Patrice Rodriguez Fund Real Utopias Micro-Grant The Patrice Rodriguez Fund presents the Real Utopias Micro-Grant. / Funding / Micro-Grant This grant is intended for individuals or groups (non-profit organizations, informal collectives, etc.) engaged in the creation of bold alternatives that challenge the status quo and existing systems of oppression. The micro-grant aims to support bold, counter-hegemonic ideas in order to shape a more equitable, just, and sustainable future. The Patrice Rodriguez Fund Launched in 2021, the Patrice Rodriguez Fund was created thanks to the generous contribution of Béatrice Vaugrante. This fund honors the memory of Patrice Rodriguez, founder of the organization Parole d’excluEs and co-founder of Quebec’s first social integration enterprise, Le Boulot vers, as well as the Collectif des entreprises d’insertion du Québec. Deeply committed to social action and reflection on exclusion, Patrice Rodriguez worked tirelessly against poverty and social exclusion. A visionary and critic, he constantly challenged traditional practices and concepts in the fight against exclusion. His innovative approach and dedication to solidarity, local mobilization, and the empowerment of individuals and communities continue to guide and inspire. This fund, developed in collaboration with a group of Patrice Rodriguez’s close friends and family, aims to perpetuate his legacy and his dream of a future where the people most affected by change are at the heart of the changes that directly concern them. We express our deep gratitude to Jean-Marc Fontan, Vincent van Schendel, Jean-Pierre Racette, Barbara Rufo, and Béatrice Vaugrante. Their commitment and vision continue to inspire and support initiatives that bring hope and change. We would like to extend our warmest thanks to our donors for their essential support for this initiative. Philosophy and Objectives This initiative is part of a process of profound transformation of socio-environmental systems. We specifically aim to: Foster reflection on the radical transformations necessary in our societies. Support ambitious projects likely to drive lasting systemic change. Highlight the importance of in-depth strategic thinking to effectively combat inequality. What We Offer Financial Support A $5,000 grant dedicated to project reflection and conceptualization. Support (length: 1 year) The micro-grant gives recipients access to the Foundation’s support programs for one year, if they so wish. Eligibility Criteria and Selection Process At this initial stage, we are adopting a proactive strategy. Recipients do not apply directly: they are actively identified and selected by the selection committee. Essential Criteria Projects or ideas with the potential for major impact and demonstrating a strong leverage effect. Valuing innovation and subversive reflexivity among the project facilitators. Strong awareness of socio-political issues and the ability to integrate an intersectional approach. Restrictions The following are not eligible for the micro-grant: Funding for ongoing operations. Projects focused solely on governance. Proposals from research centers. Make a Donation You can contribute to the micro-grant by making a donation to the Patrice Rodriguez Fund. Please indicate “For the Patrice Rodriguez Fund” in the message accompanying your donation. The Concept of Real Utopias Erik Olin Wright[1] introduced the idea of real utopias, proposing social alternatives that sit between utopian imagination and practical action. The core idea is to design transformations that are bold yet still desirable, feasible, and grounded in our contemporary realities. Through this micro-grant, the Patrice Rodriguez Fund aims to offer an initial boost to projects that seek to bring these real utopias to life. The Fund supports forward-thinking individuals who are charting pathways toward a more just and equitable future. With this grant, the PR Fund hopes to provide a springboard for those who, inspired by visions of real utopias, are committed to building a fairer and more equitable world. [1] Wright, E. O. (2010). Envisioning Real Utopias.