MRC Lac-Saint-Jean-Est — Rural Region Fund - Signature Innovation

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.

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.

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.

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.