Grant and Funding Programs Offered by Foundation of Cégep du Vieux Montréal (FCVM)

Role of the Foundation of Cégep du Vieux Montréal in the funding ecosystem

The Foundation of Cégep du Vieux Montréal is a charitable organization created in 1991 to mobilize donors and partners in support of the college’s students. Since its creation, it has invested more than $11.5 million in projects whose common denominator is educational success, helping to sustain the quality of programs offered at the Cégep and the vitality of the student environment in Montréal’s Quartier latin.

The Foundation finances a wide range of initiatives: acquisition of cutting-edge equipment, development of innovative training spaces, support for cultural, sports, community, scientific and environmental activities, and improvement of sports facilities. Its support targets both regular and continuing education students, as well as certain projects that benefit local businesses and the surrounding community.

Main funding channels and types of support

• Scholarships and awards – The Foundation manages multiple scholarship programs, including the annual Merit Scholarships, which distribute more than $45,000 each year. These scholarships reward community engagement, leadership, perseverance and academic or artistic excellence, and are mainly presented at the Gala du mérite étudiant.
• Student aid programs – Dedicated funds such as the Emergency Fund and the Adélard Fund provide temporary financial assistance to students facing precarious situations, notably disability, financial hardship or learning difficulties.
• CANO program – The Contribution automatique non obligatoire (CANO) is a student contribution reinvested in projects that foster personal development and student life. Any enrolled student or Cégep service can apply for funding for pedagogical or student-life projects (e.g. internships, exhibitions, cultural or community trips). The Foundation sets clear eligibility criteria, indicative maximum amounts by project type and application deadlines each fall and winter term.
• Socio‑financing support – The Foundation can host crowdfunding campaigns on behalf of student or departmental projects, issuing tax receipts and managing donations through its secure donor management system, then transferring the funds based on a final expense report.
• Major campaigns – Through multi‑year major fundraising campaigns, the Foundation channels large donations into strategic projects such as a robotics research and training centre, high‑tech equipment, an ecodesign lab and the redevelopment of sports installations at the Centre d’éducation physique et de sports.
• Benefit events – An annual benefit event, such as the golf tournament, raises funds specifically for the Cégep’s football program, the Spartiates.

Supported audiences and overall impact

The Foundation’s mission is to be a partner in creating college experiences oriented toward success and personal fulfilment. It primarily serves students of Cégep du Vieux Montréal, including those in regular programs, continuing education and student‑athletes. Funding particularly targets students with disabilities, those in financial difficulty, student parents and others who may face barriers to persistence and graduation.

By combining scholarships, emergency aid, project funding and large infrastructure investments, the Foundation strengthens the Cégep’s capacity to offer an inclusive, stimulating learning environment and to maintain its leadership in innovative, human‑centred education.

Transparency, governance and accountability

The Foundation publishes annual reports that present its financial results, funded projects and impact. It has formal policies on privacy and governance of personal information, in line with Québec legislation, and designates a general director responsible for these policies. This governance framework supports the integrity of its fundraising and funding activities.