Community Interaction Program — Awareness-raising

Who is eligible?

Who is not eligible

This grant is specifically targeted towards non-profit non-governmental organizations and Indigenous communities and excludes several types of organizations and businesses. The restrictions are in place to ensure alignment with the grant's environmental conservation and community involvement objectives.

• Individuals seeking funding for personal projects.
• Departments or agencies of federal, provincial, or local governments.
• Municipalities.
• Educational institutions.
• Private companies and for-profit businesses.

Eligible expenses

This grant supports various community projects aimed at conserving and enhancing the St. Lawrence ecosystem through awareness, studies, and restoration activities. Eligible projects focus on promoting biodiversity, improving water quality, and protecting specific habitats related to the St. Lawrence area.

• Awareness-raising activities addressing specific environmental problems with short-term concrete actions.
• Study projects developing action plans for implementation in the field.
• Study-action projects that involve both research and the subsequent implementation of the research findings.
• Restoration projects, which include shoreline clean-up, shoreline stabilization, and revegetation.
• Protection projects focusing on the conservation of important areas and sustainable use for habitat protection.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is focused on projects implemented in the St. Lawrence area to support the conservation and improvement of its ecosystem. Eligible geographical areas are specifically defined to encompass regions directly connected to the St. Lawrence River and its tributaries.

• The area between Cornwall and Gaspé on the south shore, including the Québec portion of Chaleur Bay.
• The Magdalen Islands.
• The area between Carillon and Blanc Sablon on the north shore, including Anticosti Island and the Saguenay River.
• Main tributaries and sections of secondary tributaries essential to the life cycle of species connected to the St. Lawrence.

The evaluation and selection of projects for the Community Interaction Program grant are based on specific criteria to ensure alignment with the program's objectives.

• Description of the problem the project aims to address.
• Rationale for the project and its need or significance.
• Scope and scale of the environmental impact.
• Level of community and partner involvement.
• Clear identification of the target group.
• Effectiveness of the proposed communications strategy.
• Realism and accuracy of the budget estimate.
• Plausibility of the project schedule and work methodologies.

Here are the steps to submit an application for the Community Interaction Program grant:

• Step 1: Determine Eligibility
  • Confirm your organization’s eligibility under Section A, ensuring it is a non-profit, non-government organization legally constituted for at least one year in Quebec or an Indigenous community.
  • Verify project eligibility using Section B and consult the project categories in Section C to determine the appropriate category.
• Step 2: Contact a Project Officer
  • Reach out to a project officer for initial consultation to verify project eligibility and gain guidance on the application process.
  • Submit a preliminary proposal and seek feedback, ensuring it is done at least one month before the deadline.
• Step 3: Prepare Your Application
  • Complete the CIP funding application form with clear, accurate details of your project.
  • Include all required documents, such as partnership letters, budget plans, and additional documents that support the environmental rationale of your project.
  • Ensure clarity in the "Human resources and staff experience," "Your project’s work plan," and "Your project’s communications plan" sections.
• Step 4: Compile Performance Indicators
  • Select and quantify relevant performance indicators to measure project outcomes, ensuring they are realistic and achievable.
  • Detail sustainability tools to ensure ongoing environmental benefits post-project completion.
• Step 5: Submit Your Application
  • Ensure your application is complete and signed.
  • Submit it by one of the following methods before the March 1 or October 15 deadlines:
    • By mail to Community Interaction Program, 1550, D’Estimauville Avenue, Quebec QC G1J 0C3.
    • By fax to 418-649-6674.
    • By email to ec.interactionscommunautaires-communityinteraction.ec@canada.ca.
• Step 6: Await Response
  • Expect a response approximately 16 weeks after the project submission date.
  • Consider this timeline when planning your project schedule.

Additional miscellaneous information about the Community Interaction Program grant includes essential requirements and compliance details for project approval.

• Proposals must clearly link project activities to the St. Lawrence ecosystem.
• Projects cannot exceed 36 consecutive months.
• Expected project outcomes must be realistic and measurable using specified performance indicators.
• All necessary environmental approvals and permits need to be acquired to avoid delays.
• Detailed documentation, including maps, photographs, and plans, should be submitted to support the proposal.
• Partnerships with community organizations and matching funds are crucial for project assessments.
• Finalized agreements require confirmations of all matching funds in the form of cash or in-kind contributions.
• Submissions must be sent by mail, fax, or email by March 1 or October 15 deadlines.