How much funding can be received?

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.

grant_single_labels|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.

grant_single_labels|projects

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.

grant_single_labels|admissibility

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.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

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.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

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.

grant_eligibility_criteria|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.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

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.

grant_single_labels|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.

grant_single_labels|register

Step 1: Review Eligibility and Guidelines
Carefully read the "Politique de soutien aux projets structurants pour améliorer les milieux de vie" available on the MRC de Lac-Saint-Jean-Est's website.
Ensure your project aligns with the FRR goals and MRC's priorities and intervention criteria for 2024-2025.
Step 2: Prepare Required Documents
Complete the project presentation form provided by the MRC.
Gather supporting documents such as project plans, financial projections, and partnership agreements.
Step 3: Assemble Application
Combine the project form and supporting documents into a comprehensive application package.
Ensure all components meet the guidelines set by the FRR policies and priorities.
Step 4: Submit Application to Local Municipality
Submit your application through the local municipality that will prioritize the project to the MRC de Lac-Saint-Jean-Est.
Confirm with the municipality the receipt and forwarding of your application.
Step 5: Await Confirmation and Agreement
After submission, wait for an acceptance confirmation from MRC de Lac-Saint-Jean-Est.
Ensure the signing of a protocol of agreement if the project is approved for funding.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

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.

Apply to this program

Innovative Signature Project Initiative

The Signature Innovation project by the MRC de Lac-Saint-Jean-Est aims to align the comprehensive territorial vision outlined in 2024 with the new land-use and development plan, focusing on economic, cultural, social, and environmental growth until 2040. This initiative is crafted to enhance community resilience against climate change by promoting adaptability and proactive measures.

Detailed Insights into the Signature Innovation Project Fund

The Signature Innovation project, facilitated by the MRC de Lac-Saint-Jean-Est, merges strategic foresight with actionable development plans to enhance regional durability and adaptability. This initiative is instrumental as it aims to integrate innovative methodologies to confront and adapt to climate change, ensuring that communities within the MRC evolve to be highly resilient against unpredictable environmental shifts.

The program is developed as a follow-up to the Forum territoriale, which was a pivotal element in establishing a broad territorial vision encompassing economic, cultural, social, and environmental aspirations leading up to 2040. This vision will act as a blueprint for the forthcoming land-use and development schema, ensuring that all developmental activities are strategically aligned and environmentally sustainable.

At its core, the Signature Innovation project addresses the pressing need for strategic climate adaptation within the territories governed by the MRC. By fostering a culture of innovation and sustainability, the project encourages communities to incorporate climate-resilient practices, thereby safeguarding environmental and social welfare. Significant emphasis is placed on understanding the local and regional impacts of climate phenomena and preparing adequately through structured developmental adjustments.

Financial backing for the project comes from the Fonds région et ruralité (FRR), promoting local and territorial development initiatives which adhere to MRC policies focused on environmental stewardship, community engagement, and socio-economic enhancement. The budgetary allocations ensure that sufficient resources are directed towards sustainable projects that align with defined territorial priorities.

The project promotes not only innovation but also the creation of sustainable partnerships between municipal authorities, local communities, and diverse stakeholders, driving a collaborative approach to regional development. Such partnerships are deemed crucial for the shared exchange of expertise, which is vital in addressing complex regional challenges and building cohesive communities.

Additionally, the MRC supports projects that enhance the quality of life through infrastructure improvements tailored to increasing resilience against climate adversities. This includes supporting social enterprises and community organizations driving local innovations that address both immediate and long-term community needs.

In summary, the Signature Innovation project underlines the MRC's commitment to fostering a sustainable, innovation-driven approach to development, prioritizing adaptive measures that significantly enhance resilience. By supporting impactful, community-based projects, the Signature Innovation initiative plays a pivotal role in paving the way towards an economically prosperous and environmentally aware future for all stakeholders involved.