
MRC Lac-Saint-Jean-Est — Rural Region Fund - Signature Innovation
Last Update: July 22, 2025
QC, Canada
Supporting innovative development for resilient, sustainable communities
At a glance
Eligible Funding
- Max. $60,000
- Up to 80% of project cost
Timeline
- Unspecified
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
Funds Providers
Unspecified
Program status
Open
Overview
The Développement- Fonds région ruralité (FRR) SIGNATURE INNOVATION program, with a maximum funding allocation of $60,000 per municipality, aims to support innovative structuring projects that enhance living environments in the MRC de Lac-Saint-Jean-Est region. Eligible activities include projects that are novel, have long-term positive impacts, and promote community development in social, cultural, environmental, or technological domains.
Financing terms and conditions
The MRC Lac-Saint-Jean-Est — Rural Region Fund - Signature Innovation program outlines various financing modalities to enhance the implementation of projects that align with the regional goals. These financing modalities are structured to ensure both support and accountability for funded projects.
- The contribution from the MRC is provided as a non-repayable financial grant (subsidy).
- The maximum funding amount allocated to a project is equivalent to the maximum available per municipality.
- The cumulative assistance from both the Government of Quebec and the Government of Canada, including FRR funding, cannot exceed 80% of the total project costs.
- The financial contribution from the MRC is disbursed in two installments: 60% at the signing of the agreement and 40% after verification of the report.
- A minimum cash contribution of 10% from the responsible organization is required.
- The organization responsible for the project must demonstrate that they have sought all necessary funding from other governmental and organizational sources to confirm the availability of other financing resources.
Activities funded
The Lac-Saint-Jean-Est Rural Region Fund's Signature Innovation initiative supports innovative projects that aim to strengthen community resilience against climate change and enhance the quality of life in the MRC region. By integrating the territorial vision laid out in 2024 with future development plans, grants are directed towards sustainable and community-centric solutions.
- Projects that utilize innovation to enhance territorial adaptation and response to climate change.
- Initiatives that create long-term positive impacts aligning with the MRC's social, cultural, and environmental objectives.
- Sustainable projects that promote community resilience and anticipate future challenges.
- Efforts that foster partnerships across local and regional levels for comprehensive development.
Eligibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the type of organization.
- The applicant must be an eligible organization such as a municipal organization, a band council of an Indigenous community, a non-profit organization, a cooperative (excluding financial cooperatives), or a social economy enterprise.
- The applicant must not be a private for-profit business or a financial sector cooperative.
Who is eligible?
Organizations eligible to apply for this grant include municipal organizations and non-profit entities that meet the following specific criteria:
- Municipal organizations within the MRC of Lac-Saint-Jean-Est.
- Non-profit organizations.
- Cooperatives, excluding financial cooperatives.
- Social economy enterprises.
- Aboriginal community band councils.
- Private companies and financial sector cooperatives are not eligible to apply.
Who is not eligible
This grant excludes certain types of organizations based on their status or primary activities. These restrictions ensure that funding is allocated to entities that align with the program's objectives of improving living environments.
- Private for-profit enterprises.
- Cooperatives in the financial sector.
Eligible expenses
Eligible expenses for this grant focus on costs necessary for the execution and success of structuring projects that benefit the community.
- Salaries and benefits for personnel, interns, and other resources, including employer social charges and benefits.
- Professional fees.
- Valuation of volunteer work (up to 10% of the project).
- Capital expenses for items such as land, buildings, equipment, machinery, and rolling stock.
- Acquisition of technologies, software, patents and similar expenses.
- Working capital needs calculated for the first year.
- Other costs inherent to the development and implementation of projects.
Eligible geographic areas
This fund is designated for projects within the geographical territory of the MRC de Lac-Saint-Jean-Est. Eligible projects must target improvements and initiatives specifically within this MRC region.
- Territory of the MRC de Lac-Saint-Jean-Est.
Selection criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for the SIGNATURE INNOVATION initiative under this grant involve a thorough analysis based on specific criteria to ensure the projects' alignment with the MRC objectives and community benefits.
- Respect for the orientations of the "Politique de soutien aux projets structurants pour améliorer les milieux de vie" and corresponding objectives.
- Creation of sustainable jobs as a result of the project.
- Contribution to market and/or community needs, reflecting the social utility of the project.
- Support from the community and involvement of partners in project execution.
- Viability of the project, including the competence of resources and responsible organization, response to local needs, realistic financial planning, and lack of direct competition.
- Longevity of impact, ensuring project continuation post-financing and lasting benefits for the community.
How to apply
1
Project Design
- Local municipalities must design priority projects in accordance with the Support Policy for Structuring Projects.
- Ensure that the project meets the needs identified by the community of the MRC of Lac-Saint-Jean-Est.
2
Complete the request
- Use the project presentation form provided for this purpose.
- Attach all required documents for the analysis, such as the financial setup and partnership validations.
3
Submission of the application
Send the complete application to the MRC of Lac-Saint-Jean-Est before the deadline.
4
Evaluation of the project by the MRC
The MRC analyzes requests based on the criteria established in the Policy for Supporting Structuring Projects to Improve Living Environments.
5
Signature of the memorandum of understanding
The MRC ensures the signing of the agreement protocol with the organization responsible for the project.
6
Accountability
After the verification of the final report, the remaining 40% of the contribution can be paid.
Additional information
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- A project that has already received funding from the FRR requires justification for further financial support, demonstrating the need for continued contribution.
- The MRC's financial contribution is provided in two installments: 60% upon signing the agreement and 40% after verifying the project report.
- The funding from the FRR, combined with other government assistance, must not exceed 80% of the total project costs.
- The project's leading organization must provide at least 10% of the funds in cash.
Frequently Asked Questions about the MRC Lac-Saint-Jean-Est — Rural Region Fund - Signature Innovation Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the MRC Lac-Saint-Jean-Est — Rural Region Fund - Signature Innovation. 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 MRC Lac-Saint-Jean-Est — Rural Region Fund - Signature Innovation?
How much funding can be received?
What is the deadline to apply?
Is the MRC Lac-Saint-Jean-Est — Rural Region Fund - Signature Innovation a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Who are the financial supporters of the MRC Lac-Saint-Jean-Est — Rural Region Fund - Signature Innovation?
Who is eligible for the MRC Lac-Saint-Jean-Est — Rural Region Fund - Signature Innovation program?
Who can I contact for more information about the MRC Lac-Saint-Jean-Est — Rural Region Fund - Signature Innovation?
Where is the MRC Lac-Saint-Jean-Est — Rural Region Fund - Signature Innovation available?
Are startups eligible for the MRC Lac-Saint-Jean-Est — Rural Region Fund - Signature Innovation program?
Are youth (under 40) eligible for the MRC Lac-Saint-Jean-Est — Rural Region Fund - Signature Innovation program?
Are Indigenous Peoples eligible for the MRC Lac-Saint-Jean-Est — Rural Region Fund - Signature Innovation program?

