Community Organization Assistance Program (PAOC) – Support for needs determined by the SHQ

Who is eligible?

• Non-profit organizations (OSBL) active in the community housing sector
• Cooperatives constituted under Quebec or Canadian legislation with community-oriented missions
• Community action organizations operating in the field of housing in Quebec

Who is not eligible

• Organizations whose mission or activities are political, partisan, religious, union-related, or professional in nature.
• Non-profit organizations created by a public authority for public administration purposes.
• Organizations listed in the Register of Enterprises Ineligible for Public Contracts (RENA).
• Organizations that have failed to fulfill obligations related to previous financial assistance from the Société d'habitation du Québec in the past two years.

Eligible expenses

• General expenses such as office space, office supplies, and technological infrastructure (limited to 50% of the subsidy amount).
• Salaries and social benefits related to the project.
• Travel expenses in accordance with the Quebec government's guidelines.

Eligible geographic areas

• Quebec

• Step 1: Receive Invitation from SHQ
  • Wait to be specifically invited by the Société d’habitation du Québec (SHQ) to participate in the "Support for needs determined by the SHQ" funding stream of the PAOC program. Applications are not accepted unsolicited for this stream.
• Step 2: Review Offer of Funding
  • Upon invitation, review the formal offer of funding from the SHQ which outlines project objectives, required activities, and reporting expectations.
• Step 3: Accept Offer and Provide Required Documentation
  • Confirm acceptance of the funding offer with the SHQ within 45 days of receiving it.
  • Submit any additional information or supporting documents requested by the SHQ related to the project and organizational eligibility.
• Step 4: Sign Funding Agreement
  • Conclude and sign an official funding agreement with the SHQ detailing obligations, project deliverables, financial terms, and reporting requirements.
• Step 5: Fulfill Reporting Obligations
  • Follow the schedule set out in the agreement to submit financial and activity reports detailing the use of the funds and achievement of project objectives.
  • Ensure all reports meet SHQ’s requirements to receive subsequent payments or finalize the funding file.

• The program is aligned with the 2022-2027 Government Action Plan for Community Action, emphasizing the recognition and support of community organizations in housing.
• Funding ceilings and eligible expenditures can be adjusted based on cumulative surpluses reported by the applicant in their latest financial statements.
• Failure to submit the required reports may lead to withholding or reimbursement of granted funds.
• A summary of program results must be provided to the Société d'habitation du Québec for evaluation purposes.