Community Organization Support Program (PSOC)

• Financial support for specific activities may cover up to 100% of eligible expenses; for project-specific grants exceeding $1 million, special authorization is required.
• Project-based funding for one-off initiatives can represent up to 90% of admissible expenses; if the contribution requested for a specific project surpasses $1 million, approval by the Treasury Board is necessary.
• Operating grants are paid in four instalments annually, with the value of each linked to previous year funding and timely submission of reports.
• Financial assistance must be used within the fiscal year it is awarded; no carry-over of funds is permitted.
• The cumulative total of public financial assistance from provincial, federal, and municipal sources may not exceed 100% of eligible expenses for activities-specific grants, or 90% for project-based support.

• The applicant must be a legally constituted non-profit organization under a Quebec law.
• The organization must have its head office in Quebec.
• The organization must be managed by a board of directors composed mainly of users of its services or members of the community served.
• The activities of the organization must be related to the health and social services sector, in accordance with the objectives set out in the Loi sur les services de santé et les services sociaux (LSSSS).

Who is eligible?

• Non-profit community organizations working in health and social services
• Organizations providing mutual aid, support, or emergency assistance
• Organizations focused on awareness, advocacy, and rights defense in health and social services
• Community-based living and support organizations (serving targeted groups or communities with shared characteristics)
• Temporary accommodation organizations offering shelter and related support services
• Regional and national umbrella organizations representing community groups in health and social services
• National service organizations operating across Quebec in social development, healthy living promotion, prevention, or advocacy

Who is not eligible

• Organizations whose main objectives and activities fall primarily under another level of government.
• Organizations primarily focused on research activities.
• Organizations mainly organizing or producing congresses, seminars, or promotional materials.
• Organizations with a mission centered on acquiring or renovating real estate.
• Organizations whose main purpose is to collect and redistribute grants or donations.
• Religious, union, or political organizations.
• Professional orders and associations or groups of professionals and practitioners.
• Organizations whose mission is not compatible with the orientations of the Ministry of Health and Social Services in health and social services.
• Organizations without an establishment in Quebec.
• Organizations listed on the register of enterprises not eligible for public contracts (RENA).

Eligible expenses

• Salaries and social benefits related to the activities funded by the program.
• Support for volunteers and associative life.
• Costs for premises and maintenance.
• Communication tools such as telephone and Internet services.
• Necessary travel expenses, within the government-approved rates.
• Office supplies and computer equipment.
• Materials and equipment needed for services and activities.
• Insurance costs.
• Professional fees necessary for the mission or for required reporting.
• Publicity and promotion of organizational activities.
• Training costs.

Eligible geographic areas

• Quebec
• Territories covered by the following health regions and institutions in Quebec:
  • Bas-Saint-Laurent
  • Côte-Nord
  • Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean
  • Baie-James
  • Capitale-Nationale
  • Gaspésie
  • Mauricie-et-du-Centre-du-Québec
  • Chaudière-Appalaches
  • Estrie
  • Laval
  • Centre-Sud-de-l’Île-de-Montréal
  • Lanaudière
  • Outaouais
  • Laurentides
  • Abitibi-Témiscamingue
  • Montérégie-Centre

• Expected impacts on health and well-being determinants resulting from the proposed activities or projects.
• Relevance and coherence between the proposed activities and the grant’s objectives or established priorities.
• Realism and feasibility of the implementation and planning of the activities or project.
• Capacity of the organization to successfully carry out the activities or project (including expertise, partnerships, and financial capacity).
• Quality and originality of the proposed activities (including the innovative nature or adaptation to a new context or need).

• The PSOC program distinguishes between multiple types of community organizations for funding purposes, including organizations focused on mutual aid, advocacy, support settings, temporary accommodation, and regional or national groupings.
• The regulatory standards of the program are set to be reviewed by March 31, 2027.
• Régionalized management applies: each region's responsible institution may adapt rules to local realities, provided they remain in accordance with broader governmental frameworks.
• The program offers a transition period (until March 31, 2028) for organizations and regional establishments to fully comply with recent regulatory adjustments.