Closed
Community Organization Assistance Program (PAOC) – Support for needs determined by the SHQ
Last Update: March 3, 2026
Quebec, Canada
Supports community organizations addressing identified housing needs in Quebec
Grant and Funding
Overview
The Community Organization Assistance Program (PAOC) – Support for needs determined by the SHQ provides non-recurrent funding of up to $250,000 to community organizations selected by invitation to address identified housing needs. The program aims to finance projects and services that directly respond to the needs of SHQ’s clientele and improve community housing conditions in Quebec.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increasing community impact
- Strengthening governance
- Develop strategic partnerships
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 250,000 $
- Up to 100% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : June 16, 2025
- Closing date : September 12, 2025
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Other services (except public administration)
- Public administration
Location
- Quebec
Legal structures
- Financial cooperative
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- Non-financial cooperative
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Rural or Northern Residents
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Social Services
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Housing
Target groups
- General public
- Seniors
- Indigenous peoples
- New immigrants & refugees
- Rural / Remote communities
- Nonprofits / charities
- Low-income individuals / families
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Regional
- Provincial
Activities funded
- Offering services or implementing activities that address specific housing needs identified by the Société d'habitation du Québec (SHQ) for target clienteles.
Eligibility
- The applicant must be a community action organization as defined by the Government Action Plan for Community Action, such as a non-profit organization (OSBL) constituted under applicable Quebec or Canadian laws or a cooperative constituted under Quebec's cooperative law.
- The organization must be rooted in the community, maintain associative and democratic governance, and be free to determine its mission, approaches, practices, and orientations.
- The organization must operate within the province of Quebec.
- The applicant and its project must respond to needs identified by the Société d'habitation du Québec (SHQ); participation is by invitation only for this program stream.
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
How to apply
1
Await invitation from SHQ
- Wait to be invited by the Société d'habitation du Québec (SHQ) regarding identified needs
2
Accept funding offer
- Respond to the SHQ's invitation within 45 days
- Formally accept the offer of funding
3
Submit supporting documentation
- Submit required supporting documentation as requested by SHQ
4
Sign funding agreement
- Sign the funding agreement with SHQ specifying rights, obligations, and responsibilities
5
Receive first payment
- Receive first payment (90% of the grant) upon signature of the agreement
6
Carry out activities or services
- Carry out the funded activities or services in accordance with the agreement
7
Complete reporting and receive final payment
- Submit required financial statements and activity reports according to the terms of the agreement
- Receive subsequent payments (10% and following annual payments if applicable) after compliance verification
Additional information
- 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.
