Community Interaction Program — Restoration and/or protection of biodiversity

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the Community Interaction Program — Restoration and/or protection of biodiversity?

You can contact Government of Canada by email at ec.interactionscommunautaires-communityinteraction.ec@canada.ca or by phone at 418-648-3444.

Q: Where is the Community Interaction Program — Restoration and/or protection of biodiversity available?

The Community Interaction Program — Restoration and/or protection of biodiversity program is available the province of QC.

Q: Are Indigenous Peoples eligible for the Community Interaction Program — Restoration and/or protection of biodiversity program?

Yes, Indigenous Peoples are eligible to apply for the Community Interaction Program — Restoration and/or protection of biodiversity program.

Last Update: July 22, 2025

Quebec, QC

Money to protect the St. Lawrence ecosystem

At a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $200,000
Up to 70% of project cost

Timeline

Open Date : March 1, 2024
Closing date : October 15, 2024

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Other services (except public administration)

Funds Providers

Unspecified

Program status

Closed

Overview

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.

Financing terms and conditions

The Community Interaction Program provides specific financing modalities designed to support projects aiming to conserve and improve the St. Lawrence ecosystem. These modalities ensure projects are adequately funded while promoting community involvement.

The program can fund up to 70% of the total value of eligible project expenses.
Maximum CIP funding varies by project category, reaching up to $200,000 for restoration and biodiversity protection projects.
Matching funds from partners must be provided in cash or in kind, particularly if total project value exceeds $35,000, with at least 10% of matching cash funding required.
The total project value includes all project costs, both cash and in-kind contributions.
Eligible expenses include human resources, management services, travel, equipment, and a reasonable share of overhead costs.
Partnerships with community organizations and other governmental bodies are strongly encouraged to enhance project resource utilization.

Activities funded

The Community Interaction Program supports community projects focused on conserving and improving the St. Lawrence ecosystem. Eligible activities aim to enhance biodiversity, support sustainable use, and improve water quality in the region.

Awareness-raising activities addressing specific environmental problems and promoting short-term concrete actions.
Study projects aimed at developing action plans for specific environmental issues.
Study-action projects that combine feasibility studies with implementation to address environmental issues.
Restoration projects focusing on shoreline clean-up, stabilization, revegetation, and habitat restoration in the St. Lawrence.
Protection projects focusing on conserving important areas and promoting sustainable uses of the St. Lawrence for biodiversity protection.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 95,000

Rehabilitation of fish habitats to enhance aquatic biodiversity

$ 73,000

Rain garden installation to filter pollutants and improve water quality

$ 75,000

Riverbank stabilization project to prevent erosion and improve water quality

$ 90,000

Removal of invasive plant species to restore ecosystem balance

$ 100,000

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

$ 86,000

Urban tree planting to improve air and water quality

Eligibility

Eligibility for the Community Interaction Program requires adherence to organizational criteria specific to the applicant's status and location.

The applicant must be a non-profit non-government organization that has been legally constituted for at least one year.
The organization must have an established place of business in Quebec.
The applicant must demonstrate they 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.

Who is eligible?

The Community Interaction Program is intended for non-profit non-government organizations and Indigenous communities that have been legally constituted for at least one year, with a place of business in Quebec. Organizations must have a charter under Quebec's Companies Act (Part III) or its equivalent.

Who is not eligible

This grant is not available to certain organizations due to their legal status or the nature of their operations. The restrictions ensure that support is provided to appropriate entities capable of contributing to the conservation of the St. Lawrence ecosystem.

Individuals.
Government departments and agencies.
Municipalities.
Educational institutions.
Private companies.

Eligible expenses

This grant supports community-initiated projects aimed at raising awareness, conducting studies, implementing action plans, and restoring or protecting the St. Lawrence ecosystem. Eligible projects encompass a range of activities focused on environmental preservation and sustainable use of natural resources.

Awareness-raising activities like seminars, forums, symposiums, and information sessions targeting specific environmental issues.
Study projects that develop action plans, conduct characterization studies, inventories, feasibility studies, and prepare plans and specifications.
Study-action projects that involve developing an action plan followed by implementation actions.
Restoration activities such as shoreline clean-up, stabilization, revegetation, and restoration of sensitive habitats.
Protection projects focused on conserving important areas, promoting sustainable use, and access control to protect sensitive environments.

Eligible geographic areas

This program is specific to projects implemented in designated areas within the St. Lawrence region in Quebec, Canada. It supports initiatives that contribute to the conservation of biodiversity and the sustainable management of resources in these regions.

Areas between Cornwall and Gaspé on the south shore, including the Québec portion of Chaleur Bay and the Magdalen Islands.
The area between Carillon and Blanc Sablon on the north shore, including Anticosti Island and the Saguenay River.
Main tributaries and essential sections of secondary tributaries within the St. Lawrence ecosystem.

Selection criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for the Community Interaction Program are based on specific criteria that assess the potential impact and effectiveness of the proposed projects.

Description of the environmental problem and rationale for the project.
Environmental scope and anticipated impacts of the project activities.
Level of community and partner involvement, with evidence of partnerships and support.
Identification and engagement of the target group.
Effectiveness of the communications plan associated with the project.
Realistic budget estimate and financial planning.
Feasibility of the schedule and work methodologies proposed.
Use of performance indicators to measure project outcomes and their sustainability.

How to apply

Verification of the eligibility of the organization

Ensure that your organization is a non-governmental and non-profit organization, legally established for at least one year and based in Quebec.
Check that your organization has a charter according to the Companies Act of the Government of Quebec (Part III) or its equivalent.

Project Eligibility Verification

Ensure that your project meets the objectives of the PIC to improve the St. Lawrence ecosystem.
Verify that the planned activities comply with the eligibility criteria.

Consultation with a project agent

Contact a project agent to confirm eligibility and obtain advice on the preliminary proposal.
Send a preliminary proposal at least one month before the deadline to receive feedback.

Preparation of the request

Fill out the application form by including all the required information.
Prepare the necessary attachments to support your project.
Obtain the necessary approvals and permits under applicable laws and regulations.

Presentation of the request

Send the completed request by mail, email, or fax no later than the deadline.

Confirmation of shipment

For postal delivery, keep the post receipt as proof of shipping date.
For email delivery, keep the electronic transmission confirmation.
For fax delivery, keep the automated sending confirmation.

Additional information

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.

Contacts

ec.interactionscommunautaires-communityinteraction.ec@canada.ca

418-648-3444

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Community Interaction Program — Restoration and/or protection of biodiversity Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Community Interaction Program — Restoration and/or protection of biodiversity. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.

What is the Community Interaction Program — Restoration and/or protection of biodiversity?

How much funding can be received?

What is the deadline to apply?

Is the Community Interaction Program — Restoration and/or protection of biodiversity a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Who are the financial supporters of the Community Interaction Program — Restoration and/or protection of biodiversity?

Who is eligible for the Community Interaction Program — Restoration and/or protection of biodiversity program?

To be eligible for the Community Interaction Program — Restoration and/or protection of biodiversity program, you must: Non-profit non-government organizations must be legally constituted for at least one year and have an established place of business in Quebec. Organizations must hold a charter under Quebec’s Companies Act (Part III) or equivalent. Indigenous communities are eligible for the program.