Community Interaction Program — Study/action projects
Last Update: January 24, 2025
QC, Canada
Money for study and action projects in the St. Lawrence ecosystem
Community Interaction Program — Study/action projects at a glance
Eligible Funding
- Max. $200,000
- Up to 70% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : October 15, 2024
- Closing date : October 15, 2024
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Other services (except public administration)
Grant Providers
- Government of Canada
- Gouvernement du Québec
Status
Closed
Overview of the Community Interaction Program — Study/action projects program
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.
Financing terms and conditions
The Community Interaction Program provides financial assistance for eligible projects, emphasizing community involvement and environmental benefits in the St. Lawrence ecosystem. The program outlines various funding modalities for different project categories.
- Funding up to 70% of total eligible project expenses.
- Maximum CIP funding by category: Awareness-raising ($100,000), Study projects ($25,000), Study-action projects ($200,000), Restoration and/or protection of biodiversity ($200,000).
- At least three quarters of the requested contribution for study-action projects should be allocated to the implementation of actions.
- Eligible expenses include human resources, professional services, travel, equipment, and some GST and QST amounts not reimbursable by the respective governments.
- Matching funds must be at least 10% cash for projects exceeding $35,000, with partnerships encouraged for complementary funding.
- Partnerships must be documented with letters of support indicating the dollar value and purpose.
- Funding agreements are finalized upon confirmation of all matching funds from partners.
Eligible projects & activities
This grant provides funding for community projects focused on conservation and improvement of the St. Lawrence ecosystem. Eligible activities aim at raising awareness, conducting scientific studies, implementing study-action projects, and undertaking restoration and protection efforts.
- Awareness-raising activities addressing specific environmental problems and targeting particular groups.
- Study projects developing a specific environmental issue through action plans and feasibility studies.
- Study-action projects that combine environmental studies with direct implementation of conservation actions.
- Restoration projects focusing on shoreline clean-up, habitat restoration, and water quality improvement.
- Protection projects conserving important areas and promoting sustainable uses of the St. Lawrence.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 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
$ 200,000
Restoration of sensitive shoreline habitats
$ 175,000
Development of an action plan for marine life protection
Eligibility criteria of the Community Interaction Program — Study/action projects program
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.
Who is eligible?
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.
Who is not eligible
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.
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.
Eligible geographic areas
This grant is available for projects implemented in specific regions connected to the St. Lawrence ecosystem. The eligible areas encompass a variety of significant ecological sites within Quebec.
- 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 St. Lawrence ecosystem.
Eligibility criteria of the Community Interaction Program — Study/action projects program
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.
How to apply to the Community Interaction Program — Study/action projects program
1
Eligibility Check
- Confirm that your organization is a non-governmental and non-profit organization or a legally constituted Indigenous community that has been in existence for at least one year and is located in Quebec.
- Verify the eligibility of your project against the criteria of the Community Interactions Program.
2
Initial Consultation
- Contact a project agent to confirm the eligibility of your project idea.
- Send, if desired, a preliminary proposal to obtain feedback from the agent.
3
Preparation of the request
- Write the presentation of your project following the guidelines of the application form.
- Include all necessary attachments (maps, photographs, letters of support, etc.).
- Calculate the eligible expenses and complete the budgeting planning table.
4
Formation of partnerships
- Identify and secure the necessary partnerships to support your project.
- Obtain letters of support from your partners, detailing their contributions in cash or in kind.
5
Submission of the request
Send the complete application by mail, by fax, or by email, before the deadline of March 1st or October 15th.
Additional information
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.
Contact Government of Canada
ec.interactionscommunautaires-communityinteraction.ec@canada.ca
418-648-3444
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