Data standardization support program

Q: How much funding can be received?

Data standardization support program Funds up to 90% of admissible expenses, capped at $50000 per project.

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Q: Is the Data standardization support program a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Data standardization support program is a Grant and Funding

Q: Who are the financial supporters of the Data standardization support program?

Data standardization support program is funded by Gouvernement du Québec

Q: Who is eligible for the Data standardization support program program?

To be eligible for the Data standardization support program program, you must: • Be a for-profit business incorporated under Quebec or Canadian law • Be headquartered in Quebec • Majority owned by Canadian citizens or permanent residents fiscally domiciled in Quebec

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the Data standardization support program?

You can contact Gouvernement du Québec by email at culturenumerique@mcc.gouv.qc.ca.

Q: Where is the Data standardization support program available?

The Data standardization support program program is available the province of QC.

Last Update: July 22, 2025

QC, Canada

Supports data standardization for Quebec cultural organizations

At a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $50,000
Up to 90% of project cost

Timeline

Receipt of requests is now closed

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Information and cultural industries

Funds Providers

Unspecified

Program status

Closed

Overview

The Data Standardization Support Program provides up to $50,000 in funding to help cultural organizations update and standardize their databases according to sector-recognized norms. The program supports activities such as acquiring data management tools or upgrading existing databases to improve the discoverability of Quebec's cultural content.

Financing terms and conditions

Maximum grant amount per project is $50,000.
For non-profit legal entities and cooperatives: up to 90% of eligible project expenses are funded; at least 10% must be contributed by the applicant, including a minimum of 5% as investment.
For for-profit private companies: up to 65% of eligible project expenses are funded; at least 25% must be contributed by the applicant, including a minimum of 10% as investment.
No cost overruns or additional financial assistance will be accepted beyond the initially approved project cost.
The first instalment of the grant ranges from 50% to 85% of the awarded amount, with the balance paid upon project completion and approval of the final report.

Activities funded

Upgrading existing data systems to conform to one of the four recognized sectoral standards (MétaMusique, Arts de la scène, Cinema, Book for publishers).
Implementing new data management tools for organizing and classifying descriptive data based on recognized standards.
Adjusting the structure of current databases to ensure compatibility with recognized data description standards.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 41,000

Replacing gas-powered landscaping tools with electric alternatives

$ 47,000

Upgrading bakery with allergen-safe production equipment

$ 38,000

Creation of community composting program for restaurants

$ 45,000

Implementing energy efficient lighting in warehouse facility

$ 35,000

Upgrading accessibility in a community-run cinema

$ 50,000

Launching a digital platform for local arts co-operatives

Eligibility

The applicant must be a non-profit organization, cooperative, or private for-profit company legally constituted under Quebec or Canadian laws.
The organization must have its head office located in Quebec and must have existed for over 12 months.
The applicant must operate primarily in sectors governed by the Ministry of Culture and Communications, the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec (CALQ), or the Société de développement des entreprises culturelles (SODEC).
The applicant must propose a project based on one of the four recognized sectoral standards: MétaMusique, Performing Arts, Cinema, or Book (for publishers).
The project must have a clear plan and timeline for implementation within a maximum of 12 months, and the applicant must demonstrate capacity to complete the project as proposed.

Who is eligible?

Non-profit organizations incorporated under Quebec or Canadian law
Cooperatives constituted under Quebec or Canadian statutes
For-profit private companies incorporated under Quebec or Canadian law

Who is not eligible

Individuals operating sole proprietorships.
Government departments, health and education institutions, and other organizations governed by Quebec's Financial Administration Act.
Universities and research centers.
Applicants listed in the Register of Enterprises Ineligible for Public Contracts, including their subcontractors.
Companies declared bankrupt, insolvent, or under bankruptcy protection arrangements.

Eligible expenses

Costs related to the design, development, acquisition, or adaptation of equipment, technology, or tools for the project.
Subcontracting fees and professional service fees (including consultants).
Study and consulting expertise costs.
Training expenses for staff involved in the project.
Labour costs, including employee benefits, directly related to the project.
Administrative costs, up to a maximum of 5% of total eligible expenses.
Contingency expenses, up to a maximum of 10% of total eligible expenses.

Eligible geographic areas

Organizations with their head office located in Quebec.

Selection criteria

Alignment of the project with the program's purpose and objectives (16%).
Compliance with recognized sectoral standards (16%).
Clarity and precision of the project proposal (8%).
Experience and competence of the project team (8%).
Quality and realism of the project budget (12%).
Quality of the descriptive data management plan (16%).
Bonus: Projects located outside the metropolitan areas of Quebec City and Montreal (+12%).
Bonus: Projects opting for regular open data publication (+8%).

How to apply

Register in the di@pason system

Register as a partner client in the di@pason system or update your file if already registered
Complete the registration or update at least one week before the project submission deadline

Complete the application form

Complete the online financial assistance application form on di@pason
Ensure your application includes descriptions and required documents as specified

Prepare and attach required documents

Include documents such as project description, detailed budget, partner commitment letters, team presentation, project timeline (within 12 months), data management plan, provider quotes if applicable, organizational resolution, signed terms and conditions, latest signed financial statements, updated board member list, and for for-profit businesses, attestation of shareholder information
Ensure all documents are accurate and up-to-date

Submit the application

Submit the complete application via the di@pason system before the project call deadline
Correct any deficiencies within the deadlines provided by the Ministry if notified

Application evaluation and selection

The Ministry, with CALQ and SODEC, evaluates requests based on eligibility and selection criteria
Projects may receive selection bonuses and are subject to limitations based on sectoral equity and available budgets

Additional information

The program standard is effective from September 4, 2024, to October 18, 2027.
Recipients must submit a project report no later than three months following project completion using the Ministry's provided template.
A follow-up on project results is required 12 months after project completion via a Ministry-issued questionnaire.
The Ministry may audit grant allocation and usage at any time.

Contacts

culturenumerique@mcc.gouv.qc.ca

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Data standardization support program Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Data standardization support program. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.