Regions and Rurality Fund (RRF) - Component 4 – Soutien à la vitalisation et à la coopération intermunicipale : Axe Vitalisation
QC, Canada
The "Fonds régions et ruralité" program empowers economically weaker municipalities in Quebec by offering targeted financial support to vitalize local projects that improve demographic and economic stability.
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateJanuary 01, 2024
- grant_single|closingDateApril 19, 2024
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
- Other services (except public administration)
- Public administration
grant_single|grantors
- Gouvernement du Québec
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
The grant is part of the Fonds régions et ruralité’s Volet 4 and aims to support projects that vitalize certain economically struggling areas in Québec by contributing to projects that face financial challenges despite seeking all available funding sources. Eligible activities include temporary, non-recurring initiatives that promote economic, social, tourism, or cultural vitality and are supported by the relevant local municipal council, specifically for territories within certain regional municipalities or the Nord-du-Québec region. The funding can cover up to 90% of eligible expenses, with a maximum of $50,000 per project, and is available to various organizations excluding private companies.
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant targets areas within Quebec exhibiting lower economic vitality, as determined by specific statistical indices. The territories targeted by the grant are those with the lowest economic performance which are not covered by other development agreements.
- Local municipalities in quintiles 3, 4, or 5 not covered by a development agreement with their Regional County Municipality (MRC).
- Local municipalities in the Nord-du-Québec region that are in quintiles 1 and 2.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$50,000
Implementing a cultural festival in Trois-Rivières to boost local tourism and community engagement.
$49,500
Establishing a community-driven public library to enhance educational resources in an underserved area of Sherbrooke.
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligible organizations for this grant must meet certain criteria to apply.
- Eligible applicants include local municipalities, intermunicipal boards, Indigenous communities, and the Eeyou Istchee Baie-James Regional Government.
- Social economy enterprises and cooperatives, excluding those in the financial sector, may apply.
- Non-profit organizations are eligible to apply.
- Organizations within the education network can apply for the grant.
- All eligible organizations must be based in Quebec and conduct their activities there.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Eligible organizations for applying to this grant include specific types of entities operating in Québec, with certain restrictions on private enterprises.
- Local municipalities, intermunicipal boards, Indigenous communities, and the Cree Nation Government of Eeyou Istchee Baie-James.
- Social economy enterprises and cooperatives, excluding those in the financial sector.
- Non-profit organizations.
- Organizations within the education network.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
The grant Aide financière pour des projets locaux de vitalisation excludes certain companies and organizations based on their status and involvement in specific activities. These restrictions are put in place to ensure the proper allocation of funds to suitable entities.
- Private companies are not eligible for this grant.
- Organizations registered in the Registre des entreprises non admissibles aux contrats publics (Register of Ineligible Businesses for Public Contracts).
- Entities involved in litigation with the Government of Québec may also be ineligible.
- Organizations that fail to meet obligations imposed by law or agreements administered by the minister.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The grant is designed to support specific, non-recurring initiatives aimed at enhancing the vitality of local territories, particularly those with economic challenges. Eligible projects must demonstrate a significant contribution to the targeted area's revitalization and align with necessary financial support criteria.
- Projects that are punctual, unique, and do not encompass ongoing operational costs.
- Initiatives that directly contribute to the revitalization of the eligible territory, enhancing its demographic or economic indicators.
- Projects carried out in eligible territories, with support from local municipal councils.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
Eligible expenses for this grant are those directly linked to the successful completion of the project, under applicable laws and regulations.
- Operating expenses directly related to project execution such as salaries, rent, equipment purchase, and reporting costs.
- Costs associated with creating project plans and studies, including salaries and professional fees.
- Costs for construction, development, implementation, or setup of the project.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria to ensure that they contribute effectively to community revitalization.
- Improvement in the quality of life through the development of services and facilities for the population.
- Structural impact on economic, social, tourism, or cultural aspects.
- Innovative and pilot project nature that could pave the way for similar projects in other areas.
- Quality of the financial plan: realistic anticipated costs, contributions from involved partners, and applicable government programs, confirmed contributions.
- Quality of the project implementation plan: clear links between stages, activities, resources, and targets.
- Economic Vitality Index (IVE) of the project location.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
- Step 1: Preparation of Application
- Read the grant guidelines carefully to ensure eligibility.
- Prepare a clear description of your project, focusing on the selection criteria.
- Outline the project's location and contact information for the project manager.
- Create a financial breakdown of the project's costs and funding plan.
