Idaho Rural Community Investment Fund (RCIF)

ICDBG@commerce.idaho.gov
208.334.2470

The Idaho Rural Community Investment Fund (RCIF) offers funding for rural areas in Idaho to support economic expansion and job creation.

Eligible project 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

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

Eligible applicants:

• Cities with a population less than 25,000 or for projects that have a measurable benefit in rural communities
• Counties with a population less than 25,000 population
• Tribes with a project site located on reservation land and within a community of less than 25,000 people

Eligible applicants may sub-grant RCIF funds to an eligible, approved sub-recipient. Typical sub-recipients include Idaho's council of governments, urban renewal districts, and economic development districts.

Grant awards range from $50,000 to $500,000.

Local match is required, but there is no set amount.

Links to the RCIF Handbook (application instructions) are available on the program website.

Potential applicants are encouraged to contact the Department of Commerce using the form at the bottom of the program website prior to submitting an application.

Applications are due on the third Monday in December, March, June and September. Applications received after those dates will not be presented to the Council at that quarterly meeting, but the following meeting.