The Financial Assistance to Promote Food Security in Northern Communities program provides up to $275,000 for community-based fruit and vegetable production projects and up to $100,000 for conservation or transformation of locally produced or harvested foods. The program supports initiatives that enhance local and regional food self-sufficiency in Quebec's northern territories.

Financing terms and conditions

Government financial assistance can cover up to 90% of eligible project costs; at least 10% of eligible costs must be provided by the applicant or its partners.
Maximum grant for community-based fruit or vegetable production projects is $275,000.
Maximum grant for projects related to the conservation or processing of locally produced or collected foods is $100,000.
All financial assistance is provided as a non-repayable grant, subject to the cumulative limits and inclusion of all government contributions.

Activities funded

Community projects producing fruits or vegetables for local or regional food consumption.
Initiatives focused on the conservation or processing of foods produced or harvested locally for northern communities.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 99,500

Constructing a solar-powered hydroponic unit for leafy greens production

$ 99,500

Opening a community root cellar to store local harvest vegetables

$ 88,000

Freezing and packaging hunted caribou meat for year-round food supply

$ 46,700

Pilot project growing strawberries outdoors in raised beds with covers

$ 97,600

Processing wild-harvested berries into jams for local food markets

$ 272,000

Establishing a geothermal-heated greenhouse for community tomato production

Eligibility

The applicant must be a non-profit organization, an incorporated cooperative with similar activities, a band council or Indigenous community, a northern village corporation or Inuit landholding corporation, a municipality or municipal organization, or a recognized northern regional administration.
The project must be carried out north of the 49th parallel, within Quebec's northern territory, or benefit communities or businesses established there.
The project must involve community fruit or vegetable production for local or regional consumption, or focus on the conservation or processing of locally produced or gathered foods.
The applicant must demonstrate that complementary funding has been sought and that funding from this program is necessary to complete the project.

Who is eligible?

Incorporated non-profit organizations (NPOs)
Cooperatives with activities similar to non-profit organizations
Band councils and Indigenous communities
Nordic village corporations, Nordic villages, and Inuit landholding corporations
Municipalities, regional county municipalities (MRCs), and municipal sector organizations
Regional administrations, including Baie-James Regional Administration, Kativik Regional Administration, Cree Nation Government, and Eeyou Istchee Baie-James Regional Government
Mutuals with activities similar to those of non-profit organizations

Who is not eligible

Individual persons (projects submitted by individuals are not eligible).
Organizations or applicants that have failed to meet their obligations following a formal notice related to a previous financial aid within the past two years.
Companies or organizations listed on the Registre des entreprises non admissibles aux contrats publics (RENA).
Applicants whose projects have already received financial support from Société du Plan Nord in the past three years without any innovation or new features.

Eligible expenses

Operating expenses directly related to the project, such as salaries and other remuneration, and temporary rental costs.
Acquisition or rental of equipment and materials required for the project.
Costs associated with the creation of project plans.
Professional fees related to project execution.
Administrative expenses linked to project activities.
Travel and accommodation expenses necessary for project implementation.
Capital expenditures associated with the project.

Eligible geographic areas

Northern Quebec (north of the 49th parallel)
Communities or businesses established in the northern Quebec territory

How to apply

Review eligibility and program guide

Review the Program Guide for the Nordic Food Security Program
Understand the eligibility criteria and project categories
Assess your organization and project’s eligibility

Collect required documents

Gather required documents (latest financial report, board resolution, three-year operational budget if infrastructure, partner commitment letters if applicable, other relevant documents)
Ensure all documentation is accurate and up-to-date

Fill out application form

Complete the financial aid application form (PDF)
Attach all supporting documents

Submit your application

Submit your complete application by email, fax, or post to the Société du Plan Nord
Ensure submission before the deadline (September 19, 2025, 11:59 p.m.)
Postal submissions use the postmark for receipt date

Sign funding agreement if accepted

If selected, sign a funding agreement with the Société du Plan Nord
The agreement outlines payment details and reporting requirements

Provide project and financial reporting

Submit activity and financial reports for each funding disbursement
Include detailed lists of activities, expenses, funding sources, job creation information (if applicable), and supporting documents
Annual production and sustainability impacts must be reported for relevant projects
In some cases, provide an external audit report

Additional information

The final evaluation may require an audit report from an accredited external auditor, depending on the project.
Progress and financial reporting are required for each payment installment received.
The application deadline is September 19, 2025, before midnight.
The most recent financial report and a resolution from the board of directors must be included in the application package.

Contacts

psan@spn.gouv.qc.ca

QC, Canada

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Financial assistance to promote food security in northern communities Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Financial assistance to promote food security in northern communities. 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 Financial assistance to promote food security in northern communities?

How much funding can be received?

What expenses are eligible under Financial assistance to promote food security in northern communities?

What is the deadline to apply?

Is the Financial assistance to promote food security in northern communities a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Who are the financial supporters of the Financial assistance to promote food security in northern communities?

Who is eligible for the Financial assistance to promote food security in northern communities program?

To be eligible for the Financial assistance to promote food security in northern communities program, you must: Eligible applicants include incorporated non-profit organizations, cooperatives with similar activities, and certain Indigenous and northern community entities. The project must benefit communities or enterprises located north of the 49th parallel in Quebec. The applicant must demonstrate a search for complementary funding and necessity for the program's financial assistance.