MRC de Mékinac — FRR Stream 4
QC, Canada
MRC de Mékinac's Fund supports regional vitalization initiatives
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateApril 01, 2020
- grant_single|closingDateMarch 31, 2024
- grant_single|grantStatusClosed
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Retail trade
- Educational services
- Health care and social assistance
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
- Accommodation and food services
- Other services (except public administration)
- Public administration
grant_single|grantors
- MRC de Mékinac
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
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|projects
This grant is designed to support projects and activities that contribute to the revitalization and development of the Mékinac region across various focus areas. Eligible projects encompass those with clear goals aligned with the strategic objectives in economic development, societal engagement, tourism, cultural heritage, and environmental sustainability.
- Projects that aim to recruit and retain employees, thereby increasing the active workforce.
- Initiatives promoting industrial and commercial space occupancy and activity.
- Development of strategic partnerships in industrial and commercial sectors.
- Support for entrepreneurial initiatives and business development strategies.
- Efforts to enhance village centers and commercial environments.
- Improving access to services and activities for all citizens.
- Promoting educational success and community involvement.
- Ensuring food security within the community.
- Developing tourism retention strategies and new tourist offerings.
- Creating and maintaining tourism sites and infrastructure.
- Developing and sustaining local festivals and events.
- Promoting inbound migration and effective welcome strategies.
- Infrastructure projects that meet community needs and preserve cultural heritage.
- Fostering environmental education and sustainable practices.
- Development of circular economy projects and sustainability initiatives.
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
This grant is available for projects within the MRC de Mékinac region, as defined by the territory of application under the agreement with the MAMH. Eligible areas include all municipalities within the MRC which are under particular focus for direct project impacts.
- Municipalities within the MRC de Mékinac.
- Territories with an economic vitality index in the fifth quintile, including Lac-aux-Sables, Notre-Dame-de-Montauban, Saint-Adelphe, Saint-Roch-de-Mékinac, and Trois-Rives.
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.