Community Interaction Program

Overview of the Community Interaction Program program:

The Community Interaction Program (CIP) is a joint initiative under the Canada–Quebec Agreement on the St. Lawrence, supporting non-profit organizations engaged in environmental stewardship along the St. Lawrence River. Its purpose is to fund community-based projects that directly or indirectly contribute to the conservation and improvement of the river’s ecosystem. This includes restoring degraded environments, promoting sustainable practices, enhancing biodiversity, reducing pollution, and educating the public about the ecological significance of the St. Lawrence. Projects must be carried out in Quebec and have a clear environmental impact, particularly in areas adjacent to or affecting the St. Lawrence River and its watershed. Eligible projects may involve activities such as habitat restoration, shoreline stabilization, invasive species control, pollution reduction, and awareness campaigns. Applicants are expected to show community involvement, scientific merit, and measurable environmental outcomes. The program supports both new and ongoing initiatives, encouraging partnerships among community organizations, municipalities, educational institutions, and Indigenous groups. Through CIP, federal and provincial governments aim to enhance public awareness and build local capacity for environmental action, reinforcing the long-term health of the river ecosystem. A Project Presentation Guide helps applicants prepare proposals that align with the program's goals and criteria. Proposals are evaluated by a review committee composed of federal and provincial experts.

Benefits of the Community Interaction Program program:

• Non-repayable funding for community-led environmental projects.
• Supports both restoration and education initiatives.
• Promotes citizen engagement and environmental awareness.
• Builds local capacity to protect aquatic and terrestrial habitats.
• Encourages collaboration among community groups, schools, Indigenous organizations, and municipalities.
• Contributes to ecosystem resilience and sustainability along the St. Lawrence.
• Helps implement actions under the broader St. Lawrence Action Plan.
• Includes access to technical guidance from government agencies.

Eligibility criteria of the Community Interaction Program program:

• To qualify, applicants must:
• Be non-profit organizations or Indigenous organizations based in Quebec.
• Propose projects with tangible environmental impacts in or near the St. Lawrence River watershed.
• Demonstrate the ability to manage the project financially and administratively.
• Engage the local community in the project.
• Provide matching contributions (minimum 30%) through cash or in-kind.
• Submit a complete application following the Project Presentation Guide.
• Eligible applicants include:
• Environmental and community groups
• Indigenous organizations
• Educational institutions
• Municipalities (only as partners, not lead applicants)