How much funding can be received?

The Hydro-Québec program for the enhancement of natural environments offers financial assistance of up to $100,000 to support the protection, enhancement, and restoration of natural environments with the goal of conserving biodiversity. Eligible activities include habitat enhancement, ecological restoration, educational initiatives, and the acquisition of conservation lands in Quebec.

Financing terms and conditions

Financial aid can cover up to 100% of project costs for grants under $50,000.
For grants between $50,000 and $99,999, support is capped at 75% of total project costs.
For grants of $100,000 or more, maximum assistance is 50% of total project costs.
For land acquisition projects, the program contributes a maximum of $100,000, with at least 10% of the contribution dedicated to an educational or enhancement component.
The financial support may be distributed over a period of up to 36 months.

Eligible projects & activities

Implementation of projects for the protection and enhancement of natural environments to conserve biodiversity.
Restoration and ecological rehabilitation of degraded ecosystems or habitats.
Design and installation of infrastructure that supports sustainable access and responsible use of natural areas.
Development and delivery of educational tools and initiatives focused on local environmental issues and biodiversity conservation.
Acquisition of land or conservation easements specifically for the long-term preservation and responsible use of high-biodiversity environments.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 99,500

Shoreline stabilization and fish habitat restoration in river ecosystem

$ 99,000

Restoring wetland habitat for migratory birds and native flora

$ 97,000

Urban pollinator corridor creation with community engagement initiatives

$ 97,500

Outdoor biodiversity education workshops and resource kit development

$ 100,000

Acquisition of forest land for long-term conservation purposes

$ 95,000

Construction of nature trail and interpretive panels for visitors

Eligibility criteria of the Hydro-Québec program for the enhancement of natural environments program

The applicant must be a public or private organization. Individuals are not eligible.
For property or servitude acquisition projects, only non-profit organizations with a mission of conservation and protection of Quebec's natural heritage are eligible (with rare exceptions for municipalities under strict conditions).
The project must focus on the protection, enhancement, or restoration of natural environments, targeting biodiversity conservation and/or public education on local environmental issues.
The project must take place within the province of Quebec, prioritizing natural environments that provide public accessibility.
All required documentation must be submitted as specified by the program guidelines at the time of application.

Who is eligible?

Public organizations
Private organizations
Non-profit organizations (for acquisition projects, must have a mission focused on conservation and protection of Quebec's natural heritage)
Municipalities (acquisition projects only, under strict conditions guaranteeing long-term conservation)

Who is not eligible

Individuals (private persons) are not eligible.
Projects related to voluntary (private stewardship) conservation are not eligible.
Organizations whose projects are strictly recreational, economic, or recurrent in nature are not eligible.
Projects located on land that is not accessible to the public are not eligible.

Eligible expenses

Salaries and regular benefits directly attributable to project coordination, supervision, and execution, including related travel expenses.
Specialized service fees and consultant/expert costs.
Purchase of materials, tools, and light equipment, as well as rental costs for machinery or equipment needed for the project.
Transportation, installation of equipment, and other costs directly related to project realization.
Rental or depreciation costs of IT equipment used for the project (up to 33% of the equipment's value annually for up to three years from the purchase date).
Administrative and office expenses (e.g., office rental, supplies, stationery, photocopying, telephony, postage, accounting), up to a maximum of 10% of total project expenses.
For land acquisition projects: purchase price of land or conservation easement, property transfer duties, municipal and school tax adjustments, lease fees, accredited property appraisal costs, surveying costs, legal and notary fees, and consultant support fees for legal processes.
Contribution to a property management or endowment fund (up to 10% of the fair market value of the property, to a maximum of $30,000).
Direct expenses and documented in-kind contributions (e.g., volunteer time, loan or donation of equipment or materials essential to project delivery).

Eligible geographic areas

Québec (entire province)

Eligibility criteria of the Hydro-Québec program for the enhancement of natural environments program

Quality and completeness of the application.
Level of project planning and monitoring mechanisms.
Applicant's capability to execute and follow up on the project.
Ecological value of the targeted natural environment.
Expected economic, social, and environmental impacts of the project.

How to apply to the Hydro-Québec program for the enhancement of natural environments program

Study the program documentation

Review the program information document in detail
Understand eligibility requirements for applicants and projects
Verify that your project aligns with program objectives and priorities

Prepare application materials

Gather all necessary information about your organization and project
Collect supporting documentation such as project plans, maps, letters of support, and partner details
Prepare required documents specific to your project type (e.g., ecological reports for land acquisitions, detailed work descriptions for restoration projects)

Complete the application form

Complete the official financial aid application form as required by the program
Ensure all mandatory fields are filled and documents attached
Include a general or specific resolution authorizing the organization’s representative

Validate application completeness

Verify that all required documents are included and correctly formatted
Review the application for completeness and accuracy
Consult the information document for the complete list of required elements for submission

Submit the application

Submit the application form and all required documentation by email to projets@fondationdelafaune.qc.ca
Ensure submission is made in the original electronic format
Submit before the annual deadline of November 15

Await evaluation and results

Wait for confirmation of receipt and for the results of the evaluation process
You may be contacted for additional clarification or documents during the review

Additional information

A signed agreement with the Fondation de la faune du Québec is required before the project can commence.
Monitoring and annual reporting obligations may continue up to three years after project completion.
The grant can offer up to 100% coverage of project costs for funding requests under $50,000.
For acquisition projects, a management fund transfer report is required one, three, and five years after property acquisition.