Regions and Rurality Fund (RRF) - Component 4

Who is eligible?

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.

Who is not eligible

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.

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.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is available to projects conducted in specific geographical areas within the province of Québec. Eligible zones are determined by the economic vitality quintiles of the municipalities.

• Local municipalities in quintiles 3, 4, or 5 not covered by an MRC revitalization agreement.
• Local municipalities in the Nord-du-Québec region within quintiles 1 and 2.

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.

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.

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.