How much funding can be received?

Get up to $25,000 in funding for a study project pertaining to a specific environmental issue with the aim of identifying concrete actions to be taken in the field.

grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions

The Community Interaction Program offers specific financing modalities to support the conservation and enhancement of the St. Lawrence ecosystem through its funding initiatives. These modalities ensure a comprehensive approach towards funding eligible project expenses.

The program can finance up to 70% of the total eligible project expenses.
Maximum funding amounts are set per project category: $25,000 for study projects, $100,000 for awareness-raising, and $200,000 for study-action or restoration/protection projects.
Funding includes costs for human resources, management services, travel, equipment, production, and reasonable overhead.
Matching funds from partners must be at least 10% in cash for projects over $35,000.
Performance indicators are used to measure project outcomes and sustainability.

grant_single_labels|projects

The Community Interaction Program funds initiatives focusing on the conservation and improvement of the St. Lawrence ecosystem through community involvement and action. Eligible projects are categorized into awareness-raising, study, study-action, and restoration or protection activities.

Public awareness activities such as seminars, forums, symposiums, and information sessions addressing specific environmental issues.
Study projects that include the development of action plans, characterization studies, inventories, and feasibility studies.
Study-action projects that combine the development of action plans with the implementation of restoration projects.
Restoration projects involving shoreline clean-up, stabilization, revegetation, protection of wildlife and plant species, and clean-up of waste disposal sites related to the St. Lawrence area.
Protection projects aimed at conserving biodiversity and promoting sustainable use of the St. Lawrence ecosystem.

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$ 15,000

Implement an educational workshop to raise awareness about plastic pollution in local beaches

$ 25,000

Create a documentary highlighting the impact of urban sprawl on local ecosystems

$ 18,000

Develop an inventory of local wildlife in urban parks to assist conservation efforts

$ 16,000

Conduct a feasibility study for recycling programs in downtown areas

$ 20,000

Develop an intervention plan for reducing industrial water pollution in local rivers

$ 19,000

Conduct a study on the effectiveness of green roofs in reducing urban heat islands

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for this grant is restricted to specific types of organizations operating within Quebec, Canada.

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

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

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

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

This grant is intended to support non-profit and community-driven environmental initiatives and explicitly excludes certain types of organizations. It aims to ensure alignment with goals related to conservation and community benefit within the specified geographic area.

Individual applicants are not eligible.
Departments and government agencies cannot apply.
Municipalities are excluded from eligibility.
Educational institutions are not permitted to apply.
Private companies are restricted from applying.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

The Community Interaction Program supports projects focusing on the conservation and enhancement of the St. Lawrence ecosystem through community-driven initiatives. Eligible projects encompass a range of activities aimed at raising awareness, conducting studies, implementing study-action plans, and undertaking restoration and protection efforts.

Awareness-raising activities addressing specific environmental problems and targeting particular groups with a focus on concrete, short-term actions.
Study projects related to developing action plans for specific environmental issues.
Study-action projects combining feasibility studies with implementation of environmental actions.
Restoration projects focused on cleaning, stabilizing, and revegetating shorelines and protecting wildlife and plant species.
Protection projects that conserve biodiversity and promote sustainable use of the St. Lawrence.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

This grant is available exclusively to projects implemented in the St. Lawrence area, a specific geographical region outlined by the funding body. This focus ensures the promotion of community projects that enhance and conserve the St. Lawrence ecosystem.

The water, bed, shores, coastline, wetlands, barachois, islands, archipelagos, and fluvial lakes of the St. Lawrence.
The area between Cornwall and Gaspé on the south shore.
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 sections of secondary tributaries essential to species dependent on the St. Lawrence.

grant_single_labels|criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for the Community Interaction Program are based on specific criteria to ensure they meet the objectives of enhancing and conserving the St. Lawrence ecosystem.

Clear description and rationale of the environmental issue addressed by the project.
Extent of community involvement and support in the project.
Defined target group and strategy for engaging this group.
Quality and comprehensiveness of the project’s communication plan.
Realistic and detailed budget estimate.
Clear and feasible project schedule.
Sound and appropriate methodologies for project activities.
Defined performance indicators to measure project outcomes.
Long-term sustainability of environmental benefits.
Documented partnerships with other organizations and contributions.

grant_single_labels|register

Here are the steps to submit an application for the Community Interaction Program grant:

