How much funding can be received?

The "Fonds régions et ruralité" (FRR) - Component 1, aims to support regional projects in Quebec that have a significant impact on the territory's development and attractiveness. The grant funds initiatives that are time-bound and non-recurring, excluding permanent operational costs. Projects may include enhancing living environments or business development activities, provided they align with regional priorities and generate benefits across multiple regional municipalities.

grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions

This grant provides comprehensive financing options to enhance regional projects in Quebec, supporting initiatives with expansive territorial impacts. Financial caps and assistance rates are determined by the type and scope of the project.

Maximum annual financial aid per project is capped at $1 million for any eligible organization and up to $3 million over five years.
The maximum aid rate is 50% for projects led by private enterprises, 80% for sectoral development agreements, 90% for projects in the Îles-de-la-Madeleine agglomeration, and 80% for other eligible projects in Component 1.
Financial assistance includes costs directly associated with project implementation, such as salaries, rent, equipment acquisition, and accounting expenses for final report preparation.
The rules for financial aid aggregation include aid from federal, provincial, and municipal entities but exclude the beneficiary's own contributions, considering non-repayable and repayable aid at 100% and 50% value, respectively.
Special provisions allow aid aggregation to reach 100% for social or community-oriented projects aimed at enhancing community living conditions, within recognized themes of social development and when aligned with SHQ standards.
Construction contracts linked to the project must adhere to the Public Agency Contracts Law unless more stringent rules are in place by the organization.
Project funding can extend up to a maximum duration of five years.
A final project report and independent auditor's report are mandatory upon project completion, with audit report production costs eligible for funding.

grant_single_labels|projects

This fund focuses on supporting projects that have regional outreach potential and can contribute to the attractiveness of living environments or business development. Specific activities can include initiatives that align with regional priorities.

Initiatives that directly contribute to the attractiveness of living environments or business development.
Sectoral development agreements between regional county municipalities (MRCs) and government ministries or agencies.

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$ 950,000

Create a regional cooperative to enhance local agricultural output in and around Sherbrooke.

$ 1,000,000

Develop a sustainable tourism initiative linking resource-based attractions in Gaspé and Percé.

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's profile and proposed activities.

All applicants are eligible except private companies in the financial sector and financial cooperatives.
Organizations listed in the Register of ineligible businesses for public contracts are not eligible.
Applications from eligible organizations may be refused if involved in litigation with the Government of Quebec or if failing to meet legal obligations.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

All applicants are eligible for financial assistance, except private enterprises in the financial sector and financial cooperatives. Organizations registered in the Register of Enterprises Ineligible for Public Contracts are also not eligible.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

This grant excludes certain types of companies and organizations from eligibility due to their status or activities. The restrictions ensure alignment with the strategic objectives of regional development.

Private enterprises in the financial sector.
Financial cooperatives.
Organizations listed on the Register of enterprises ineligible for public contracts.
Organizations involved in legal disputes with the Government of Quebec.
Organizations failing to meet legal obligations.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

This grant supports initiatives that have a regional impact and align with regional development priorities in Quebec. The eligible projects are those that enhance the attractiveness of living environments and contribute to business development across multiple Municipal Regional Counties (MRCs).

Projects directly contributing to the attractiveness of living environments or the development of businesses.
Sectoral development agreements as per municipal competence laws involving MRCs and government bodies, targeting objectives that enhance living environments or enterprise development.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

This grant is available to projects that impact various regions of Quebec. Companies can apply if their projects are undertaken in the specified geographical areas.

All administrative regions of Quebec, excluding the regions of Montreal and the Capitale-Nationale.
Projects in Nord-du-Québec, Jamésie, Nunavik, and Eeyou Istchee regions must impact multiple communities.
Projects in Gaspésie and Îles-de-la-Madeleine must be managed as two separate entities.

grant_single_labels|criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects under this grant are based on a set of specific criteria to ensure the projects align with regional development priorities and effectively contribute to the objectives of the FRR's Volet 1 – Soutien au rayonnement des régions.

