Community Interaction Program — Study projects

The Community Interactions Program (PIC) is a significant initiative aimed at fostering community-driven projects that seek to conserve and enhance the ecosystem of the Saint-Lawrence River in Quebec. Managed by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), the program offers financial support to non-governmental, non-profit organizations and Indigenous communities based in Quebec for implementing environmental projects in the Saint-Lawrence region. If you are part of such an organization and have a project that aligns with the program's objectives, you could secure significant funding to bring your project to fruition.

To qualify for the Community Interactions Program, your organization must meet specific criteria. Primarily, it must be a non-governmental, non-profit entity, legally constituted for at least one year, and have a place of business established in Quebec. Proof of legal status, such as a charter under the Quebec Companies Act (Part III) or its equivalent, is required. Additionally, Indigenous communities located in Quebec are also eligible. Importantly, individuals, governmental departments, municipal bodies, educational institutions, and private enterprises do not qualify for this program.

The PIC primarily supports projects that aim to: - Improve the ecosystem of the Saint-Lawrence. - Enhance community-driven initiatives that target biodiversity conservation, sustainable usage, and water quality improvement. - Implement actions originating from a Regional Integrated Management Plan (PGIR). Your project must occur within the defined geographical limits of the Saint-Lawrence, stretching from Cornwall to Gaspé on the southern shore, including the Quebec portion of the Baie des Chaleurs and the Îles de la Madeleine, and from Carillon to Blanc-Sablon on the northern shore, including Anticosti Island and the Saguenay. Projects may also encompass significant tributaries crucial to species dependent on the Saint-Lawrence or tackle diffuse agricultural pollution affecting the river’s ecosystem.

The PIC outlines four distinct categories under which projects may qualify for funding: 1. **Awareness**: Projects in this category involve activities targeting a specific environmental issue, leading to concrete short-term actions. Eligible initiatives include informative sessions, workshops, guides, documentaries, and interactive activities. However, academic projects, tourism or historical projects, nature interpretation projects, and lobbying activities are excluded. 2. **Study**: This includes projects that investigate a specific environmental problem to develop an actionable intervention plan. Eligible activities include drafting intervention plans, characterization studies, feasibility studies, inventories, and creating plans and specifications. Projects purely for knowledge acquisition or research purposes are ineligible. 3. **Study-Action**: These projects combine the research aspect (as described in the Study category) with immediate implementation of intervention measures. The study component should be followed by concrete actions on the ground. 4. **Restoration and/or Protection**: This encompasses restoration projects addressing an environmental issue related to the Saint-Lawrence, such as habitat restoration, wildlife protection, bank stabilization, and water quality improvement related to diffuse agricultural pollution. Also eligible are projects that conserve and protect important ecological areas, ensure the sustainability of Saint-Lawrence uses, and enhance wildlife habitats. However, activities like soil decontamination, recurring cleanups, and development projects for safety, navigation, or tourism purposes are ineligible.

The PIC can fund up to 70% of the total admissible expenses of a project, based on categories and the nature of projects: - **Awareness**: Up to $100,000. - **Study**: Up to $25,000. - **Study-Action**: Up to $200,000, with the study component not exceeding $50,000. - **Restoration and/or Protection**: Up to $200,000. Eligible expenses include salaries, professional services, travel and accommodation expenses, equipment purchase or rental, materials, and reasonable administrative costs. Expenses related to land or property acquisition, office furniture, recurring maintenance, and operating costs not associated with the project are not eligible.

For projects with a total value exceeding $35,000, at least 10% of the total funding from the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks of Quebec (MELCCFP) and ECCC must come from other sources. This matching can be in cash or in-kind contributions from local partners, other governmental bodies, NGOs, commercial enterprises, or volunteer work. Establishing partnerships is crucial, and the value of these contributions must be clearly documented with supporting letters of commitment from partners.

There is no minimum duration for projects, but the maximum allowed duration is 36 months from the start to the end of the project. It is essential to plan the timeline carefully and factor in around 16 weeks from the proposal submission date to receive a response.

Your funding request must be comprehensive and timely submitted by the deadline specified on the PASL website. The application must include a completed funding request form, a detailed budget, and all necessary documentation to evaluate the project thoroughly. Ensure your proposal is precise, detailed, and complete as all evaluations are based on the submitted information.

Your project should include clear performance indicators to measure the success of the intervention. Environmental indicators might include the linear extent of the shoreline characterized or restored, the area of habitats protected, the number of indigenous plants planted, and waste removed. Community indicators could include the number of communication events organized, the number of partnerships created, financial contributions from partners, and volunteer hours contributed. The long-term sustainability of the environmental benefits, such as ongoing monitoring, conservation agreements, and securing legal conservation status for areas, is also a crucial aspect of the project proposal.

Completed and signed applications should be sent to Interactions_Communautaires_Quebec_Community_Interaction@ec.gc.ca. It is recommended to send applications via email to expedite processing.

The Community Interactions Program offers a valuable opportunity for non-profit organizations and Indigenous communities in Quebec to obtain financial support for projects aimed at improving the Saint-Lawrence River’s ecosystem. By meeting the program requirements and aligning your project with its objectives, you can access significant funding to make a substantial environmental impact on this vital waterway. Ensure your proposal is well-prepared, includes all required documentation, and demonstrates clear community and environmental benefits to maximize your chances of securing funding.