Rural Community Investment Fund (RCIF)

• Cities with a population of less than 25,000 or for projects that have a measurable rural benefit. The sole beneficiary of the project cannot be a large city.
• Counties may apply for countywide projects that have a measurable rural benefit. The sole beneficiary of the project cannot be a large city.
• Tribes may apply if the project site is located on reservation land and within a community of less than 25,000 or if the project has a measurable rural benefit. The sole beneficiary of the project cannot be a large city.

The three eligible applicant categories may sub-grant Rural Community Investment Funds to an eligible and Idaho Commerce approved sub-recipient.

Eligible activities include:

• Extension of streets, water and sewer lines, and/or utilities to a site for a new business or industrial park
• Acquisition or construction of buildings for lease or purchase by a company
• Provision of telecommunications, power, gas and rail upgrades necessary for business expansions.

Restrictions:

• City halls and schools are not eligible.
• Grant limits are $50,000 to $500,000.
• Local match is required, but there is no set amount.

Evaluation Criteria:

Applications will be evaluated on the impact to distressed areas. Other evaluation factors include the number and quality of jobs created by the project, long-term economic impact, community support, and project financing and readiness.

• RCIF Table of Contents
• RCIF Chapter 1 Overview
• RCIF Chapter 2 Eligibility and Rules
• RCIF Chapter 3 Procurement
• RCIF Chapter 4 Application Process
• RCIF Chapter 5 General Application
• RCIF Chapter 6 Financial and Closeout Forms