Are you a non-profit organization planning a project and in need of a financial boost?
Starting January 8, the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary (RDKB) will be accepting the Resident Directed Grant aka ReDi Grant applications for 2024.
The deadline to apply is Feb. 29.
“This is the second year for offering the Columbia Basin Trust’s Resident Directed Grant Program, formally the program was known as the Community Initiatives Program,” explained Judy Madelung, RDKB ReDi Grant liaison.
“Regional districts and Indigenous partners within Columbia Basin deliver the Resident Directed Grants (ReDi) on behalf of the Columbia Basin Trust. The program is intended to be flexible and incorporate community-based funding decisions in support of projects that provide additional value and benefits to the communities of the Basin.”
In 2023, 55 project submissions from Trail, Rossland, Warfield, Montrose, Fruitvale and Areas A and B received funding in excess of $377,000.
This year, a total of $336,732 will go to Greater Trail municipalities, including a minimum funding allocation of $113,502 to Trail, $51,410 to Rossland, and $34,364 each to Warfield, Montrose, Fruitvale, Area A and Area B respectively.
Fruitvale, Montrose, and Area A pool their ReDi grant funds and collectively and collaboratively support projects that benefit the Beaver Valley at large.
Applications receive input from local users at town meetings where residents learn about each project applicant, then choose their favourites.
In March, 2023, resident input sessions were held in Area B, Beaver Valley (Area A, and Villages of Fruitvale and Montrose), Rossland, Trail, and Warfield.
Eligible organizations and community members were encouraged to promote and express their support for the eligible project submissions being presented for ReDi funding consideration.
“We anticipate that we will receive more applications this year as there is continued interest by community organizations in this program,” said Madelung. “There aren’t significant changes to the application, however conditions and requirements are outlined in the guideline as usual.”
Organizations will know if they are successful by mid-April, and then can implement their plan of action, which must be completed by the end of June 2025, with the final report deadline for Dec. 31, 2025.
During last year’s cycle, some of the larger grants went to a variety of organizations that benefit health and wellness, and contribute to projects that help the community physically, mentally, spiritually, and financially.
Communities in Faith Pastoral Charge (United Church) received about $20,000 for three different projects, Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital Health Foundation over $33,000, the Trail Chamber of Commerce $19,760, Rossland Gold Fever Follies $17,640+, and Beaver Valley Golf and Rec Society, $16,000.
“There are numerous, numerous success stories,” added Madelung. “The goal for utilizing the Trust’s ReDi grant funding is to support projects that add value and benefit to the communities of the Basin.”
More information is on the Trust and RDKB websites. Applications can be submitted via the portal starting Jan. 8.
