Call for mutualization projects

How can I apply?

To apply, organizations must complete the online form available. The form allows you to attach the activity report and financial statements. All information may be submitted in French or English.

In the interest of equity, diversity, and inclusion, it is also possible to:

• Submit a video or audio file instead of the written form;
• Conduct a recorded interview with a Centraide advisor, with the possibility of reviewing the content afterward. An LSQ interpreter service can be provided to facilitate communication.

Important: Regardless of the chosen format, please ensure you answer all the questions listed in the form, which we have also compiled in this PDF document.

If you wish to submit a video, please inform us at [email protected] so that we can guide you and provide you with the instructions.

For submitting your project, you can:

• Submit the required documentation in the language of your choice, French or English.
• Replace the written form with a video or audio file.
• Conduct a recorded interview with a Centraide advisor, then review the written content together. An LSQ interpretation service is also available during this process.

Important: Regardless of the chosen format, please ensure you answer all the questions listed in the form, which we have also compiled in this PDF document.

To participate in the Mutualization Journey

• The working tools provided during the support process are available in French and English.
• Workshops and personalized support can be offered in English, and an LSQ interpretation service can also be made available to you.

If you have a specific need that we have not anticipated, please let us know so that we can support you and ensure equitable access to the Mutualization Journey.

Mutualization refers to the pooling of “something” between at least two parties. It aims to create collective enrichment, based on a spirit of sharing and reciprocity. Mutualization can take different forms, including:

• Services: Extending the services of one organization to another in order to reach a larger clientele.
• Human resources: Sharing a staff member between several organizations to complete a part-time position and improve working conditions.
• Equipment and technology: Lending or renting tools, vehicles, or equipment to different organizations, or jointly using the same platform or IT service.
• Expertise and knowledge: Offering joint training sessions to multiple organizations or sharing a knowledge transfer platform.
• Facilities: Sharing buildings or spaces used by multiple organizations.

A mutualization impulse is the starting point of a joint project. It stems from a shared need or a common situation between several organizations, which paves the way for the implementation of a collective solution.

This impulse represents the main motivation that drives groups to consider mutualization. It may be operational, strategic, or related to shared values.

It is essential to clearly identify the objectives that the partners wish to achieve through this mutualization, as these will guide the next steps of the project.

In the context of community development, the terms “collective project” and “mutualization project” are sometimes used interchangeably or confused. However, they refer to distinct, though related, dynamics.

The collective project

A collective project is an initiative jointly led by several actors — organizations, institutions, citizens, etc. — who share a common vision and wish to address a social or territorial issue. It often relies on consultation, mobilization, and co-creation.

The goal is to generate a collective impact, for example by developing a new service, animating a neighborhood, or deploying a territorial strategy.

Example: a project aimed at improving food security in a neighborhood, bringing together several community organizations, a coordination table, and citizens.

The mutualization project
A mutualization project is based on pooling resources between two or more organizations. It constitutes a strategic response aimed at improving the efficiency, sustainability, or capacity of action of the partners.

Mutualization can involve human resources, facilities, services, technological tools, or even governance structures.

Example: two organizations sharing a communications resource or merging their reception services to better serve their respective clients.

In summary

Laboratoire conseil is a non-profit organization specialized in support, consulting services, and training, working for several years with social economy and community action organizations.

Its multidisciplinary team has in-depth expertise in governance, strategic development, human resource management, and work organization.

Renowned for its human and collaborative approach, Laboratoire conseil stands out especially for its commitment and expertise in mutualization, which it has actively developed over several years.

The Mutualization Journey offers a series of 9 training and peer exchange workshops, integrating several approaches combining “communities of practice,” “co-development,” training, and practical exercises focused on the theme of mutualization.

Each workshop centers on a specific theme, with content designed to stimulate participants’ reflection. Practical exercises are also offered to feed and structure this reflection.

The sequence of workshops is designed to support participants in their mutualization process and enable them to carry out, wholly or in part, the implementation of the mutualization project they are already involved in.

Workshops 1 and 2 provide an overview and update of the mutualization process.

Workshops 3 to 8 focus on analysis, strategic orientation, and implementation of this process.
Workshop 9 concludes the journey by allowing each group to present its action plan — a roadmap aimed at completing their mutualization project, whatever its nature.

The workshops are facilitated by a senior, experienced team composed of individuals with both empirical and theoretical knowledge of collaboration, reflection, production, and mobilization processes.

A pool of 30 coaching hours per group is available to offer personalized follow-up to each team.

Participants have access to content, exercises, and tools tailored to their project through a free online platform using Google Classroom.

The Mutualization Journey is offered as virtual workshops, facilitating broad participation, with the final workshop held in person to beautifully close this demanding program. Each workshop lasts 3 hours.

The following image situates the Mutualization Journey within the broader framework of a mutualization project process.

The Mutualization Journey is aimed at organizations that have already identified the focus of their mutualization as well as their partners. These organizations are then ready to define their implementation strategy, specify operational actions, and detail the principles of a collaboration agreement to fully realize the mutualization according to a common roadmap.

