What Can the NovaScience Program Fund?
The NovaScience Program is an essential funding initiative aimed at fostering the growth of scientific culture and innovation across Quebec. This program supports projects that cultivate skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), with a focus on inclusivity and broad societal engagement. Here, we outline the types of expenses that the NovaScience Program can fund, helping organizations understand how to align their projects with the program’s financial support.
Program Funding Overview
The NovaScience Program offers non-repayable grants to support the realization of projects that contribute to scientific culture and innovation in Quebec. The program is designed to enhance public engagement with science and technology through events, partnerships, and activities that target a wide range of audiences, including young students and professionals in STEM fields.
Funding Amounts & Rates
The maximum funding available through the NovaScience Program is up to $200,000 per project. For eligible non-profit organizations (NPOs), the program can cover up to 80% of eligible expenses. For for-profit organizations, the coverage extends up to 50% of eligible costs. Organizations are allowed to submit up to two applications per call for projects.
Eligible Expenses
Eligible expenses under the NovaScience Program include a comprehensive range of costs essential to executing projects in scientific culture and innovation. These expenses include:
Salaries: Wages for project staff directly involved in the project’s execution.
Professional Fees: Costs for consultants and experts contributing specialized knowledge or services.
Scholarships: Financial support for students participating in project-related educational activities.
Materials: Purchase of essential materials required for project implementation.
Equipment and Venue Rentals: Costs associated with leasing equipment and venues necessary for project activities.
Travel and Accommodation: Expenses for travel within Quebec related to the project.
Knowledge Dissemination: Costs associated with the publication and distribution of project findings and materials.
Advertising: Expenses for promoting events or project-related activities to the public.
Intellectual Property: Costs associated with securing intellectual property rights if applicable.
Administrative and Management Fees: Overhead costs directly associated with project management.
Ineligible Expenses
The program does not cover certain expenses, including but not limited to:
General operational costs not directly related to the project.
Capital expenditures such as building purchase or renovation.
Activities outside the scope of the program’s objectives.
Expense Documentation Requirements
To ensure compliance and transparency, applicants must provide detailed documentation for all claimed expenses. This includes:
Invoices and receipts for purchases.
Contracts for professional services.
Proof of payment for salaries and scholarships.
Documentation of travel itineraries and accommodation receipts.
Examples of Funded Projects
Projects that have been successfully funded by the NovaScience Program include:
Community science festivals aimed at engaging youth and families in STEM.
Educational workshops for underrepresented groups in technology fields.
Virtual tours and interactive sessions with scientists to demystify STEM careers.
Funding Disbursement & Claiming Process
Funding from the NovaScience Program is typically disbursed through a reimbursement model after expenses have been incurred and verified. Organizations must submit detailed claims with supporting documentation to receive funding.
Stacking Rules
The NovaScience Program allows for the stacking of funds with other government grants, provided the total government assistance does not exceed the specified percentage of eligible expenses (80% for NPOs and 50% for for-profit organizations).
Real-World Budgeting Tips
To maximize funding efficiency, organizations should:
Ensure all expenses align with program objectives and eligibility criteria.
Maintain meticulous records for all project-related expenditures.
Plan for potential funding gaps by allocating resources strategically.
Conclusion
The NovaScience Program is a pivotal resource for organizations aiming to contribute to the scientific and technological fabric of Quebec. By understanding and leveraging the eligible expenses within this program, organizations can effectively plan and execute projects that foster innovation and inclusivity in STEM.
