MRC L'Islet — Vitalization fund

The Fonds de vitalisation, established through an agreement among the municipalities of Saint-Adalbert, Sainte-Félicité, Saint-Omer, Tourville, the MRC de L’Islet, and the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, provides financial support for economically impactful projects. This grant aims to enhance local wealth, stabilize demographic indicators, and foster community empowerment.

The Fonds de vitalisation is a strategic financial package dedicated to invigorating the economic and social landscape of Saint-Adalbert, Sainte-Félicité, Saint-Omer, and Tourville. Recognized as priority communities, these areas benefit from funding aimed at fostering initiatives that generate significant structural impacts. The fund's primary objective is to catalyze local wealth creation, enhance demographic stability through attracting workers, deepen community pride, particularly among youth, and empower both individuals and the collective for community-focused growth.

Eligible recipients of the fund include a diverse array of entities such as municipalities, private and social economy enterprises, cooperatives (excluding financial sector entities), non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and legal entities aspiring to start new ventures. By nurturing these entities, the fund aims to create a ripple effect of economic vitality across the priority communities.

The financial assistance granted can cover up to 90% of eligible costs for non-profit initiatives, with a cap at 75,000 CAD, whereas private enterprises can receive up to 50% funding, capped at 37,500 CAD. A significant stipulation of the grant requires at least 10% of project funding to come from the project promoter or non-governmental partners, ensuring substantial stakeholder engagement and investment in the project's success. Moreover, at least 5% of this contribution must be in financial resources, reinforcing a committed financial stake in the project's realization.

The projects are rigorously evaluated based on their alignment with strategic priorities, potential impact on community revitalization, financial plan quality, and project execution plan robustity. The evaluation process also considers the applicant's capability to bring the project to fruition, ensuring the funded initiatives have the potential for lasting contributions to the community's economic and social fabric. Projects are also assessed for their collaborative engagement which supports a spirit of cooperation and communal upliftment.

While focusing on supporting novel initiatives, the fund prohibits using its resources for covering existing debts, operational deficits, or financing any already completed projects. Additionally, expenditures unrelated to the economic objectives of the project or those serving only to shift existing businesses are not eligible. This careful delineation ensures that the funds are spent on genuinely developmental activities that align with the broader goals of community enhancement outlined in the fund's establishment agreement.

The Fonds de vitalisation embodies a holistic approach to community revitalization, extending beyond mere financial support. It commits to nurturing sustainable development, empowering communities to not only navigate but also thrive amidst economic and demographic challenges. By facilitating focused, impactful projects, the fund bolsters not just economic resilience but also fosters a shared vision of prosperity for the participating municipalities. Through such initiatives, these regions can experience renewed economic dynamism and enhanced quality of life for their residents, paving the way for a steadier, more inclusive future.