FAQDD — Reducing air and noise pollution – Component 2

Who is eligible?

• For-profit companies
• Business associations and business groups
• Cooperatives
• Non-profit organizations (NPOs)
• Charitable organizations
• Municipal organizations
• Indigenous communities and organizations

Who is not eligible

• State-owned companies, ministries, and public institutions.
• Individual businesses, self-employed workers, and private individuals.
• Financial service companies and firms under the supervision of the Autorité des marchés financiers (e.g., insurance brokers).
• Companies engaged in the production or distribution of weapons, exploration or production of fossil fuels (except low-carbon transition), gambling, sexual exploitation, or the tobacco and drug sectors.
• Companies in a state of insolvency, under legal protection, or registered in the Register of non-eligible businesses for public contracts (RENA).

Eligible expenses

• Salaries and benefits for human resources assigned specifically to the project.
• Professional fees for external services and specific tasks, including accounting verifications required by FAQDD (up to $200/hour).
• Travel and accommodation expenses within Quebec related to the project (up to 10% of eligible expenses, must be justified).
• Communication and promotional expenses, including costs related to the publication and printing of advertising material for the project.
• Rental or purchase of equipment, parts, and materials (new or used) necessary for the completion of the project.
• Administrative expenses directly related to the project (up to 10% of eligible expenses).
• Taxes directly applicable to eligible project expenses, excluding any recoverable or exempted portion (e.g., GST/QST credits or refunds).

Eligible geographic areas

• Organizations established and operating in Quebec.

• The project addresses a significant issue related to air quality and/or noise pollution from fixed sources, with clear impact on the health and quality of life of a targeted population, project sustainability, and acceptance within the community (15 points).
• The project includes SMART objectives (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) supported by clear and precise implementation means (10 points).
• The project is located near a sensitive receptor area such as a public facility or residence exposed to atmospheric and/or noise emissions (10 points).
• The quality and planning of the application are appropriate, with a comprehensive project description, precise objectives, coherent activities, and evidence of the applicant’s expertise and capacity to deliver the project (10 points).
• The project budget is clear, realistic, and consistent with the planned activities (5 points).

• Step 1: Download and Review Application ToolkitDownload the applicant's guide and application toolkit from the program website.
• Carefully read the guide to understand program criteria, steps, and required documents.
• Review the list of questions in the application form before starting to fill it out.
• Schedule a meeting with a program analyst for guidance, if needed.
• Step 2: Consult the Application ToolkitUtilize the templates and tools in the application toolkit to structure your funding application.
• Prepare required components using the provided models.
• Step 3: Plan Project Activities and BudgetFill out the calendar and budget templates supplied in the toolkit to organize project phases and detail anticipated expenses.
• Use this information when completing the grant application form.
• Step 4: Gather Required DocumentationCollect all documents needed for your submission, based on the toolkit models and guide instructions.
• For equipment projects, provide a prior impact study, conducted by a qualified professional, detailing planned improvements and quantified reductions in air or noise pollution.
• If partners are involved, obtain signed letters of support from each.
• If you have additional sources of funding, include funding confirmation letters.
• For in-kind contributions, secure confirmation letters.
• Provide a waiver for tax credits, if applicable.
• Attach all other relevant documents (e.g., service offers, technical equipment sheets, project justification materials).
• Step 5: Complete the Online Application FormFill out the grant application form online.
• Ensure the form is signed by an authorized representative. Proof of signing authority is required (e.g., board resolution or signed letter from an authorized administrator).
• Documents can be saved and completed later; a link valid for 28 days is sent by email.
• Only use “Submit Form” to officially send your application to the fund provider (FAQDD).
• Step 6: Receive Submission ConfirmationUpon submission, an acknowledgment of receipt will be sent to confirm your application was received by the FAQDD.

• All applications must be submitted online using the tools and templates provided by FAQDD.
• Applicants are responsible for ensuring their own financial capacity to cover the entire project cost pending final payments.
• Financial support may be combined with other public or private programs, but a minimum private contribution is mandatory for each project.
• A professional impact assessment is mandatory for projects involving equipment additions.