How much funding can be received?

Get up to $200,000 in funding for a restoration project arising from a specific environmental issue that helps conserve biodiversity and improve water quality in the St. Lawrence ecosystem.

grant_single_labels|projects

The Community Interaction Program (CIP) supports projects aimed at conserving and improving the St. Lawrence ecosystem through various activities. Eligible projects fall into categories such as awareness-raising, study, study-action, and restoration or protection.

Awareness-raising activities addressing specific environmental problems.
Study projects focused on developing action plans for environmental issues.
Study-action projects combining study phases with implementation actions.
Restoration and protection projects directly addressing St. Lawrence environmental issues.

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$75,000

Quebec City

Riverbank stabilization project to prevent erosion and improve water quality

$73,000

Laval

Rain garden installation to filter pollutants and improve water quality

$95,000

Trois-Rivières

Rehabilitation of fish habitats to enhance aquatic biodiversity

$90,000

Gatineau

Removal of invasive plant species to restore ecosystem balance

$86,000

Sherbrooke

Urban tree planting to improve air and water quality

$100,000

Montreal

Restoration of wetland areas to improve biodiversity and water quality near Montreal

grant_single_labels|admissibility

The company eligibility criteria for the Community Interaction Program are as follows:

Open to all non-profit non-government organizations that have been legally constituted for at least one year and have an established place of business in Quebec.
Organizations must demonstrate that they have a charter under Quebec’s Companies Act (Part III) or its equivalent.
Indigenous communities are eligible.
Individuals, departments, government agencies, municipalities, educational institutions, and private companies are not eligible.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

The Community Interaction Program is primarily available for non-profit, non-government organizations, and specific entities. Certain entities are specifically not eligible to apply for this grant.

Individuals
Departments
Government agencies
Municipalities
Educational institutions
Private companies

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

Eligible expenses for the Community Interaction Program (CIP) include costs incurred in the performance of your project, which need to be estimated at fair value.

Human resources, including salaries and benefits
Management and professional services, such as communications, graphic design, and translation into the official languages
Travel
Equipment and supplies
Printing, production, and distribution
Equipment purchase or rental
Vehicle rental and use
Contractors required to perform project activities
Reasonable share of overhead and/or administrative costs
GST amounts not reimbursable by the Canada Revenue Agency and QST amounts not reimbursable by the Quebec government

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

The eligible geographic zones for the Community Interaction Program (CIP) are areas within the St. Lawrence region in Quebec.

Between Cornwall and Gaspé on the south shore, including the Québec portion of Chaleur Bay and the Magdalen Islands.
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 species dependent on the St. Lawrence.
Projects targeting elimination of diffuse agricultural pollution may include additional land portions impacting the St. Lawrence ecosystem.

grant_single_labels|criteria

Yes, there are evaluation and selection criteria for the Community Interaction Program grant, which includes assessing the problem description, the project's rationale, environmental scope, community and partner involvement, target group, communications strategy, realistic budget, schedule, and work methodologies. It's important for applicants to present a concise and accurate project proposal that meets these criteria to secure funding.

Description of the problem
Rationale for the project
Environmental scope
Community and partner involvement
Target group
Communications strategy
Realistic budget estimate
Schedule and work methodologies

grant_single_labels|register

Step 1: Determine Eligibility
Ensure that your organization is a non-profit non-government organization legally constituted for at least one year in Quebec, or an Indigenous community.
Verify if your project meets the objectives of enhancing the St. Lawrence ecosystem, supporting community conservation, or stemming from a Regional Integrated Management Plan (RIMP).
Contact a project officer to confirm eligibility.
Step 2: Identify Project Category
Determine the appropriate project category: Awareness-raising, Study, Study-action, or Restoration and/or Protection.
Step 3: Gather Necessary Documents
Prepare all required documents mentioned in the CIP funding application form.
Include detailed information about your project, rationale, environmental impacts, and performance indicators.
Obtain approval or permits where necessary.
Step 4: Prepare Budget and Identify Funding Sources
Estimate eligible expenses and prepare a budget plan.
Identify matching funds and partnerships, ensuring at least 10% of total funding is cash for projects over $35,000.
Acquire letters of support from partners showing their contribution.
Step 5: Complete Application Form
Fill out the application form with a clear and concise project description, methodology, budget, and timelines.
Ensure all sections of the application form are completed and detailed.
Step 6: Submit Application
Submit the completed and signed application by March 1 or October 15.
Send the application via mail, email, or fax to the contact details provided.
Confirm submission date through postmark, electronic transmission date, or fax receipt date.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

The project submission must include various required documents for assessment, including ownership clarifications if activities are performed on non-owned land. Contacting a project officer is advised for eligible expense clarifications and applying to other federal or provincial departments for partnerships is encouraged but not included in CIP funding.

