Role of the Asselin Foundation of Cégep de Jonquière in the funding ecosystem
The Asselin Foundation of Cégep de Jonquière (FACJ) is a charitable foundation dedicated to supporting education, research and innovation at Cégep de Jonquière, in Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean. Active since 1968, it mobilizes donors and partners to provide financial support that strengthens student success, combats drop-out and improves the quality of teaching and campus life.
The Foundation administers several complementary funding mechanisms. It awards bursaries to students, particularly those facing psychosocial, learning or financial difficulties, in order to encourage perseverance and re-engagement in their studies. It also offers emergency and support bursaries, with clearly defined eligibility criteria, typical amounts and an online application process, in collaboration with the Cégep’s financial aid service.
Beyond individual support, the Foundation funds project grants for the student community, teachers, professionals and researchers. Through its “Subventions projets” program, it supports pedagogical, research and innovation initiatives that improve the learning environment, reduce barriers to graduation, and generate concrete benefits for students. Calls for projects, selection criteria, evaluation procedures and reporting expectations are clearly described, and applications can be submitted via online forms twice a year.
Funds, themes and target audiences
FACJ manages several dedicated funds aligned with strategic priorities of the Cégep and its community. The Fonds de la vie étudiante supports sociocultural and sports activities, helping to sustain a rich campus life and visibility plan in partnership with external sponsors. The Eco-Impact Fund finances concrete initiatives that contribute to the Cégep’s carbon neutrality objectives and promote sustainable mobility, such as the Accès Libre public transport project.
Other funds target specific student populations. The Éric and Patrick Lévesque Fund provides financial support to students living with Charlevoix ataxia or other neuromuscular diseases, and can also finance projects that improve services or equipment tailored to their needs. The Lise and Jean Fortin Fund offers substantial annual scholarship envelopes to reward excellence and encourage the pursuit of higher education among graduates of administrative techniques, pre-university programs and a research–studies pathway.
General evaluation criteria and governance
Across its programs, the Foundation emphasizes values such as shared responsibility, equity between people and generations, perseverance in school and fair distribution of resources. Priority is given to projects that reduce obstacles to graduation, enrich pedagogical practice, align with the Cégep’s strategic plan and involve active student participation. For project grants and certain funds, a selection committee evaluates requests within budget limits and may require a final report demonstrating achievement of objectives and use of funds.
Through annual fundraising campaigns and partnerships with businesses, financial institutions and community organizations, the Asselin Foundation significantly amplifies the impact of each donated dollar on the college community. Its diversified bursary and grant portfolio makes it a key player in educational funding in the Jonquière region.