Loans and Capital investmentsOpen
Program Supporting the Development of Tourist Attractions — Stream 1
Investissement Québec (IQ)Loans to develop Quebec tourist attractions
Quebec, Canada

Grant and FundingOpen
Additional support for the circulation of shows
Société de développement des entreprises culturelles (SODEC)Financial support for touring Quebec music and comedy performances
Quebec, Canada

Grant and FundingOpening Soon
Capitale-Productivity
Quebec CitySupports business productivity, growth, and sustainable practices projects
Québec, Quebec

Grant and FundingClosed
Support for music and variety companies — Component 2: Support for management activities and Component 3: Para-industrial sector - Project support
Société de développement des entreprises culturelles (SODEC)Financial support for Quebec's music and variety industries
Quebec, Canada

Grant and FundingOpen
Social Economy Support Fund
Social Economy MauricieNon-repayable financial aid supporting social economy projects in Mauricie
Quebec, Canada

Grant and FundingOpening Soon
Capitale-Innovation
Quebec CitySupports business innovation, commercialization, and market expansion projects
Québec, Quebec

Grant and FundingClosed
Regional partnership and digital transformation agreement for tourism 2022-2025 – Digital development of a company
Tourisme Saguenay–Lac-Saint-JeanRegional partnership for digital tourism development in Quebec
Quebec, Canada

Grant and FundingClosed
Promotional assistance for music and entertainment companies
Société de développement des entreprises culturelles (SODEC)Supports promotion and marketing for Quebec music and entertainment companies
Quebec, Canada

Grant and FundingOpenClosing Soon
Arts Abroad — Co-Production
Canada Council for the Arts (CCA)Funding to co-create arts productions
Quebec, Canada

Grant and FundingClosed
EPRTNT Assistance Program
Tourisme MontréalGrant for tourism development in Montreal region
Montr éal, Quebec