Alignment with a regional priority or privileged action, enhancing the likelihood of selection.
The scope of regional impact, evaluated based on the number of territories benefiting from the project and the significance of benefits for users, clients, or employees.
The economic impact in terms of jobs created during and after the project's realization.
The importance of the requested contribution in relation to the extent of regional impact.
The significance of the contribution requested relative to the contributions of other parties, including the beneficiary.
The structuring aspect of the project, which should:
Occur in a field with substantial growth potential.
Help remove barriers to development in the relevant field.
Foster long-term synergy between stakeholders to sustainably improve a given situation.
The quality of the financing plan, which should include realistic projected costs, contributions from involved partners, applicable government programs, and confirmed contributions.
The quality of the project implementation plan, demonstrating clear links between stages, activities, resources, and targets.
The quality of governance structure, showcasing clear relationships between partners, established decision-making processes, and a proven track record of the project director and team.

grant_single_labels|register

Step 1: Verify Eligibility and Requirements
Ensure your organization and project are eligible according to the outlined criteria.
Verify the dates and modalities for application submission in your region, as submissions outside of scheduled periods will not be processed.
Prepare necessary documents and information before starting the application, referring to the checklist provided.
Step 2: Complete the Online Application Form
Fill out the online application form available on the relevant portal.
Note that the form cannot be saved midway, so ensure you complete and submit it in one go to prevent data loss.
Step 3: Submit Application
Submit the fully completed application form via the online portal as per the instructions provided.
Ensure all required documents and information are included for successful submission.
Step 4: Receive Confirmation
Await written confirmation from the selection committee regarding your application status.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

The grant primarily aims to support projects that promote regional vitality across Quebec, excluding Montreal and Quebec City's regions, and stresses collaboration and compliance with existing legal frameworks. All projects must align with regional priorities to be eligible for financial support.

Private financial sector companies and financial cooperatives are not eligible for financial aid.
Projects should demonstrate regional impact, generating benefits in multiple MRCs (municipal regional counties).
Eligible projects should coincide with regional priorities established by respective regional committees.
The grant stipulates various requirements around financial reports, including a final report produced by an independent auditor.

Apply to this program

Enhancing Regional Development with the FRR Program

The Fonds régions et ruralité (FRR) – Volet 1 supports high-impact projects aimed at fostering regional advancement in Québec, excluding Montréal and the Capitale-Nationale. Through strategic alignment with local priorities, the program aims to stimulate economic growth and enhance community well-being across various regional territories.

In-Depth Insights into the FRR Program's Strategic Regional Impact

The Fonds régions et ruralité (FRR) through its "Volet 1 – Soutien au rayonnement des régions" is a significant initiative propelled by the government of Québec to bolster regional development through dynamic and impactful projects. This program's core aim is to support projects that operative across multiple Municipalités Régionales de Comté (MRC) thereby ensuring a broad regional impact that extends beyond local boundaries. The overarching strategy of the FRR is to stimulate economic resilience and social vibrancy by aligning with the regional priorities as determined by resident committees and governmental bodies. By doing so, the initiative seeks to adapt to the unique economic, cultural, and social needs of each region, ensuring that projects foster sustainable, long-term growth and vitality.

Eligibility for funding under this program is wide-ranging, with the exclusion of private financial sector enterprises and cooperatives but inclusive of public bodies and non-profit organizations. This inclusivity facilitates a broad spectrum of project types, from the development of strategic partnerships to initiatives that enhance the attractiveness and livability of regions. The fund is particularly focused on projects that can mobilize community resources and create synergies that bring about lasting improvements in quality of life.

A distinctive characteristic of Volet 1 is its emphasis on regional priorities discerned by committees of local leaders who understand the intricacies of their regions, thereby ensuring the funded projects bring forth relevant outcomes. Furthermore, the fund offers a flexible framework that accommodates the geographical and cultural distinctions within Québec, such as the separate management of projects in regions like Gaspésie and Îles-de-la-Madeleine due to their unique regional attributes. Likewise, the coverage area is explicitly defined and excludes Montreal and the Capitale-Nationale due to separate financial appropriations directed at these urban localities.

In terms of financial support, the FRR diligently considers projects that illustrate strong potential for regional impact and alignment with strategic governmental agendas. Projects favored under this grant are those that demonstrate a measurable positive impact on job creation, community cohesion, and economic diversification. The support can be channeled into specific project components such as feasibility studies, business planning, and infrastructural developments that may yield significant economic and social returns over time.

Moreover, the grant management process is meticulously governed by regional selection committees that prioritize projects based on criteria such as geographical spread, economic impact, and alignment with established regional goals. The procedural fairness and integrity maintained throughout the selection ensure that only the most compelling and impactful projects receive aid. This structured approach bolsters confidence amongst stakeholders and fosters a collaborative environment where regional aspirations are realized through calculated and structured investments.

Through its comprehensive scope and targeted approach, the "Volet 1 – Soutien au rayonnement des régions" under the FRR stands as a pillar for regional development in Québec. It empowers local communities to spearhead growth and adaptations that suit their local contexts, ultimately enhancing regional efficacy and livability across the province. By strategically leveraging local insights and governance structures, the initiative not only aids immediate developmental needs but also establishes a foundation for sustained economic stability and growth in the future.