How much funding can be received?

The Fonds régions et ruralité - Volet 4, administered by the MRC de Mékinac, provides funding to support territorial revitalization efforts with a maximum aid of $100,000 per project. The program focuses on eligible activities across six axes: economic development, societal and citizen initiatives, tourism, attractiveness and retention, culture and heritage, and environmental sustainability.

grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions

This grant provides financial support to eligible entities, with specific limitations on the funding coverage based on the nature of the organization.

The aid for private companies or non-profits related to private enterprises is capped at 50% of eligible expenses.
For other eligible organizations, the funding can cover up to 90% of the total eligible costs.
The maximum funding per project is set at $100,000 within the agreement period.
Potential for an increased funding cap upon a successful recommendation and ministerial approval.
The financial support must align with existing financial program rules and cannot replace other public funding sources.
Municipal subvention laws can be overridden where applicable, with a maximum singular recipient aid of $150,000 per year.

grant_single_labels|projects

The MRC de Mékinac offers funding for projects that contribute to the vitality of the territory, with a focus on economic growth, community engagement, tourism, cultural development, and environmental sustainability.

Economic strategies and actions that recruit and retain talented workers.
Projects promoting industrial and commercial space utilization.
Initiatives that encourage industrial and commercial partnerships.
Entrepreneurial initiatives that include sensitization and implementation activities.
Activities promoting vibrant village centers and business environments.
Projects that enhance physical and economic accessibility to services and activities.
Community and social benefit projects, including those supporting educational success.
Projects encouraging population involvement and civic engagement.
Initiatives ensuring food security for Mékinacoises and Mékinacois.
Efforts to boost activity and vitality in village centers.
Tourism projects that aim to retain tourists within the Mékinac territory.
Development of new tourism offers.
Creation of a comprehensive tourism strategy.
Projects that maintain and enhance tourist sites and facilities.
Support the development of local events and festivals.
Promotion and attraction strategies that encourage migration and immigration.
Development of welcoming tools and mechanisms for newcomers.
Projects establishing cultural infrastructures that meet community needs.
Efforts to preserve and showcase cultural heritage.
Cultural events and project initiatives.
Support to local artists and artisans.
Environmental projects encouraging sustainable and eco-friendly practices.
Educational initiatives raising environmental awareness and promoting sustainability.
Support the establishment and growth of the circular economy.

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements relating to the type of organization.

The entities eligible for funding are municipal organizations.
Private enterprises, excluding financial service companies, and social economy enterprises.
Cooperatives, unless they belong to the financial services sector.
Non-profit organizations (NPOs).
Organizations within the education networks.
Legal entities planning to launch a project or business.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

Municipal organisms, private and social economy enterprises (excluding those in financial services), cooperatives (excluding financial services), non-profit organizations, educational network organizations, and individuals looking to start a project or a business are eligible to apply. However, entities listed in the Quebec Enterprise Register as ineligible for public contracts cannot apply.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

This grant excludes certain organizations from eligibility, focusing funds on those that adhere to its strategic framework and objectives. Companies and industries that are not allowed to apply typically have restrictions related to legal and financial status.

Organizations listed on the Quebec Public Contracts Register as ineligible for public contracts.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

The grant covers expenses directly related to the execution and coordination of the project that align with the objectives of the revitalization framework.

Direct costs incurred by the MRC, such as salaries and service contracts, that are necessary for coordination, planning, and implementation of the agreement.
Funding for projects conducted by eligible organizations, in compliance with the revitalization framework, excluding any non-eligible expenses.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

The MRC de Mékinac — FRR Stream 4 is specifically for projects located within the MRC de Mékinac in Quebec, Canada. It targets all municipalities within the MRC de Mékinac territory.

MRC de Mékinac
Lac-aux-Sables
Notre-Dame-de-Montauban
Saint-Adelphe
Saint-Roch-de-Mékinac
Trois-Rives
Other municipalities within the MRC de Mékinac

grant_single_labels|criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects under this grant are based on their alignment with the vitalization axes and potential impact on the MRC de Mékinac region.

Alignment with at least one of the defined axes of vitalization (Economic, Society and Citizen, Tourism, Attractiveness and Retention, Culture and Heritage, Environmental).
Potential social, economic, or environmental impact on the Mékinac region, particularly in municipalities within the fifth quintile.
Innovation and capacity to address identified challenges in the MRC de Mékinac territory.
Capacity to mobilize diverse financing sources, including a contribution from the project promoter.
Clear objectives in compliance with existing policies, regulations, and the goals of the MRC de Mékinac.
Non-recurring financial charge; projects should be punctual and finalized within an established time frame.
Demonstrated decrease in disparity in employment, commercial activity, and worker income levels between the MRC de Mékinac and other Mauricie territories.

grant_single_labels|register

Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:

