Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program (REDIP)

Last updated on April 12, 2024

 

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The 2023-24 REDIP intake was open from July 4, 2023 to October 30, 2023. Applications were accepted until October 30, 2023 at 11:59 PM PST.

The 2024-25 REDIP intake will run from July – October 2024.

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Program Details

The Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program (REDIP) is a new grant launched by the Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation (JEDI).

The Government of B.C. is investing up to $33 million this year to create the Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program, which will support projects that promote the following:

  • Economic diversification
  • Resilience
  • Clean growth opportunities
  • Infrastructure development

For full program details, including funding categories, eligibility, project types and timelines, please refer to the REDIP Program Guide.


Funding Categories and Eligibility

REDIP has three unique funding categories. Each category targets different project types and communities:

 

1. Economic Capacity (REDIP-EC)

Helping communities build their internal capacity for economic development.

Eligible Project Location

  • Small rural communities with populations of less than 2,500
  • Indigenous communities and organizations 

Percentage of Project Costs

  • 100%

Maximum Funding Per Applicant

  • $100,000

 

 

2.  Economic Diversification (REDIP-ED)

Funding projects that promote economic diversification and development.

Eligible Project Location

  • Small rural communities with populations of less than 25,000
  • Indigenous communities and organizations 

Percentage of Project Costs

  • 80%

Maximum Funding Per Applicant

  • Development projects: $100,000
  • Implementation projects:$1 Million

 

 

3.  Forest Impact Transition (REDIP-FIT)

Supporting economic recovery and transition in communities affected by changes in the forest sector.

Eligible Project Location

  • Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities located outside of Metro Vancouver and the Capital Regional District experiencing or anticipating impacts by changes in the forest sector, including old growth deferrals

Percentage of Project Costs

  • 100%

Maximum Funding Per Applicant

  • $500,000

 

 

Eligible Applicants

Eligible lead applicants for all three funding categories (REDIP-ED, REDIP-EC, REDIP-FIT) include:

  • Local Governments
  • Regional Districts
  • Indigenous communities and organizations
  • Indigenous Development Corporations
  • Not-for-profits

For more detailed information regarding eligible lead and partner applicants, please refer to the REDIP Program Guide.

Eligibility Exemptions

Communities with populations under 25,000 located within the Metro Vancouver and Capital Regional districts can apply for an eligibility exemption prior to applying for funding. Please fill out the Eligibility Exemption Request Form and email it to RuralDevelopment@gov.bc.ca.

Communities that were approved for an exemption in previous REDIP intakes do not need to reapply.

Please contact program staff prior to submitting an exemption request to confirm whether the community has been previously approved.


 

Key Dates

The 2023-24 REDIP intake was open from July 4, 2023 to October 30, 2023. Applications were accepted online until October 30, 2023 at 11:59 PM PST.

Funding decisions for the 2023-24 intake will be announced in Spring 2024.

The 2024-25 REDIP intake will run from July – October 2024.


Tutorials and Webinars

Webinar recordings are available to support you through the REDIP application process. Due to the file size, some videos may take a few minutes to load prior to playing:

Upcoming Webinars:

No upcoming webinars are currently scheduled. Please contact the program office (RuralDevelopment@gov.bc.ca) if you have ideas for future tutorials and webinars.


How to Apply

Follow the below steps to complete and submit an application to the Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program. Links to documents and other sections of this website intended to support applicants are included. 

 

1. Learn about the program

 

2. Select a funding category and confirm your eligibility

Ensure you are applying for the correct funding category and that you are eligible to apply. A list of common ineligible projects is provided on page 12 of the REDIP Program Guide.

 

3. Review your project idea with program staff

  • Prior to preparing or submitting an application, it is strongly recommended to connect with REDIP staff, or a Regional Manager within the Regional Economic Operations Branch.
  • Staff can help determine whether the proposed project aligns with the program’s scope and criteria. They can also provide clarification regarding requirements in the application form and budget template.
  • If you previously submitted an application for REDIP that was not selected for funding, please contact REDIP staff to schedule a feedback session.
 

4. Prepare your application

  • Prior to submitting an online application, we recommend drafting your responses in MS Word: REDIP-ED/REDIP-FIT / MS Word: REDIP-EC version of the application form provided. NOTE: MS Word/PDF versions of the application will not be accepted as formal applications. Only applications submitted through the online system will be accepted.
  • Draft your project budget using the budget form (MS Excel templates) for your funding category:
  • If you have a project partner, work with them to prepare a letter or email confirming that you’ve agreed to partner on the project. A copy will be required as part of the application.
 

5. Complete optional supporting documentation

  • The following documents may be added to an application, as applicable but are not mandatory:
    • Quotes
    • Project plans
    • Permits or approvals
    • Funding confirmation or commitment
    • Direct Deposit Form
    • Related community plans
    • [Band] Council resolutions in support of the project
    • Letters of support from communities directly impacted by the project
 

6. Submit your application

  • For information about the online application portal and technical considerations, please watch the REDIP Online Application Form Tutorial.
    • Please note, the video may take a few minutes to load before it begins to play.
    • The video can be viewed in your browser or can be downloaded if you wish to scroll through (rewind and fast forward) different parts of the video.
    • Closed captions are auto-generated. In cases where the captions refer to the program as the “Reddit program”, please note we are referring to the Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program (REDIP).
  • If you have any concerns about submitting an online application, please contact the program team prior to the application close date.
 

7. After your application is submitted

  • All applications that are determined to be eligible after an evaluation by program staff are reviewed and ranked against program priorities.
  • If additional information is needed to support the review and assessment process, you will be contacted by program staff.
  • Decisions on applications are anticipated to be made by Spring 2024.
  • If your application is successful, you will be sent a grant letter outlining the terms and conditions of funding. If you agree to the terms, the funds will be transferred to the organization.

 

Reporting Requirements

Projects that received $100,000.00 or less:

  • Required to submit an Interim Report at 50% project completion and a Final Report at 100% project completion.

Projects that received over $100,000.00:

  • Required to submit an Interim Report when 25% of the total funding amount has been spent; and when 75% of the total funding amount has been spent.
  • A Final Report is required at 100% project completion.
  • The Province may, at their sole discretion, require further Interim Reporting when 50% of the total funding amount has been spent.

In cases where funding recipients have not submitted reporting in a timely manner, the Province may choose to deny future requests for funding.

Online Reporting Portal Access

A Business BCeID is required to access the reporting portal and submit reports. Please review the Online Reporting Access_BCeID Instructions for guidance on registering your organization for a Business BCeID.

Reporting Templates

Reporting templates are available online through the following links:


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REDIP Program Guide

Contact information

For questions about the REDIP Program, please contact the Rural Policy and Programs Branch.

To connect with a Regional Manager in your area, please contact the
Regional Economic Operations Branch.

Rural Policy and Programs Phone
1-250-356-7950
Rural Policy and Programs Email
RuralDevelopment@gov.bc.ca