Role of the Foundation of the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières in the funding ecosystem
The Foundation of the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (Fondation de l’UQTR) is the main philanthropic vehicle supporting UQTR’s mission. It mobilizes individual and institutional donors to finance student success, research, teaching quality and the development of modern infrastructure at UQTR’s campuses. Since 1986, major fundraising campaigns have enabled the Foundation to channel substantial resources into the university community.
Main funding areas and types of support
A central role of the Foundation is to award a wide range of scholarships to UQTR students. Each year, several hundred scholarships are offered, including excellence awards, financial support scholarships, involvement and leadership awards, research scholarships and sports scholarships. These awards help students cover living and study costs, recognize their academic and extracurricular achievements and encourage perseverance.
Beyond individual aid, the Foundation finances research projects and research chairs that allow students to work with highly qualified researchers. It supports innovative research programs that contribute to both fundamental and applied knowledge, with concrete impacts in key societal sectors. Dedicated funds also exist to accelerate strategic initiatives, foster collaboration with the surrounding community and improve learning environments.
The Foundation additionally invests in infrastructures and equipment. Donor contributions have helped renovate laboratories, replace obsolete materials with state‑of‑the‑art equipment and construct new facilities, such as the student life pavilion and the Drummondville campus. Calls for projects and internal procedures allow members of the university community to submit funding requests for infrastructure or equipment needs.
Support for student projects and special initiatives
The Foundation backs numerous student‑led projects that complement academic training. These initiatives include participation in national and international competitions, practice‑oriented projects, and activities that showcase UQTR. By providing financial support, the Foundation helps students develop professional skills, broaden their experience and enhance the university’s visibility.
Application procedures and governance
Several pages on the Foundation’s portal link to procedures for submitting a financial support request for research projects, infrastructure and equipment, and student projects. Scholarship offerings are presented through UQTR’s central scholarship portal, which includes application forms and the list of annual recipients. The Foundation also manages various thematic funds—such as acceleration, departmental, emergency support and eco‑responsible funds—fed by donations from individuals, employees and partners.
In addition to monetary contributions, the Foundation accepts in‑kind donations of equipment, materials, books and works of art intended for laboratories, research activities and teaching. These donations are appraised and recognized with appropriate tax receipts, reinforcing the Foundation’s role as a bridge between donors and the academic community.