Step 1: Understand Eligibility and Guidelines
Review the eligibility criteria for organizations and projects to ensure your project aligns with the grant's objectives within the six axes of vitalization.
Understand the types of eligible and non-eligible expenses.
Ensure your project plan does not include prohibited activities or expenditures.
Step 2: Prepare Project Proposal
Develop a comprehensive project proposal that addresses at least one of the vitalization axes and demonstrates potential impact on societal, economic, or environmental aspects.
Include a detailed project description, timeline, expected outcomes, and alignment with the MRC's strategic goals.
Prepare a budget detailing expenses and sources of funding, including a contribution from the promoter.
Step 3: Consultation and Pre-Submission
Contact the coordinator for vitalization and communications for guidance and to ensure your application is complete and aligns with strategic priorities.
Incorporate feedback to enhance your proposal’s competitiveness.
Step 4: Application Submission
Submit your complete application package to the MRC of Mékinac.
Ensure all required documents are included, such as the proposal, budget, and any additional required forms.
Confirm receipt of your application and retain the confirmation for your records.
Step 5: Follow-Up
Respond promptly to any requests for additional information from the MRC during their review process.
Prepare for potential engagement during project evaluation by the committee of vitalization and the Council of Mayors.
Step 6: Await Decision
The MRC de Mékinac will review your application and make a decision, which can take up to 90 days.
Receive communication regarding the outcome of your application.
Step 7: Agreement and Implementation
If approved, sign a financial agreement outlining the project terms and funding conditions.
Begin project implementation in accordance with the approved plan and timeline.
Step 8: Reporting and Accountability
Adhere to the reporting requirements, providing updates and documentation as outlined in the agreement.
Maintain records of the project’s financial activities and progress for auditing purposes.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

The MRC de Mékinac can deviate from the municipal subsidy prohibition law for local and regional development measures, with a financial aid cap of $150,000 per recipient within a 12-month period.
In case of urgent situations involving safety, the Ministry may waive the need for a public tender notice for construction projects.
The committee meets monthly when there are projects submitted.
The total maximum aid per project is $100,000, but this can be elevated under specific circumstances after a recommendation.

Apply to this program

Fostering Vitalization in Mékinac Through Strategic Funding

The Fonds régions et ruralité – volet 4 is a pivotal funding opportunity initiated by the MRC de Mékinac in collaboration with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. This initiative supports vitalization measures aimed at revitalizing various aspects of the region to combat socio-economic challenges.

Insightful Look at the Impact and Implementation of the Vitalization Grant

The MRC de Mékinac's Fonds régions et ruralité – volet 4 is a designated effort to counteract the economic and social challenges faced within the region. The initiative is underpinned by a structured vitalization framework focusing on strategic intervention axes, such as economic development, social dynamics, tourism enhancement, cultural preservation, and environmental sustainability. These axes are adaptable responding to shifting regional needs and targets, thus ensuring relevance and efficacy in tackling local issues. The fund is a significant resource dedicated to propelling efforts that aim to enhance the vitality index of this rural area, which has historically been in a lower quintile compared to other Quebec regions.

The strategic deployment of this fund is anticipated to stimulate local economy by bolstering employment opportunities, fostering entrepreneurial initiatives, and enhancing industrial activities. As the region struggles with a declining workforce and an ageing population, targeted projects under this axe will seek to bridge the employment gap, sustaining and growing the local labor market. The focus on economic development also includes efforts for partnerships and collaborations, maximizing the utilization of regional industrial parks and promoting innovations that can lead to sustainable economic evolution.

On the social and community front, the grant aims to improve the quality of life for Mékinac's residents. Projects under this sphere address accessibility to services, foster community involvement, and target educational attainment improvements, particularly countering below-average schooling levels. The region aims to galvanize its strong community spirit to counter demographic decline and bolster social equity. By supporting projects that enhance social infrastructure and promote citizen participation, the fund encourages a more cohesive societal framework.

While tourism is a significant vector for regional revenue, sustaining the interest and retention of visitors beyond peak seasons like the Festival Western de Saint-Tite poses a considerable challenge. Therefore, the fund prioritizes tourism projects that offer year-round attractions and improve inter-municipal connectivity to elevate tourism’s contribution to the local economy, diversifying and strengthening the territory's tourism portfolio.

The cultural and heritage components of the fund are crucial as they tie into fostering a robust sense of identity and community pride. Despite the lack of cultural venues, Mékinac is rich in history and artistry, and projects aiming to preserve this heritage or enhance cultural infrastructures receive targeted funding to ensure cultural vibrancy and diversity flourish.

Finally, the fund embraces an environmentally sustainable perspective, pivotal for the future-proofing of the region. Initiatives that promote environmentally friendly practices, propagate awareness of sustainable development, and expand the circular economy are specially supported, aligning with both local values and broader ecological targets. This creates a pathway for Mékinac to transition towards a greener, more sustainable future that respects and capitalizes on its abundant natural resources.