1. Social commitment program
1.1 Context
As Quebec's largest nature and outdoor recreational network, Sépaq's mission is to connect people with nature by promoting the accessibility and sustainability of the territories it administers, for the benefit of current and future generations.
1.2 Objectives
Sépaq wishes to focus its social commitment efforts on sectors in line with its mission, namely,
Connection with nature
- Promote the practice of outdoor activities in nature among the Quebec population.
- Reduce the nature deficit, particularly among people living in urban areas, youth, families, immigrants, vulnerable people, and people with reduced mobility.
- Educate, raise awareness, and promote discovery of outdoor activities in nature in terms of quality of life and the physical and psychological well-being of individuals and communities.
- Educate, raise awareness, and promote discovery of flora and fauna and ecosystems.
- Promote outdoor activities in nature in a spirit of prevention and to maintain and improve the general well-being as well as the physical and psychological health of individuals.
- Encourage initiatives aimed at greening urban living environments, such as playgrounds for early childhood, preschool, elementary, and secondary school educational environments; the creation of community green spaces; the development of green alleys; and/or any other initiative in the spirit of naturalizing urbanized spaces.
Sustainable development, protection and conservation of biodiversity
- Educate, raise awareness, and promote discovery of the environment and ecosystems of Quebec, their protection, conservation, and the ecosystem benefits generated by them.
- Protect, conserve, or restore natural territories, wildlife habitats, and ecosystems.
- Foster the emergence of environmental awareness in Quebec.
Hunting and fishing activities
- Encourage the initiation of new enthusiasts, especially young people, to the practice of hunting and fishing.
- Transmit the knowledge and traditional heritage of Quebec related to hunting and fishing activities.
Transmission of the knowledge and traditional heritage
- Transmission of knowledge of the historical, cultural, traditional, and environmental heritage administered by Sépaq.
1.3 Program conditions
- Contributions are granted within the annual budget envelope for these activities.
- Partnership with an organization in a given sector does not commit Sépaq to supporting other organizations working in the same sector.
- No partnership is automatically renewed. All applications for support must be submitted for the current year, in accordance with the established terms and conditions, and be analyzed on a case-by-case basis.
- Multi-year contributions cannot exceed a period of two (2) years.
- As a reflection of appreciation, the applicant must showcase and promote Sépaq.
- No financial contribution is granted. Sépaq offers contributions only in the form of products and services, i.e. expertise, access to a territory, an activity, a package, a stay, a gift certificate, etc.
2. Eligibility criteria
To be eligible, the organization must meet the following applicable criteria:
- If the application is for a value of less than $500, it must be submitted at least 45 days prior to the activity.
- If the application is for a value of $500 or more, it must be submitted at least 60 days prior to the activity.
- Be recognized as a foundation, not-for-profit organization (NFPO), or non-profit organization (NPO), association, or federation.
- Be a company registered with the Registraire des entreprises du Québec or represent a group of individuals.
- Be a ministry or a municipal, regional, or provincial public or parapublic organization.
- Be a training or educational institution.
- Not be registered with the Registraire des entreprises non admissibles aux contrats publics (RENA).
- Submit a project that will take place in Quebec.
- Submit a project that meets the objectives identified by Sépaq.
- Not engage in any activity that could harm Sépaq's image.
- Apply for a contribution in the form of products and services from Sépaq, as Sépaq does not grant any financial contribution.
- Demonstrate shared values and a common mission with Sépaq.
In addition, Sépaq will not be able to support the following applications:
- Personal projects or projects involving only one individual.
- Projects that are not in line with Sépaq's mission and values.
- Organizations that do not have a branch office in Quebec.
- Applications for support from political, religious, or pressure groups.
3. Social commitment application management process
The application management process involves three steps.
3.1 Online application
All social commitment applications must be filed online by completing the form on Sépaq's website: www.sepaq.com/engagement-social.
3.2 Analysis
Files are analyzed according to the criteria and rules established in the social commitment program. While analyzing the file, Sépaq may request any additional information it deems necessary. Failure by the applicant to cooperate, to Sépaq's satisfaction, may result in rejection of the application submitted.
3.3 Reply to the applicant
A written reply confirming Sépaq's decision will be sent to the applicant within 10 business days.