
Submit Your Application: Send your completed and signed application by mail, fax, or email by the March 1 or October 15 deadline. Ensure all required documents are included and the information is clear, accurate, and comprehensive.
Await Response: After submission, expect a response within 16 weeks. Be prepared to provide any additional information if requested during the review process.