Clarify land ownership and obtain the required approvals if project activities occur on non-owned land.
Contact a project officer for clarification regarding eligible expenses not listed in the guide.
The program allows for project partnerships with federal or provincial departments other than ECCC or MELCC, although these are not part of the CIP funding.

grant_single_labels|contact

ec.interactionscommunautaires-communityinteraction.ec@canada.ca

418-648-3444

Apply to this program

Community Interaction Program: Enhancing the St. Lawrence Ecosystem

The Community Interaction Program (CIP) provides financial assistance to non-profit non-government organizations and Indigenous communities for projects aimed at conserving and improving the St. Lawrence ecosystem. The program seeks to support projects that enhance biodiversity, improve water quality, and promote the sustainable use of this vital natural resource.

Detailed Overview of the Community Interaction Program

The Community Interaction Program (CIP) is a vital initiative aimed at the protection and enhancement of the St. Lawrence ecosystem. Led by Environment and Climate Change Canada, in collaboration with the Quebec Ministère de l’Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, this program demonstrates a concerted effort to engage communities in meaningful environmental projects. By offering financial assistance to eligible organizations and communities, the CIP empowers non-profit non-government entities and Indigenous communities to take action and make a significant impact in preserving the environmental integrity of the St. Lawrence region.

The St. Lawrence River is one of Canada's most important natural resources, supporting a diverse range of plant, animal, and human activities. As such, its preservation is of utmost importance. The CIP plays a crucial role in this endeavor by facilitating projects that aim to enhance the ecosystem, promote biodiversity, and improve water quality. Eligible projects can fall under several categories including awareness-raising, study, study-action, and restoration and protection efforts.

Eligibility Criteria

The CIP targets specific groups as potential applicants. Primarily, eligible applicants are non-profit organizations that have been legally constituted for at least one year and have a recognized place of business in Quebec. Additionally, Indigenous communities are encouraged to participate as they often have a deep connection and commitment to land stewardship. However, individuals, government agencies, municipalities, educational institutions, and private companies are not eligible to apply; the focus remains firmly on community-driven initiatives.

Project Eligibility and Categories

The CIP is meticulous about the types of projects it funds. Projects must aim to enhance the St. Lawrence ecosystem and be carried out within the defined geographic boundaries of the St. Lawrence, which includes various shorelines, wetlands, islands, and tributaries. Projects that simply comply with government regulations, such as maintaining land or infrastructure, or that fall under municipal jurisdiction, are not eligible. Furthermore, activities that have already commenced or are recurring do not qualify for funding under this program.

Eligible projects are categorized into four primary groups:

Awareness-Raising: These projects aim to educate and engage the public on specific environmental issues, promoting immediate actions and lasting behavioral changes. Activities under this category might include seminars, information sessions, and community events that focus on raising awareness.
Study: This involves investigations and studies related to specific environmental challenges, often resulting in the development of actionable plans. Such projects are crucial in laying the groundwork for more practical interventions.
Study-Action: Comprised of initial study phases followed by direct action, these projects not only understand the ecological challenges but also implement specific restorative measures in response.
Restoration and Protection: These initiatives target direct restoration activities such as shoreline clean-ups, habitat protection, and biodiversity conservation. The aim is to restore and protect critical environments within the St. Lawrence area.

Funding and Support

The CIP provides substantial financial support, covering up to 70% of the total eligible project expenses. Specific maximum funding limits are assigned based on project categories, ranging from $25,000 for study projects to $200,000 for study-action and restoration efforts. Projects are expected to source matching funds, which may be provided in cash or in-kind contributions from partners. For projects exceeding a total value of $35,000, at least 10% must come from matching cash contributions.

Partnerships are heavily encouraged under the CIP, and projects benefit significantly from involving a wide array of stakeholders including community groups, NGOs, and other government entities. However, the primary responsibility of managing and implementing the project must remain with the eligible non-profit or Indigenous entity spearheading the effort.

Project Duration and Submission

Project implementations under the CIP cannot exceed 36 consecutive months. Organizations interested in applying must adhere to specific submission deadlines, which generally occur on March 1st or October 15th each year.

Project proposals must be comprehensive and include all necessary documentation for a thorough evaluation. This includes clearly defined project activities, detailed budget plans, and partnership letters confirming support and contributions. Performance indicators should be set to measure the outcomes effectively, ensuring that project goals are achievable and realistic.

Sustainability and Long-Term Impact

One of the paramount goals of the CIP is not only to address immediate environmental concerns but to ensure the long-term sustainability of the gains achieved through funded projects. Applicants are encouraged to plan for post-project monitoring and maintenance to guarantee the continued benefits of their projects. This could involve volunteer engagement, legal conservation measures, or other strategies that support sustained environmental stewardship.

By catalyzing and supporting a diverse range of environmentally focused projects, the Community Interaction Program stands as an essential pillar in the collective effort to protect and enhance the St. Lawrence ecosystem. It unites communities, provides essential funding, and fosters collaborative action towards a healthier, more sustainable environmental future for this iconic Canadian landscape.