Role of the Foundation of the Université du Québec à Rimouski in the funding ecosystem
The Foundation of the Université du Québec à Rimouski (Fondation de l’UQAR) is the main philanthropic arm of UQAR. Created in 1976, it mobilizes donations from graduates, individuals, companies and institutional partners in order to support the university’s development and long-term sustainability. Each year it invests more than 3 million dollars in the form of study scholarships and funding for teaching, research, infrastructure and development projects, with a stated concern for equity and balance across sectors.
Main funding axes and programs
The foundation offers a diversified portfolio of financial support targeting primarily the student community and the broader university ecosystem. For students, it manages several bursary families:
- Entrance scholarships at the bachelor level, automatically awarded to new undergraduates whose admission file stands out, providing key support at the start of their university studies.
- Excellence scholarships, granted annually to members of the student community who distinguish themselves through academic performance, involvement and the overall quality of their trajectory at UQAR.
- Perseverance scholarships, aimed at students facing financial precarity or balancing family life and studies, in order to create learning environments conducive to success.
The foundation also supports student projects that energize campus life or enhance UQAR’s visibility. In partnership with UQAR, student associations and Desjardins, it co-manages the Student Project Support Fund (FSPÉ) for initiatives on campus and the Desjardins Fund for Student Projects (FDPÉ) for projects that promote the university beyond its walls. Clear eligibility criteria and application steps are provided through the UQAR student portal.
Beyond bursaries and campus life, the foundation directs substantial grants to research, entrepreneurship and strategic projects. In 2024 alone, it reports 2.7 million dollars in grants supporting research, entrepreneurial initiatives and major institutional projects, as well as 90 student projects completed.
General approach to evaluation and governance
The foundation publishes an annual report and audited financial statements, reflecting strong requirements for transparency and accountability as a non-profit organization. It has a code of ethics for board members and general by-laws that frame its decision-making and conduct. Calls for applications and competition sheets for distinctions and prizes, often hosted on UQAR’s website, set out detailed eligibility criteria, assessment parameters and selection procedures.
Awards, distinctions and overall impact
In addition to financial support, the foundation highlights and encourages excellence within the academic community by awarding several prizes and distinctions, such as the Alcide-C.-Horth and Pascal-Parent distinctions, the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion recognition prize, and prizes for the graduate community (Inspiration and Excellence awards). These recognitions help showcase remarkable academic, research and community achievements, reinforcing UQAR’s reputation.
Through its campaigns and major partnerships, the Foundation of UQAR has raised tens of millions of dollars since its creation, enabling the development of infrastructure like the Lévis sports centre, the creation of emergency funds for students and the launch of new targeted scholarships (for example, to support women in engineering). Its actions aim to strengthen access to higher education, improve student experience and contribute to the social, economic and cultural vitality of the regions served by UQAR.