Community Interaction Program — Study/action projects
QC, Canada
Money for study and action projects in the St. Lawrence ecosystem
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|closingDateMarch 01, 2024
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Other services (except public administration)
grant_single|grantors
- Government of Canada
- Gouvernement du Québec
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
Get up to $200,000 in funding for a study and action project pertaining to a specific environmental issue with the aim of identifying concrete actions to be taken in the fields.
grant_single_labels|projects
Eligible projects under the Community Interaction Program must be implemented within designated geographic areas associated with the St. Lawrence ecosystem. This includes specific territories spanning both the south and north shores of the St. Lawrence River in Quebec.
- The area 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.
- Key tributaries and significant sections of secondary tributaries impacting species related to the St. Lawrence ecosystem.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$200,000
Water quality improvement in agricultural zones
$160,000
Feasibility study for a new eco-park
$150,000
Clean-up of hidden waste disposal sites
$150,000
Conservation efforts for endangered bird species
$175,000
Development of an action plan for marine life protection
$200,000
Restoration of sensitive shoreline habitats
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for the Community Interaction Program is determined by specific criteria related to the nature and status of the applicant organization.
- The applicant must be a non-profit non-government organization legally constituted for at least one year with an established place of business in Quebec.
- The organization must have a charter under Quebec's Companies Act (Part III) or its equivalent.
- Indigenous communities are also eligible to apply.
- Individuals, departments, government agencies, municipalities, educational institutions, and private companies are not eligible.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Non-profit non-government organizations that have been legally constituted for at least one year and have an established place of business in Quebec are eligible to apply for the Community Interaction Program. Indigenous communities are also eligible to apply. However, individuals, departments, government agencies, municipalities, educational institutions, and private companies are not eligible to apply.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
This grant is specifically designed for non-profit non-government organizations and Indigenous communities, and thus excludes other types of entities. The restrictions ensure the focus remains on community-driven environmental actions.
- Individuals looking to apply on their own.
- Departments and government agencies.
- Municipalities seeking funding.
- Educational institutions aiming to undertake projects.
- Private companies wishing to engage in for-profit activities.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
This funding program supports community-driven projects aimed at conserving the St. Lawrence ecosystem through various actions. Eligible initiatives include educational, research, and conservation activities that directly impact environmental restoration and protection.
- Awareness-raising projects targeting specific environmental issues and leading to actionable outcomes.
- Studies focusing on developing action plans for practical environmental solutions.
- Study-action projects that combine research with field implementation of conservation measures.
- Restoration projects focusing on shoreline stabilization, habitat restoration, and pollution reduction.
- Biodiversity protection projects aimed at conserving and maintaining sensitive areas and species.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
Eligible expenses for the Community Interaction Program include various costs necessary for the execution and management of the project.
- Human resources, including salaries and benefits.
- Management and professional services such as communications, graphic design, and translation into the official languages.
- Travel expenses directly related to the project.
- Equipment and supplies required for the project.
- Printing, production, and distribution costs.
- Equipment purchase or rental necessary for the project.
- Vehicle rental and use for project activities.
- Contractors needed to perform project activities.
- Reasonable share of overhead and administrative costs.
- GST and QST amounts not reimbursable by the Canada Revenue Agency and Quebec government.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for the Community Interaction Program (CIP) grant prioritize alignment with the program's objectives and effective implementation strategies.
- Contribution to the conservation and improvement of the St. Lawrence ecosystem.
- Demonstrated community support and involvement in the project.
- Clear articulation of the environmental problem and project rationale.
- Effectiveness of the proposed work plan and methodology.
- Quality and feasibility of the budget plan with a realistic financial estimate.
- Successful establishment of partnerships and collaboration with other entities.
- Expected outcomes and use of performance indicators to measure success.
- Sustainability of the environmental benefits post-project implementation.
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Verify Eligibility
- Confirm your organization's eligibility as a non-profit or Indigenous community located in Quebec.
- Ensure your project aligns with eligible categories such as Awareness-raising, Study, Study-action, or Restoration and/or Protection.
- Step 2: Preliminary Consultation
- Contact a project officer to discuss your project idea and receive guidance.
- Submit a preliminary proposal for initial feedback at least one month before the deadline.
- Step 3: Prepare Application
- Complete the CIP funding application form.
