Grant and Funding Programs Offered by Fondation de la Fédération des médecins spécialistes du Québec

The Foundation of the Federation of Medical Specialists of Quebec is a charitable foundation created in 2012 by the Fédération des médecins spécialistes du Québec. It is dedicated exclusively to improving the living conditions of family and informal caregivers (PPA) throughout Québec. The Foundation strengthens the link between medical specialists, patients and caregivers by providing financial support to non-profit and registered charitable organizations that develop services, tools and environments tailored to caregivers’ needs.

Since its creation, the Foundation has supported more than 190 organizations and over 500 projects across the province, providing more than 13 million dollars in financial assistance. Its interventions cover many regions and a wide variety of initiatives, such as respite camps, psychosocial support services, proximity care for children with complex conditions, and new tools to guide caregivers through the health and social services network.

The Foundation finances initiatives that fall under three strategic axes: recognition of caregivers, training and capacity-building, and access to information and resources. Supported projects can raise public and institutional awareness of caregivers’ roles, develop training for caregivers and health professionals, share best practices, and create practical tools or digital platforms to orient caregivers toward appropriate services.

Two broad types of projects are eligible: short-term projects (around one year), including pilot projects or punctual interventions, and long-term projects (typically over three years) aimed at scaling up or consolidating proven initiatives. The Foundation provides indicative budget ranges, from small grants starting around $15,000 up to large, multi-year contributions that can reach several hundred thousand dollars, depending on project scope and duration.

Eligible applicants are Québec-based non-profit and charitable organizations that are qualified donees under the Income Tax Act. Projects must be carried out entirely in Québec, align with the Foundation’s mission, and help strengthen the physician–patient–caregiver triad. Proposals are evaluated using a weighted grid that looks at measurable impact, feasibility, innovation, attention to vulnerable caregiver groups, and the potential for systemic and lasting change in care and services.

The Foundation also pays particular attention to replicability or strong community anchoring, financial sustainability, and co-funding prospects. Some categories are explicitly excluded, such as basic organizational operating funding, real estate purchases, purely academic activities, fundraising campaigns, scholarships, and projects from for-profit companies or directly from public institutions.

The Foundation launches one call for projects per year, open for about two months. Submitted projects are reviewed by an analysis committee using the established criteria, and final decisions are made by the Foundation’s board of directors. Selected organizations receive tailored feedback where necessary, for example to encourage partnerships or feasibility studies before full funding is committed.

Recipient organizations must provide impact reports and financial statements in line with agreed reporting requirements, ensuring transparent and responsible use of funds. The Foundation publishes annual reports and a policy on the allocation of donations and endowments, and it communicates widely on the projects it supports to build a more caring, caregiver-inclusive health system in Québec.