How much funding can be received?

The "MRC de Rivière-du-Loup — FRR Stream 2: Support for structuring projects to improve living environments" provides non-repayable financial assistance of up to $20,000 per project. The program aims to enhance living environments by supporting initiatives from municipalities, non-profits, and cooperatives for eligible activities such as infrastructure, equipment acquisition, and community development projects within the MRC.

Financing terms and conditions

For local projects: Up to 40% of eligible expenses, to a maximum of $10,000 per project.
For intermunicipal projects: Up to 30% of eligible expenses, to a maximum of $15,000 per project.
For territorial projects: Up to 50% of eligible expenses, to a maximum of $20,000 per project.
For projects where the MRC is the promoter: 100% of eligible expenses covered.
The combined total of government assistance from Quebec, Canada, and this fund cannot exceed 80% of eligible project costs.

Eligible projects & activities

Initiatives that improve quality of life and living environments in the MRC de Rivière-du-Loup.
Collaborative projects between multiple municipalities addressing common community needs.
Projects with regional impact that benefit at least seven municipalities or are recognized as regional infrastructure.
Actions fostering economic, social, cultural, or community development within the MRC.
Initiatives supporting population growth, resident integration, and community participation.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 20,000

Launching a mobile library service across rural communities

$ 19,700

Upgrading a social economy workspace with accessible equipment

$ 20,000

Building an inclusive playground with specialized accessible equipment

$ 19,800

Developing a digital newcomers’ welcome platform and app

$ 19,400

Restoring and modernizing a local cultural heritage site

$ 19,500

Establishing an accessible community garden and learning space

Eligibility criteria of the MRC de Rivière-du-Loup — FRR – Stream 2: Support for structuring projects to improve living environments program

The applicant must be one of the following: the MRC, a municipality or municipal organization, a non-profit organization (NPO), a non-financial cooperative, a social economy enterprise (excluding the financial sector), an organization from the education, health, culture, environment, heritage, or social services sectors, or the Wolastoqiyik Wahsipekuk First Nation.
The project must be aligned with the strategic orientations or priority areas identified by the MRC de Rivière-du-Loup.
The project must include eligible expenses as defined by the fund.
The financial plan must demonstrate a minimum of 20% funding from sources within the community.
For territorial projects, the initiative must benefit the population of at least 7 municipalities within the MRC or be recognized by the MRC as a regional infrastructure project.

Who is eligible?

Regional County Municipality (MRC) of Rivière-du-Loup and municipal entities
Non-profit organizations (NPOs)
Non-financial cooperatives
Social economy enterprises (excluding those in the financial sector)
Organizations in the fields of education, health, culture, environment, heritage, or social services operating on the territory
First Nation Wolastoqiyik Wahsipekuk

Who is not eligible

Private businesses, except those addressed in other specific support policies.
Financial sector cooperatives and social economy enterprises in the financial sector.

Eligible expenses

Salaries and benefits for employees, interns, and similar personnel directly involved in the project.
Professional fees for external consultants or specialists required for the project.
Capital expenditures for the purchase of land, buildings, equipment, or machinery essential for project activities.
Acquisition of technologies, software, or patents needed for the project.
Working capital calculated for the first year of the project's operations.
Other expenses directly associated with the development and implementation of the project, subject to justification.

Eligible geographic areas

Organizations located within the territory of the MRC de Rivière-du-Loup, Quebec.
Projects with impact on at least 7 of the 13 municipalities within the MRC de Rivière-du-Loup.

Eligibility criteria of the MRC de Rivière-du-Loup — FRR – Stream 2: Support for structuring projects to improve living environments program

Number of municipalities affected by the project.
Expected benefits and results of the project (retombées).
Level of local support, mobilization, and involvement.
Sustainability of project outcomes (pérennité).
Demonstration of human and financial partnerships.

Note: Projects are evaluated based on a detailed evaluation grid and must achieve at least 60 points to receive a favorable recommendation.

How to apply to the MRC de Rivière-du-Loup — FRR – Stream 2: Support for structuring projects to improve living environments program

Step 1: Complete the Application Form
- Download and complete the unique financial aid application form available on the MRC de Rivière-du-Loup website.
- Attach all necessary supporting documents as required for evaluation (such as budgets, project descriptions, and financial structure).
Step 2: Submit the Application
- Ensure your application is submitted before the stated deadline (e.g., January 24, 2025, before 4:00 PM).
- Submit the complete application package to the MRC de Rivière-du-Loup according to the instructions provided on their website.
Step 3: Eligibility Verification
- Your application will be preliminarily verified for eligibility by MRC or CLD staff.
- If needed, you may be asked to provide additional information or revise your application.
Step 4: Project Evaluation
- Eligible projects are evaluated by the analysis committee using a specific set of criteria (projects must score at least 60 points).
- Assessment considers project scope, impact, community involvement, and financial structure.
Step 5: Decision and Notification
- The analysis committee makes a recommendation to the MRC council, which makes the final funding decision.
- You will be notified of the decision, including the conditions to receive funding or, in the case of refusal, the reasons for ineligibility.
Step 6: Signature of Agreement and Disbursement
- If approved, sign the agreement protocol with the MRC to formalize the funding.
- Receive 75% of the approved grant following signature, with the final 25% disbursed upon completion of the project and submission of a final report and all supporting documentation.

Additional information

Project submissions are reviewed at fixed dates six times per year, with the calendar posted twice annually on the MRC website.
Any project not meeting the required evaluation score may be resubmitted after improvements by the applicant.
If funds remain unallocated by March 31, 2025, they must be returned; all projects must be fully completed, with final reports submitted, by December 31, 2025.
The policy governing this grant may be amended at any time by the MRC council, and supersedes all previous related policies.