- Prepare supporting documents, including project rationale, budget, and partnership confirmations.
- Ensure all required approvals and permits are obtained if necessary.
- Step 4: Submit Application
- Submit the complete application by March 1 or October 15 deadlines.
- Choose the submission method: mail, fax, or email.
- Attach all relevant documents and ensure the application form is thoroughly completed.
- Step 5: Confirmation and Review
- Receive confirmation of receipt based on your submission method: postmark for mail, fax receipt, or email transmission date.
- Await a response, understanding the review process takes up to 16 weeks.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional miscellaneous information about the grant:
- The program encourages the involvement of as many people and partners as possible.
- Community support, identified needs, and benefits are considered for project assessment.
- Projects linked to Regional Integrated Management Plans (RIMPs) or other management plans are supported.
- Sufficient approvals and permits under applicable laws and regulations must be obtained to avoid delays.
- A project response is typically received 16 weeks after submission.
- The funding application must include detailed and comprehensive documents for assessment.
- There are two annual submission deadlines: March 1st and October 15th.
- Partnerships with the community are an important criterion for project assessment.
- The quality of the project is assessed on various criteria, including problem description, rationale, and community involvement.
- Sustainability tools should be put in place to ensure the long-term environmental benefits of the project.
grant_single_labels|contact
ec.interactionscommunautaires-communityinteraction.ec@canada.ca
418-648-3444
Apply to this program
Supporting Community Projects for Environmental Conservation
The Community Interaction Program offers funding to support non-profit organizations' initiatives that aim to conserve and improve the St. Lawrence ecosystem. The program is focused on fostering community involvement in environmental conservation efforts.
In-Depth Overview of the Community Interaction Program and Its Objectives
The Community Interaction Program (CIP) is an environmental financial assistance initiative designed to support projects that directly contribute to the conservation and enhancement of the St. Lawrence ecosystem. This program, open exclusively to non-profit non-governmental organizations and Indigenous communities within Quebec, aims to foster community-based strategies to tackle environmental issues affecting this vital region. By prioritizing projects that encourage public involvement and address local conservation needs, the CIP seeks to integrate community resources and insights into broader environmental management goals.
This funding initiative is structured around four primary project categories: awareness-raising, study, study-action, and restoration and/or protection. Awareness-raising projects are initiatives targeting specific environmental problems, aiming to engage particular groups and lead to actionable results in the near term. For instance, these might involve organizing forums or environmental seminars to educate and mobilize communities. In contrast, study projects focus on developing comprehensive plans or conducting research that lays the groundwork for future action, such as feasibility studies or environmental assessments.
Study-action projects are a step further, combining the planning aspects of study projects with the execution of targeted environmental actions. These projects typically cover activities such as feasibility studies followed by actual restoration efforts, ensuring tangible environmental improvements. Restoration and protection projects aim at directly addressing environmental degradation in the St. Lawrence, such as shoreline clean-ups or the protection of key wildlife and plant species through concrete conservation measures.
The program facilitates broad community engagement by encouraging partnerships among community organizations, leveraging local knowledge and resources to extend the reach and impact of each project. To maximize the effectiveness of its funding, the CIP provides substantial support of up to 70% of eligible project expenses. Specific funding caps are set depending on the type of project, with awareness-raising initiatives eligible for up to $100,000 and study-action projects up to $200,000, thus ensuring sufficient resources for ambitious projects aimed at significant environmental impacts.
Eligible expenses under the CIP include human resource costs, professional services, and materials necessary for project execution. By covering such expenses, the program facilitates the practical and logistical aspects of project implementation, allowing organizations to focus efforts on achieving environmental outcomes. Notably, projects must also demonstrate sustainability and ongoing benefits to receive funding, promoting continued environmental stewardship beyond the life of the project.
Evaluation of project proposals is rigorous, with criteria focusing on the project's alignment with community needs, the potential environmental benefits, and the engagement of local partnerships. Selected projects are expected to contribute significantly to the integrated management objectives for the St. Lawrence, fostering long-term ecological health and community involvement.
With its strategic focus and comprehensive support, the Community Interaction Program represents a vital opportunity for eligible organizations to address environmental challenges in the St. Lawrence area. By participating in CIP, organizations can drive meaningful conservation efforts that benefit the local ecology and communities, thereby ensuring a resilient and sustainable environmental future for the region.
