FAQDD — Ecological Transition Accelerator
Last Update: March 27, 2025
Québec, QC
Support structuring initiatives for the local ecological transition
FAQDD — Ecological Transition Accelerator at a glance
Eligible Funding
- From 50,000 to 250,000
- Up to 80% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : November 13, 2024
- Closing date : February 3, 2025
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
- Educational services
- Other services (except public administration)
Grant Providers
- Fonds d'action Québécois pour le développement durable
Status
Closed
Overview of the FAQDD — Ecological Transition Accelerator program
The Accelerator of Ecological Transition program in Quebec aims to accelerate ecological transition by mobilizing citizens, organizations, and businesses in Quebec to undertake high-impact projects. The program offers financial support and guidance to projects targeting environmental actions like climate change adaptation, urban agriculture, clean energy, waste management, sustainable food systems, and more. Non-profit organizations, cooperatives, and educational institutions in Quebec are eligible to apply for funding ranging from $50,000 to $250,000, covering up to 80% of project expenses.
Financing terms and conditions
- The financial aid provided can range from a minimum of $50,000 to a maximum of $250,000 per project.
- The aid can cover up to 80% of eligible expenses related to the project.
- The accumulated public financial aid for projects targeting primarily businesses cannot exceed 80% of eligible expenses.
- The accumulated public financial aid for other projects can reach up to 100% of eligible expenses.
- Calculation of total financial aid includes contributions from the Quebec and Canadian governments, as well as municipal entities.
- Non-repayable assistance from provincial or federal government is considered at 100% of its value.
- Repayable assistance, such as loans, is considered at 50% of its value.
- Organizations are encouraged to complete their financial arrangements using other funding programs.
- The primary applicant must confirm possession of the necessary finances or required loans for the project's financial plan within 10 business days if the project is selected.
Eligible projects & activities
- Adaptation to climate change.
- Urban agriculture initiatives.
- Improvement of air quality strategies.
- Responsible sourcing practices.
- Biodiversity conservation projects.
- Demineralization and greening efforts.
- Circular economy models.
- Energy efficiency and clean energy projects.
- Water management systems.
- Waste management solutions.
- Active mobility and sustainable transportation initiatives.
- Eco-responsible practices in enterprises.
- Protection and restoration of ecosystems and natural environments.
- Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
- Sustainable food system developments.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 160,000
Promoting eco-responsible practices in local businesses
$ 100,000
Developing green spaces in urban community areas
$ 77,600
Implementing urban agriculture workshops for local youth
Eligibility criteria of the FAQDD — Ecological Transition Accelerator program
- The applicant must be an organization legally constituted as a non-profit, cooperative, or educational institution under the laws of Quebec or Canada.
- The applicant must not be listed in the Register of enterprises ineligible for public contracts (RENA).
- The applicant must not be an organization with over 50% of its funding from a single for-profit entity according to recent financial statements.
- The applicant must provide all required documentation during the application period.
- The project must be carried out within the city of Québec and must involve the engagement and mobilization of citizens, organizations, or enterprises.
- The project must aim for direct environmental impact and fit within one of the specified themes, such as climate change adaptation, urban agriculture, or circular economy.
Who is eligible?
- Non-profit organizations (NPOs)
- Cooperatives
- Educational institutions
Who is not eligible
- Entities listed on the Register of Enterprises Ineligible for Public Contracts (RENA).
- Social economy enterprises (non-profit organizations and cooperatives) that cannot demonstrate sound democratic governance.
- Applicants not discharged from a bankruptcy judgment.
- Applicants who, in the two years preceding the financial aid application, failed to comply with previous financial aid obligations from the City of Québec after being duly notified.
- Applicants with outstanding amounts owed to the City of Québec.
- Private enterprises or legally constituted organizations where at least half of the members are appointed by a private company or are directly related to such a company.
- Entities that derive more than 50% of their funding from a single for-profit enterprise as per their most recent financial statements.
Eligible expenses
- Personnel salaries and benefits for project-related roles.
- Professional fees for external services for specific tasks or services.
- Travel expenses directly related to the project.
- Communications and project promotion expenses.
- Rental or purchase of equipment and materials needed for project realization, with program contribution limited to 50% of total financial aid.
- General and administrative expenses necessary for project completion.
- Non-refundable portion of taxes (GST and QST).
Eligible geographic areas
- City of Québec
- Agglomeration of Québec and Wendake (for projects primarily addressing businesses)
Eligibility criteria of the FAQDD — Ecological Transition Accelerator program
- Alignment with transition ecological goals
- Engagement and mobilization of citizens, organizations, or businesses
- Direct environmental impact of the actions
- Relevance to the themes (e.g., climate change adaptation, urban agriculture, biodiversity, etc.)
- Feasibility and practicality of the project
- Collaboration with partners and stakeholder involvement
- Innovation and sustainability of the project
- Budget feasibility and financial structure
- Potential for replicability and scalability
- Overall contribution to sustainable development and ecological transition in Québec
How to apply to the FAQDD — Ecological Transition Accelerator program
1
Acknowledgment of the terms and conditions
Download and read the Project Submission Guide to understand the terms of the program.
2
Contact for additional information
- Contact FAQDD for additional information or to discuss project eligibility via email or phone.
- Email: accelerateur@faqdd.qc.ca
- Phone: 418 692-5888, extension 6
3
Preparation of the documentation
Download the activity schedule, the budget schedule, and the support letter template.
4
Filling out the application form
- Fill out the financial assistance application form, ensuring it is duly completed and signed.
- Attach the required documents such as the activity schedule, the projected budget, letters of support from partners, the latest audited financial statements, the most recent activity or annual report, the board of directors' resolution, and a copy of the letters patent.
- Provide proof of confirmation of complementary funding sources, if applicable.
5
Submission of the application
- Save and complete the form as necessary.
- Send the completed form to the FAQDD electronically by clicking on "Submit the form."
- Note that the link to complete the form is valid for 28 days.
Additional information
- The financial assistance provided by the program can cover up to 80% of a project's eligible expenses.
- The Accélérateur program benefits from financial support from Desjardins and is coordinated by the Fonds d'action québécois pour le développement durable (FAQDD).
- The City of Québec can act as a facilitator to enhance the success and visibility of selected projects through various means, such as providing geospatial data or assisting in promoting the projects.
- Selected projects will receive increased visibility through the creation and dissemination of project presentation sheets by FAQDD.
- The program offers up to 35 hours of personalized support from FAQDD for projects with a duration of one year, and up to 70 hours for projects lasting two years.
- The funding program includes a comprehensive support structure with webinars, workshops, and individual coaching available to assist project execution.
- Selected projects are expected to participate in an experience-sharing workshop to promote networking and the exchange of best practices.
- Upon completion, a final report and documentation of the project's impacts are required.
- Organizational resilience and capability in managing collective actions are evaluated as part of project selection.
Contact Fonds d'action Québécois pour le développement durable
accelerateur@faqdd.qc.ca
418 692-5888, poste 6
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