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The YMCAs of Québec Innovation, Research and Development Fund

In 2001, in conjunction with the Vision 2005 strategic plan, The YMCAs of Québec created an innovation-driven research and development fund and earmarked $150,000 to fund initiatives in a variety of sectors. Each year since, a sum is reserved as part of the annual operating budget, in order to support the evolution and relevance of our actions.

The Fund’s objectives are as follows:

  1. Ensure that The YMCAs of Québec’s activities in all aspects of its programming are relevant, effective, and of high quality by providing support to:
    1. new initiatives that serve to consolidate and improve existing programs;
    2. new initiatives that lead to the development of new programs, services, clienteles, or markets;
    3. initiatives that evaluate existing programs.
  2. Provide bridge financing, e.g., when an existing program has unexpectedly lost a source of support.

Projects must be submitted by an employee or volunteer of The YMCAs of Québec who has the option to act in partnership with an external individual or organization.

The selection committee is made up of the following individuals: the President and CEO, the Director of Development, the Director of Financial Development, the Director of Operations, a Community Programs Director and at least one volunteer. The selection committee evaluates each project submitted based on criteria that reflect the project’s innovative character, social mission and financial rigour. These criteria include:

  • How does the project advance the Y’s activities?
  • What new social problems and realities does the project address?
  • What new approaches and methodologies can be developed because of the project?
  • Will it be possible to export the project to other Y centres, and transform it into an associative project or program?
  • Is the project aligned with the Y’s priorities and orientations?
  • Is the project relevant for the community and if so will it have a positive effect in the community?
  • Is the funding well thought out and realistic?
  • What is the future of the project in terms of recurring demand, financial dependency or autonomy?

Each project approved by the committee will undergo a final evaluation once the project is completed.

Examples of projects approved since the Fund was created

Analysis of Seniors’ Needs
(Guy-Favreau Y centre)

Analysis of the needs of seniors in the Centre-Sud area of Montreal, many of whom live in low-income housing, in order to determine their needs. This project led to the creation of a visiting and accompaniment service that is now provided by another organization.
Fit Moms
(West Island Y centre)

Development of a program for mothers (future and present) of all ages in order to provide activities, advice and support to keep them physically active and healthy. The program features pre- and post-natal courses, workshops on nutrition and physical activity, support for breast feeding and specialized fitness classes.

Kids in their natural environment
(Pointe-Saint-Charles Y centre)

A project to make children more aware of the natural environment through the use of sounds (such as bird songs, forest sounds, etc.). The sounds are recorded at Camp Y Kanawana and then assembled into a soundtrack.
Zero Ceiling
(Du Parc Y centre)

In conjunction with the Société Sans Limite du Canada, the Du Parc Y centre enables high-risk youth (ages 16 to 24) to take part in a social rehabilitation and employability development project. It gives these youth and young adults an opportunity to develop a specialized skill set as well as their self-confidence by becoming members of a ski or snowboard patrol.

Intergenerational organic garden
(Pointe-Saint-Charles Y centre and Camp Y Kanawana)

The Pointe-Saint-Charles Y centre and Camp Y Kanawana joined forces to develop an organic vegetable garden project located at Camp Y Kanawana to educate children and seniors about good living habits and teach them to eat better, as well as have some fun, thanks to practical gardening activities, workshops on organic farming and domestic composting.
Heart and Health
(NDG Y centre)

A cardiovascular conditioning program for adults and seniors in the NDG neighbourhood. In June 2006, the NDG Y centre played host to a project designed to establish an expertise in cardiovascular conditioning and health. With the assistance of a group of amateur runners at different levels, the initiative grew quickly. Based on an initial assessment of the participants’ physical condition, an individualized training program was formulated for each member of the program. Weekly group meetings helped maintain their interest and kept participants in the program to the end. As participants advanced through the program, their progress could be monitored in a safe, reliable and effective framework.
Sustainable Y Champion
(The YMCAs of Québec)

The Environmental Champion’s objective is to develop and coordinate projects in conjunction with the Y centres that support equitable and ecological operational initiatives.

For further information or questions, please contact:
Michel Forgues
Director of Community Programs
514 849-5331, extension 221