How much funding can be received?

The Agricultural Biodiversity Enhancement Program provides financial support covering up to 75% of eligible project costs for initiatives aimed at restoring, planning, and developing wildlife habitats and biodiversity on agricultural land in Quebec. Eligible activities include ecological restoration, habitat improvement, and knowledge transfer initiatives that promote sustainable agricultural practices beneficial to wildlife and biodiversity.

Financing terms and conditions

Financial assistance can cover up to 75% of eligible project costs.
The funding period may not exceed 24 months.
Eligible administration and office costs are limited to a maximum of 10% of total eligible expenses.
Annual support for computer equipment rental or depreciation is capped at 33% of the equipment’s value, calculated over three years from purchase date.

Eligible projects & activities

Planning and implementing the restoration of wildlife habitats in agricultural areas, including terrestrial, riparian, wetland, and aquatic environments.
Restoring or improving ecological connectivity between different wildlife habitats through ecological corridors or hydrological connections.
Developing or enhancing wildlife habitats, such as creating shelters, nesting boxes, or habitat structures, as part of restoration initiatives.
Conducting knowledge transfer activities to encourage the adoption of beneficial practices for wildlife and biodiversity, such as workshops or educational materials.
Preparing pre-project studies or individualized management plans to address specific habitat issues and propose targeted restoration or enhancement actions.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 45,000

Orchard hedgerow planting for pollinators and beneficial insects

$ 51,000

Restoring riparian buffer strips along farm watercourses

$ 63,000

Wetland restoration to improve amphibian habitats on crop fields

$ 69,000

Creating ecological corridors on farmland for wildlife movement

$ 27,000

Workshop series on biodiversity best practices for farm groups

$ 31,000

Constructing nest boxes to support bird populations on farmlands

Eligibility criteria of the Agricultural biodiversity enhancement program program

The applicant must be a legally constituted public or private organization operating within the agricultural sector of Quebec (e.g., federations, advisory clubs, non-profits, or conservation organizations).
Individuals and agricultural businesses are not eligible.
The project must target the improvement, restoration, or enhancement of wildlife habitats and biodiversity in agricultural environments.
The project must demonstrate collective involvement at a territorial scale (such as a watershed, regional municipality, or municipality) with clear engagement of multiple active producers, supported by documented evidence of their participation.

Who is eligible?

Public organizations legally constituted and working in the agricultural sector
Private organizations legally constituted and working in the agricultural sector

Who is not eligible

Private individuals and agricultural businesses (farms) are not eligible to apply.

Eligible expenses

Salaries and regular employee benefits directly related to project coordination, supervision, and execution, including travel expenses when applicable.
Fees for specialists and consultants essential to the project.
Administrative and office expenses (rent, office supplies, photocopying, telephone, postage, accounting), up to 10% of total eligible expenses.
Costs related to the purchase of materials, tools, and light equipment required for the project.
Rental costs for machinery or equipment used during the project.
Transportation and installation expenses for equipment directly linked to project activities.
Rental or amortization costs of computer equipment for the duration of the project, limited to 33% of the equipment's value annually over three years from purchase date.

Eligible geographic areas

The entire agricultural territory of Quebec.

Eligibility criteria of the Agricultural biodiversity enhancement program program

Priority of the main project activity within the program framework.
Quality and strength of the collective approach demonstrated in the application.
Expected benefits and positive impact on wildlife habitats and biodiversity (faunal gains).
Relevance and appropriateness of the intervention to address the identified issues.
Quality of the application and level of project planning.
Soundness of the financial plan and cost-benefit ratio.
Applicant’s capacity to deliver and monitor the project results.
Level of collaboration among partners (agricultural, environmental, wildlife, etc.).

How to apply to the Agricultural biodiversity enhancement program program

Prepare your project and verification

Review the official program information document
Ensure your project aligns with program objectives and eligible activities
Assess your organization's admissibility

Prepare your application dossier

Gather all required documents and supporting materials
Complete the official application form
Prepare maps, financial indicators, letters of support, and other required attachments

Validate your application

Review your complete application for accuracy and eligibility
Ensure all mandatory fields and documents are included
Validate the collective involvement and consent of landowners if applicable

Submit your application

Submit the completed application form and required documents
Send all materials electronically to the Fondation de la faune du Québec at projets@fondationdelafaune.qc.ca
Ensure submission is before the January 15 deadline

Wait for the decision

Await review of your application by the evaluation committee
Potential follow-up for missing or clarifying information
Expect a processing time of about 12 weeks

Additional information

Successful applicants must obtain all necessary permits and authorizations before starting their project.
For restoration or development projects, a follow-up and maintenance report must be submitted annually for three years after completion.
The Foundation reserves the right to perform on-site inspections during the three-year follow-up period.
Required supporting documents, such as proof of collective engagement or property owner consent, must be included with the application to avoid ineligibility.