Supporting rural communities is our specialty.
The Rural Community Investment Fund (RCIF) program provides funds to rural areas in support of economic expansion and job creation. Created by the Idaho State Legislature in 2001, this state-funded grant program is a component of the Rural Initiative.
Eligible Applicants
- 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
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 Handbook
Information and Application
All potential applicants are encouraged to contact Idaho Commerce prior to preparing and submitting an application. You may contact the Idaho RCIF team at 208-334-2470 or use the form below.