The same directory, extended to organizations. Want to start a non-profit organization (NPO) in Quebec? The official financial-assistance search tool (French only) covers more than businesses: it also lists support for self-employed workers, co-operatives and non-profit organizations. It lists 244 programs as of mid-August 2026, including 46 in the "community support" sector.
A concrete program to start with. The Programme de soutien financier aux orientations gouvernementales en action communautaire et en action bénévole (French only) pays wage subsidies to community organizations, in every region of Quebec. The general criteria give a good idea of what the government expects from an NPO: it must be a non-profit organization, rooted in its community, maintain an associative and democratic life, and remain free to set its own mission. The program has five components, from rights promotion to governance support.
How to filter the directory. In the tool, select the "community support" sector (46 results) and the "grants or contributions" type of aid to see the programs aimed at organizations. Each entry lists the responsible agency, the conditions and the steps to follow — some aids also exist on other government sites, as the partial list (French only) shows.
Specialized support exists. For an NPO or a co-op, social-economy accompaniment (French only) adds to the Réseau accès PME. The Pôles d'économie sociale support emerging projects, offer training and facilitate networking. The Coopérative de développement régional du Québec supports co-ops — and NPOs where local services fall short — in their start-up and growth.
What to prepare. An NPO is a non-profit legal entity: you must register it in the Quebec enterprise register, have a board of directors and an active associative life (meetings, members). Community programs also look at the organization's mission and its roots in the community. Prepare these elements before applying; each program has its own precise criteria.
The difference from a business. An NPO's money serves its social mission, not profits: no dividends to pay out, but an obligation to account for how funds are used. Several community programs fund wages — as the program above does — while others fund activities, studies or governance.
Good to know for newcomers. The grants and the support are free: be wary of paid intermediaries promising "guaranteed" funding. Programs change and the directory is updated continuously: the figures above are from mid-August 2026, so always check the tool when you apply. To understand Quebec's community network, our guide to community resources and the one on volunteering are good starting points.