At the end of the Mutualization Journey 

Groups will have a roadmap for implementing the mutualization, including:

• An overview of the project (the “We,” stakeholders, values, principles, and governance structure)
• The principles of a mutualization agreement
• The main actions to be carried out, with varying levels of intensity
• The budget for implementing and sustaining the project
• The framework for regular project evaluation

The Mutualization Journey requires serious commitment and is intended for well-thought-out and coordinated projects. It is strongly recommended that the boards of directors of each organization be fully informed of the level of effort and time required to participate.

For each activity, the presence of at least one representative from two involved organizations is required, as the workshops are designed to encourage active participation and exchanges between organizations and their partners.

In addition to attending the workshops, the Mutualization Journey requires extra working time to structure various operational aspects of the project. This work between sessions is essential to ensure continuous progress, deepen reflections started in the workshops, and arrive prepared for the next meeting. As a guideline, this between-session work may represent approximately 3 hours for at least one person from two or more participating organizations. These periods should be used to consolidate learning, coordinate tasks, and ensure that each step of the project is conducted rigorously and collaboratively.

Participants must be able to make certain decisions related to the project, particularly during governance mapping. It is therefore strongly recommended to involve individuals in management or coordination roles in the process.

The schedule for the Mutualization Journey is as follows:

• Second week of December: Cohort launch (date and time to be confirmed)
• January 15, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.: Workshop 1 (in person)
• January 29, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.: Workshop 2 (virtual)
• February 12, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.: Workshop 3 (virtual)
• Between February 13 and March 11: Minimum 1 hour of mandatory coaching
• March 12, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.: Workshop 4 (virtual)
• March 26, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.: Workshop 5 (virtual)
• April 9, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.: Workshop 6 (virtual)
• Between April 9 and May 14: Minimum 1 hour of mandatory coaching
• May 15, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.: Workshop 7 (virtual)
• May 29, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.: Workshop 8 (virtual)
• June 18, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.: Workshop 9 (in person)

Centraide has a total budget of $400,000 dedicated to supporting projects. The amount granted to each project will vary depending on its scale, feasibility, and anticipated impact. For reference, projects funded during the first cohort received support ranging from $25,000 to $100,000.

The maximum duration of the project is 18 months. It will progress at your own pace, according to your needs.

• A statement of actual expenses will be requested at mid-term and at the end of the project.
• Submission of the roadmap or presentation completed during the final workshop of the Mutualization Journey, including any budget adjustments.
• A minimal report on the project’s outcomes.
• A meeting with Centraide following the submission of the report.

Eligible expenses

• Personnel (salaries and employment-related costs)
• Professional service fees
• Materials and supplies directly related to the mutualization project
• Travel expenses
• Project-related equipment
• Training and events
• Administrative expenses

Ineligible expenses

• Expenses incurred before December 8, 2026
• Purchase of buildings or premises, real estate costs

First, the submitted documents and the completed form will be reviewed according to established eligibility criteria.

Next, a detailed analysis of the form responses will be conducted in collaboration with Laboratoire Conseil. This step aims to identify projects corresponding to the mutualization impulse stage and to assess their potential impact.

The following criteria will be analyzed:

1. Collective reflection: A joint reflective process has been initiated among the involved organizations.
2. Needs identification: The needs of each participating organization have been clearly defined.
3. Definition of common objectives: Common objectives shared by all partners have been established.
4. Relational commitment: Meetings have taken place to establish dialogue and mutual understanding among partners.
5. Mutual knowledge: Partners are well acquainted with each other’s missions, activities, operating methods, and governance.
6. Involvement of boards of directors: The boards of the involved organizations are informed and have been consulted or involved.
7. Anticipated impacts: Expected effects of the project on organizations and beneficiaries have been identified.
8. Anticipated challenges: Key obstacles to mutualization have been listed and taken into account in planning.
9. Winning conditions: Key decision-makers have been identified and committed to participating in all workshops and coaching sessions (see dedicated section).
10. Budget: The estimated budget is realistic and coherent with the project.

Third, Centraide’s planning and social development advisors will perform an analysis to prioritize projects aligned with Centraide’s fields of action and priorities, notably regarding equity, diversity, and inclusion. This step also ensures equitable redistribution of funds. It will also assess the relevance of expressed needs and the implementation capacities, especially partner engagement.

Finally, the final selection will be made jointly by the Mutualization Journey managers at Centraide and by Laboratoire Conseil.

• For young people’s present and future success
• For decent living conditions
• For inclusive communities
• For a strong and cohesive social fabric

Please refer to our webpage.

• Community development is a holistic, integrated approach in which social, economic, cultural, and environmental dimensions are addressed in an interconnected way without emphasizing one area over the others.
• Community development involves the cooperation of citizens, community agencies, institutions (municipal, health, education), companies, and other stakeholders involved in these issues.
• This term therefore refers to people’s ability to come together and act collectively.