Step 1: Eligibility Confirmation
- Confirm your organization is eligible by being a non-profit, non-government organization or an Indigenous community with a charter under Quebec’s Companies Act (Part III) or equivalent.
- Make sure your project aligns with the CIP objectives and is located within the specified St. Lawrence area.
- Consult with a project officer for guidance and preliminary project proposal review.
Step 2: Project Preparation
- Define the category of your project: Awareness-raising, Study, Study-action or Restoration/protection.
- Prepare a comprehensive project proposal including objectives, environmental scope, methodology, budget, and timeline.
- Include all required documents and supporting evidence, such as maps, photographs, and any necessary permits.
- Ensure the involvement of community and partners is documented with letters of support indicating financial, material, or human resource contributions.
Step 3: Budget and Funding Plan
- Outline your project's total costs in the "Total Project Costs" table within the budget plan form.
- Detail the funding and in-kind contributions in the "Total Project Funding – Project Partners" table.
- Ensure you have matching funds that meet program requirements, for projects over $35,000, at least 10% must be in cash.
Step 4: Application Form Completion
- Fill out the CIP funding application form completely and accurately, adhering to word limits where provided.
- Demonstrate the sustainability of proposed environmental benefits and potential for long-term impact.
- Attach additional documents such as the RIMP or any other management plan relevant to your project.
Step 5: Submission
- Submit your application by either March 1 or October 15 deadline.
- Send the application via mail to the provided address, by fax to 418-649-6674, or by email to ec.interactionscommunautaires-communityinteraction.ec@canada.ca.
- Ensure all required documents, forms, and attachments are included in your submission to avoid delays.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

The Programme Interactions communautaires by the Canadian government aims to support community projects that enhance the St. Lawrence ecosystem, through financial contributions targeted at non-profit organizations and Indigenous communities in Quebec.

The project timeline cannot exceed 36 months.
The programme can finance up to 70% of the total eligible project expenses.
All proposals must be submitted along with a detailed budget and timeline.
Expenses such as acquisition of land or buildings, recurrent maintenance costs, loan repayment, and purchase of office furniture or IT equipment are non-eligible.
Supplementary documentation like impact assessments, permits, and property titles may be required.
Applicants must demonstrate concrete community involvement and partnership support in their proposals.
Projects can fall under categories such as Sensitization, Study, Study-Action, or Restoration/Protection.
Environmental impact mitigation measures need to be described.

grant_single_labels|contact

Interactions_Communautaires_Quebec_Community_Interaction@ec.gc.ca

819-938-3860

Apply to this program

Empowering Community Initiatives for the St. Lawrence Ecosystem

The Community Interaction Program (CIP) offers funding to non-profit organizations and Indigenous communities for projects aimed at conserving and improving the St. Lawrence ecosystem. By encouraging community involvement in environmental initiatives, this grant fosters collective efforts towards sustainable ecosystem management and biodiversity conservation.

Understanding the Structure and Impact of the Community Interaction Program

The Community Interaction Program is a governmental initiative dedicated to safeguarding the St. Lawrence ecosystem by funding community-driven projects. Designed for Quebec-based non-profit organizations and Indigenous communities, this program supports projects that enhance ecosystem health, promote biodiversity conservation, improve water quality, and align with the Regional Integrated Management Plan (RIMP). The program invites projects across four key categories: awareness-raising, study, study-action, and restoration/protection, ensuring a comprehensive approach to ecological challenges.

Eligible organizations need to have been legally incorporated under Quebec's Companies Act for at least one year, ensuring a solid foundation for project execution. The eligibility criteria further emphasize the significance of regional collaboration, urging applicants to align their projects with existing regional conservation plans and community needs. This integration ensures that initiatives not only address specific environmental issues but also contribute to the broader objectives of regional plans aimed at sustainable ecosystem management.

Funding from the CIP can constitute up to 70% of a project's eligible expenses, with specific monetary caps based on the project category, such as $100,000 for awareness-raising and $200,000 for restoration and biodiversity projects. The CIP emphasizes the importance of community partnerships and mandates that matching funds, either in cash or in-kind, make up a substantial portion of the total project value, particularly for projects exceeding $35,000. This aspect promotes community engagement and ensures shared responsibility in project execution and outcomes.

The program not only provides financial backing but also necessitates thorough project planning, including detailed descriptions of methodologies, activities, and anticipated environmental outcomes. The application process requires clarity and comprehensive detail, urging applicants to articulate their project’s scope, community involvement, and anticipated ecological impacts in detail to facilitate an effective assessment.Understanding the performance indicators like restoration metrics, participation rates, and public engagement scores is crucial for success. These indicators help in measuring the project's effectiveness and ensuring the sustainability of its ecological benefits. By fostering a thorough evaluation system, the CIP ensures that funded projects deliver measurable and sustainable impacts, enhancing the overall health of the St. Lawrence ecosystem.

The Community Interaction Program stands as a vital resource for driving community-involved environmental protection efforts. It not only aids in remedying current ecological challenges but also lays the groundwork for continued conservation efforts, fostering a sustainable environmental legacy. Through this program, organizations can harness collective action to protect and revitalize one of Canada's most significant ecosystems, ultimately contributing to long-term ecological and community well-being.