How much funding can be received?

Get up to $100,000 in funding for an awareness project arising from a specific environmental issue that target a particular group in the community and lead to concrete short-term actions.

grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions

The Community Interaction Program provides financial assistance with specific modalities aimed at supporting community projects focused on the St. Lawrence ecosystem. The funding structure is designed to maximize impact through shared responsibility and partnerships.

The program funds up to 70% of the total value of eligible project expenses.
Maximum funding amounts vary by project category: up to $100,000 for awareness-raising, $25,000 for study projects, $200,000 for study-action projects, and up to $200,000 for restoration and/or protection of biodiversity.
Eligible expenses include human resource costs, management and professional services, travel, equipment, production, and reasonable overhead and administrative costs.
Projects over $35,000 must secure at least 10% of the funding in matching cash from partners.
Both cash and in-kind contributions are accepted as matching funds, with requirements for documentation and confirmation of partnerships.

grant_single_labels|projects

The Community Interaction Program supports projects focused on enhancing and conserving the St. Lawrence ecosystem through various targeted activities. Eligible projects aim to raise awareness and incite actionable environmental change among specific community groups.

Conducting seminars, forums, and symposiums to engage the public on environmental issues.
Organizing information sessions to educate on specific environmental challenges and potential solutions.
Developing concertation projects that bring together various stakeholders for environmental collaboration.
Implementing nature interpretation projects to enhance understanding of local ecosystems.
Creating academic projects that contribute to environmental education and awareness.
Initiating tourism or historical projects with an environmental focus.

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$ 75,000

Implementing a public awareness campaign on the benefits of native plant species in urban areas

$ 40,000

Organizing a shoreline clean-up event involving local schools and community groups

$ 90,000

Developing an educational program focusing on plastic pollution in the ocean

$ 75,000

Creating an action plan for the restoration of a wetland

$ 65,000

Conducting a feasibility study for habitat restoration to protect unique plant species

$ 85,000

Holding a symposium to discuss the impact of urban development on local rivers

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's organization type and location.

The applicant must be a non-profit non-government organization.
The organization must have been legally constituted for at least one year.
A recognized place of business must be established in Quebec.
The organization must have a charter under Quebec’s Companies Act (Part III) or its equivalent.
Indigenous communities are also eligible.
Individuals, departments, government agencies, municipalities, educational institutions, and private companies are not eligible.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

This grant is available to non-profit non-government organizations and Indigenous communities that wish to engage in projects aimed at conserving and improving the St. Lawrence ecosystem. The applying organization must be legally constituted with a charter under Quebec’s Companies Act (Part III) or its equivalent and have an established place of business in Quebec. Individuals, departments, government agencies, municipalities, educational institutions, and private companies are not eligible to apply for this grant.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

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.

grant_eligibility_criteria|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.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

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.

grant_single_labels|criteria

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.

grant_single_labels|register

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.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

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.

grant_single_labels|contact

ec.interactionscommunautaires-communityinteraction.ec@canada.ca

418-648-3444

Apply to this program

Empowering Communities to Protect the St. Lawrence Ecosystem

The Community Interaction Program (CIP) offers funding opportunities for non-profit organizations and Indigenous communities to develop projects aimed at conserving and enhancing the St. Lawrence ecosystem. This grant prioritizes community involvement, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable water quality improvements.

Understanding the Community Interaction Program: Detailed Insights and Guidelines

The Community Interaction Program (CIP) is an essential initiative focused on supporting projects that contribute to the conservation and enhancement of the St. Lawrence ecosystem. Administered in Quebec, this program is tailored for non-profit organizations and Indigenous communities that are actively participating in environmental stewardship to benefit the region's ecology. Recognizing the global importance of the St. Lawrence River, the CIP aims to foster community-driven efforts to preserve this vital ecosystem for future generations.

Eligible projects under the CIP are categorized into Awareness-raising, Study, Study-action, and Restoration/Protection, each addressing significant environmental issues pertinent to the St. Lawrence. Awareness-raising projects are designed to engage and educate communities on specific environmental challenges, promoting behavioral changes that lead to tangible outcomes. Study projects develop actionable plans for addressing ecological concerns, while Study-action initiatives bridge planning with direct implementation to achieve comprehensive environmental improvements. In the Restoration and/or Protection category, the focus is on practical interventions to restore degraded habitats, stabilize shorelines, and protect indigenous flora and fauna from pollution impacts.

Applying for the CIP requires a detailed proposal that outlines the project's scope, methodology, and anticipated impacts. It is crucial to demonstrate community engagement, as the program emphasizes cooperative efforts and partnerships in achieving its objectives. Applications must convincingly argue the project's alignment with Regional Integrated Management Plans (RIMPs) or other strategic environmental frameworks guiding regional conservation efforts.

Funding from the CIP can cover up to 70% of eligible expenses within defined limits per project category. This includes costs related to human resources, equipment rental, professional services, and other necessary expenditures to facilitate project execution. Securing matching funds or partnerships is a key component of the proposal process, as projects exceeding $35,000 in total value require at least 10% of matching funds in cash by project partners. Creating partnerships with various stakeholders enhances the project's credibility and fortifies community support.

Applicants must ensure all regulatory approvals are addressed promptly to avoid implementation delays. Each project's success is measured using specific performance indicators like the extent of habitat protected, the number of plants restored, and community participation metrics. These indicators not only gauge the project's immediate impact but also aid in planning for long-term sustainability.

Overall, the Community Interaction Program offers a unique opportunity for community-based organizations to secure the resources needed for meaningful environmental interventions. By promoting projects that are both scientifically sound and community-driven, the CIP plays a vital role in sustaining the ecological health of the St. Lawrence, ensuring it continues to thrive as a vital natural resource and a symbol of Quebec's rich environmental heritage.