MRC Lac-Saint-Jean-Est — Rural Region Fund - Signature Innovation
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.
At a glance
Funding available
- Integrate new technologies
- Reduce the ecological footprint
- Maximum amount : 60,000 $
- Up to 80% of project cost
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
- Lac-Saint-Jean-Est
- Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean
- Quebec
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- Social economy enterprise
- Non-financial cooperative
- All revenue ranges
- All organization sizes
- Indigenous Peoples
- Rural or Northern Residents
- Youth (<40)
- Startups
- Culture and Arts
- Social Services
- Environment
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Employment and Training
- Diversity and Inclusion
- General public
- Children & youth
- Young adults
- Seniors
- Indigenous peoples
- New immigrants & refugees
- Rural / Remote communities
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
- Artists / creatives
- Nonprofits / charities
- Community leaders
- Low-income individuals / families
- All structures
- Municipal
- Regional
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
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.
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.
Submission of the application
Evaluation of the project by the MRC
Signature of the memorandum of understanding
Accountability
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.
