E
Closed
Emergency Fund “Mains Ouvertes”
Rapid emergency aid for people in severe distress
Last Update: May 18, 2026
Funding available
$ 100 - $ 3,000
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Location
Canada
Overview
This emergency fund provides rapid support for people in severe distress, with aid from €100 to €3,000. It supports urgent interventions such as preventing eviction or covering essential needs, through an association submitting the request.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Strengthen organizational capacity
- Raise awareness or mobilize a population
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 3,000 $
- Minimum amount : 100 $
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Health care and social assistance
- Other services (except public administration)
- Public administration
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Social Services
- Emergency and Relief
- Income Support and Maintenance
- Housing
Target groups
- General public
- Seniors
- New immigrants & refugees
- Rural / Remote communities
- Nonprofits / charities
- Low-income individuals / families
Revenue structures
- 100% donations / grants
Scope
- National
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Urgent assistance for people or families in extreme distress
- Emergency support to help prevent eviction, debt escalation, or loss of essential care
Documents Needed
- Copy of identity card or residence permit
- Proof of state benefits received
- Tax notice or last 3 bank statements
- Any quotes related to the request
- Beneficiary life story description
- Association bank details
- Completed image rights form
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Associations supporting people or families in need
Who is not eligible
- Individuals applying on their own
- Requests not submitted through an association
Eligible expenses
- Urgent bills and invoices related to the beneficiary’s immediate situation
- Essential costs needed to avoid a crisis, such as eviction or access to necessary care
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Requests that are not submitted through an association
- Funds paid directly to the beneficiary
- Unused amounts for abandoned requests must be returned
Processing and Agreement
- The association submits the request online and uploads supporting documents.
- Fondation Notre Dame reviews the application and decides on the aid to grant.
- The response is sent by phone or email within 5 working days.
- After approval, the funds are paid the following week to the association.
- The association must later report on the use of the funds and the beneficiary’s situation.
Additional information
- The same person can benefit from the fund only once.
- The association must report back within 1 to 3 months with updates on the beneficiary.
- If the request is abandoned, unused funds must be returned to Fondation Notre Dame.
- Payment is made to the association, which must pay the related invoices.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Emergency Fund “Mains Ouvertes” Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Emergency Fund “Mains Ouvertes”. 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.
What is the Emergency Fund “Mains Ouvertes”?
This emergency fund provides rapid support for people in severe distress, with aid from €100 to €3,000. It supports urgent interventions such as preventing eviction or covering essential needs, through an association submitting the request.
How much funding can be received?
Emergency Fund “Mains Ouvertes” Funds up to $3,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Emergency Fund “Mains Ouvertes” program?
To be eligible for the Emergency Fund “Mains Ouvertes” program, you must:
Submitted by an association
For urgent distress situations
Supporting documents required
What expenses are eligible under Emergency Fund “Mains Ouvertes”?
Urgent assistance for people or families in extreme distress
Emergency support to help prevent eviction, debt escalation, or loss of essential care
Who can I contact for more information about the Emergency Fund “Mains Ouvertes”?
You can contact Fondation Notre Dame by email at entraide@fondationnotredame.fr or by phone at 01 78 91 91 93.
Where is the Emergency Fund “Mains Ouvertes” available?
The Emergency Fund “Mains Ouvertes” program is available across Canada.
Is the Emergency Fund “Mains Ouvertes” a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Emergency Fund “Mains Ouvertes” is a Grant and Funding