Fondation Desjardins Celebrates 40 Years and Awards $40,000 to Research
Projects

MONTREAL, June 10 /CNW Telbec/ - Fondation Desjardins, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, is pleased to announce that it is awarding two major research grants in environment and society. The Fondation's selection committees, comprising of volunteer experts, were impressed by the originality of the two women's projects and the thoroughness of their approach.

Montréal resident Julie Hagan received $25,000 to evaluate and possibly optimize governance mechanisms pertaining to Québec's forest management.

Meanwhile, Chantale Doucet of Gatineau will study agricultural initiatives for sustainable territory development, identify their conditions for success and find a viable model. To this end, she was granted $15,000.

The two laureates are candidates for a doctoral degree: Julie Hagan in sociology at Université Laval and Chantale Doucet in applied social sciences at Université du Québec en Outaouais.

"Once again, Desjardins reiterates its desire to support our youth and contribute to the advancement of a society based on knowledge," said Monique F. Leroux, Chair of the Board, President and CEO of Desjardins Group. "The Fondation, which will celebrate its 40th anniversary this year, is proof of this unwavering commitment to education."

About Fondation Desjardins

Fondation Desjardins has been fulfilling its mission to provide educational support for the past 40 years. In Québec, Fondation Desjardins is well known for distributing more university bursaries than any other private foundation. It encourages research, training, acquiring skills and employability. The Fondation rewards cooperative spirit, volunteerism and entrepreneurship. As a component of Desjardins Group, the largest cooperative financial group in Canada, the Fondation will distribute nearly $750,000 in 2010. Over the last four decades, it has granted nearly $12 million to more than 9,300 people. To find out more, consult www.desjardins.com/en/fondation.

For further information: (for journalists only): Francine BlackBurn, Advisor, Media Relations, Desjardins Group, 514-281-7275, 1-866-866-7000, ext. 7275, [email protected]; Éliane Didier, Coordinator, Fondation Desjardins, 514-281-7170, 1-800-443-8611, [email protected]