- Gather evidence of efforts made to secure funding from other sources.
- Compile a demonstration of your organization's and team's capability to complete the project.
- Draft a realistic timeline for the project.
- Prepare resolutions supporting the project from your organization and local municipality.
- Collect the organization's annual report and latest financial statements, if available.
- Obtain commitment letters from partners, if applicable.
- Step 2: Submission of Application
- Complete the official application form for financial aid for local revitalization projects.
- Ensure all supporting documents are included with the completed form as per guidelines.
- Email or mail the application packet to the regional office of the Ministry before the deadline.
- Step 3: Confirmation and Follow-up
- After submission, await confirmation of receipt from the Ministry.
- Be prepared to provide additional documents if requested by the Ministry.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
This grant aims to support revitalization projects in Municipal regions in Quebec with low economic vitality by providing financial assistance to fill funding gaps after available sources have been solicited. Eligible projects should contribute to stabilizing or improving demographic and economic indicators, and grants can cover up to 90% of eligible expenses up to a maximum of $50,000.
- The grant is part of the Fonds régions et ruralité, funded by the Quebec government through a partnership with municipal regions.
- Eligible applicants include local municipalities, inter-municipal boards, indigenous communities, and certain nonprofit organizations.
- Projects ineligible for funding include those contrary to government policies, creating competition in services, or already covered by approved budgetary rules.
- Projects can be funded for a maximum period of three years, and financial aid can be received for up to three projects per organization during the program.
- The process involves a preliminary analysis, project evaluation based on set criteria, and a decision phase, with set deadlines for application submissions in 2024.
Apply to this program
Financial Aid for Local Vitalization Projects
The Quebec government provides financial support through this grant to aid in the execution of local vitalization projects within specific regions that face economic challenges. This assistance aims to support and enhance local communities by addressing economic, social, and cultural needs.
Understanding the Aide Financière Pour Des Projets Locaux De Vitalisation
This grant initiative spearheaded by the Quebec Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing focuses on providing essential financial aid for projects aimed at regional vitality enhancement, specifically in territories experiencing economic struggles as evidenced by Quebec’s economic vitality index (IVE). The Partenariat 2020-2024 initiative, which leads to the creation of the Fonds régions et ruralité, allocates a substantial fund of $2.5 million annually to support initiatives that can spur economic, social, tourist, or cultural development in eligible territories.The initiative outlines clear objectives, targeting projects that are significant in stabilizing or improving demographic and economic indicators in areas with low vitality scores. Eligible projects are those deemed short-term and specific, with concrete evidence that their implementation is hindered by financial constraints. The grant aims to fill the funding gap left even after existing financial resources have been exhausted.Emphasizing collaboration, the Fonds régions et ruralité encourages cooperative endeavors within municipal regional counties (MRCs) to drive economic improvement. Only projects in territories ranked within the third to fifth economic quintiles, or those in the Nord-du-Québec region within the first two quintiles, are eligible. This ensures that aid is directed where it is most needed, fostering equitable economic development across Quebec.Prospective applicants must demonstrate proactive financial sourcing efforts from all potential partners, accompanied by documented refusals where funding wasn’t secured. This grants program is unique, being a last-resort funding solution aimed at projects that significantly contribute to the vitality of the communities in their geographic domain.The application and selection processes involve multiple assessments to ensure eligibility and alignment with the program’s strategic goals. Successful projects can receive up to 90% financial aid, constrained by a maximum of $50,000, depending on the economic quintile of the applicant's locality. This robust financial ceiling guarantees substantial support while mandating a minimum 10% local contribution to signify stakeholder commitment and support.Moreover, the emphasis on the quality of the project’s implementation plan and funding structure ensures support aligns with projects that promote long-term, measurable impacts. Consideration is also given to projects characterized by innovation and pilot approaches that can serve as blueprints for similar initiatives.Eligible expenses under this program cater to project execution needs, covering operational costs directly tied to the project, including salaries, required materials, and construction when applicable. Conversely, the grant strictly avoids covering organization deficits, repayment of debts, or previously incurred expenses among others, signaling an emphasis on direct project advancement over organizational financial health.With stringent selection criteria focused on measurable outcomes, innovation, and relevance to the province’s strategic goals, this initiative represents a cornerstone for enhancing regional economic landscapes in Quebec. By tapping into such financial resources, local organizations have the opportunity to drive meaningful changes, laying groundwork that not only meets current regional needs but positions them for sustained future growth.
