MRC Charlevoix — Special Projects Fund

This grant provides targeted financing options to support innovative and impactful projects that contribute to the region's economic vitality. The funding is structured to ensure optimal benefit to the projects considered.

• The aid is provided as a non-recurrent subsidy.
• Financing is offered up to 50% of the total project cost, with a maximum cap of $5,000.
• Cumulative financial support from government sources and the MRC of Charlevoix cannot exceed 80% of eligible expenses.
• A minimum 20% funding contribution is required from the applicant.
• Funding disbursement does not imply future financial support for subsequent requests.
• Pre-engaged or realized expenditure projects before submission are not eligible for funding.
• Operational funding for regular organization activities is not supported by this grant.
• Projects typically funded by municipal budgets or government programs are not eligible for support.
• Debt servicing, future loan repayments, or already completed projects will not be funded.
• Local projects requiring recurring financial support are not considered for funding.
• Funds disbursed 50% at protocol signature, with final payments upon submission of all required justifications and a final balance report.

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific criteria related to the type of organization and the nature of the project.

• The applicant must be a municipality, a municipal organization, an MRC, a non-profit organization, or a cooperative, excluding financial cooperatives.
• The grant is not available for private companies or groups of individuals.
• The project should have a significant economic and social impact and align with the specific objectives of the fund.
• Projects are evaluated based on their potential for self-financing and the balance between sought partners.

Who is eligible?

This fund is intended for municipalities, municipal organizations, and non-profit organizations (excluding financial cooperatives). Private businesses and groups of individuals are not eligible to apply for this funding.

Who is not eligible

The MRC Charlevoix — Special Projects Fund is not accessible to certain types of entities based on their status. The restrictions ensure that funding is allocated to eligible organizations that promote community-oriented projects.

• Private for-profit companies.
• Groups of individuals.
• Cooperatives that are financial in nature.

Eligible expenses

The grant covers specific expenses directly associated with the development and execution of projects that adhere to the objectives of the MRC Charlevoix.

• Study of prefeasibility, analysis, or feasibility.
• Costs related to exploratory initiatives.
• Professional fees.
• Capital expenditures for assets such as land, building, equipment, machinery, fleet, incorporation fees, and other similar expenses.
• Acquisition of technology, software or systems, patents, and other related expenses.
• Other costs inherent to the development and implementation of the project.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is provided by the MRC de Charlevoix and is likely intended for projects that impact its economic territory. Eligible locations are determined by the jurisdiction of the funding body.

• Regions within the MRC de Charlevoix.

The evaluation and selection of projects for the MRC Charlevoix Special Projects Fund are designed to assess proposals based on their alignment with strategic objectives and potential impacts.

• Impact of the project on economic and social development.
• Potential for creating sustainable jobs.
• Degree of alignment with the specific objectives of the fund, such as diversification and development of new markets.
• Level of innovation and whether the project acts as a lever for significant initiatives.
• Ability of the project to achieve a balance of financial inputs from different partners.
• Potential for autonomous financial sustainability.

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

• The grant cannot be used to finance activities or expenditures that have already been initiated or completed before the project submission to the MRC de Charlevoix.
• Ongoing operational costs of an organization cannot be covered by this financial assistance.
• Projects approved by the MRC council will be subject to a specific agreement protocol, outlining terms of financial aid payment and party obligations.
• A minimum investment of 20% from the applicant is required for a project to qualify for assistance.
• Financial assistance from combined government and MRC sources cannot exceed 80% of eligible project expenditures.
• Financial assistance is non-recurrent and will be distributed in two disbursements: 50% upon protocol signature and the remainder upon submission of required proof from the recipient organization.