Discretionary Grants-in-Aid

The RDEK’s Discretionary Grants-in-Aid (DGIA) program awards funding to registered non-profit organizations for projects that benefit the rural communities within the Electoral Areas.

Who is Eligible for Funding?
In general, grants are for meeting community/public rather than private needs. Therefore, grants are only available to registered non-profit organizations. (This includes first nations, school districts and local governments). Any private sector proposal that comes forward must be sponsored by a non-profit community organization and must clearly demonstrate community benefits. The application must be completed and submitted by the eligible organization.

How to Apply for Funding
DGIA Interactive Application Form 

  • Applications are accepted at any time. Please make sure that the application is submitted 2-3 months prior to your event to allow time for the review process.
  • Applications must be submitted on the DGIA application form, either typed or neatly printed. All fields of the application form must be completed in full. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
  • Applications should be for a single project to be carried out within two years. Under special circumstances, the Board may consider a one-time multi-year application for a period not to exceed five years (consecutive periods may be considered for local governments and first nations).
  • Applications must include the nature of the project, the amount of funding required, and how the funds will be used, including the project partners and project budget detailing revenue, expenditures, funds received from other sources and in-kind contributions. Additional information       is not to exceed six single-side pages or three double-side pages. Pages above this limit may be removed before evaluation.
  • If completing the application electronically, it is recommended that you use Adobe Acrobat Reader as the form may not work correctly in other PDF viewers. To download Adobe Acrobat Reader, visit https://get.adobe.com/reader/.
  • Proposals may be submitted by hand delivery, mail, fax, or email to:

                  Attention:  Corporate Services
                  Regional District of East Kootenay
                  19 – 24 Avenue South, Cranbrook BC  V1C 3H8
                  Email: [email protected]
                  Fax:  250-489-3498

Review Process
Once the application is received, the applications will be referred to the Electoral Area Advisory Commissions (EAAC) for recommendation to the Electoral Area Director. The recommendation from the Electoral Area Director will be considered by the RDEK Board of Directors at its monthly Board meeting. Following the Board meeting, a letter will be sent advising of the funding decision.

  • For Electoral Areas C,E, F and G, you or a representative may wish to attend the EAAC meeting to make a presentation on your application. Upon receipt of your application, we will send you the contact information for the EAAC secretary to make the necessary arrangements.

Area of Expenditure
Grants provided by the RDEK must be expended only within the Electoral Area from which the grant is received; however, applications for projects outside the Electoral Area may be considered provided it is clearly demonstrated that the project benefits communities within the Electoral Area.

Funds for Government Activities
Grants may not be used to relieve any level of government of its legal or financial obligations. Grants may be used to add value to government activities already in the Electoral Area, not replace those activities.

Release of Funds

  • Grants Over $1,000
    Funds will be released to the applicant upon receipt of RDEK Board approval and submission of copies of invoices or, where invoices are unavailable, documentation acceptable to the RDEK proving that funds were expended for the approved purpose. If the applicant clearly demonstrates   there is a need, the Chief Financial Officer may allow funds to be released prior to the submission of the required invoices or documentation.                                  
  • Grants of $1,000 or Less
    Funds will be released to the applicant upon receipt of RDEK Board approval. A statement of  revenues and expenses is required upon completion of the project.
  • Multi-Year Grant
    The annual funds will be released to the applicant following their submittal of a copy of the budgeted revenues and expenses for that year, subject to RDEK approval of the report. The exact payment date will be determined by the Chief Financial Officer.

Grant Expiry
Grants will expire, without written notice, on December 31st, two years after the year they are approved. Applicants may submit a written request to extend the grant for one additional year, prior to expiry of the grant.

Additional Requirements

  •  Any unspent portion of a grant must be returned to the RDEK.
  • The applicant must keep receipts and invoices for a period of two years and make them available to the RDEK if requested.
  •  Applicants that do not provide the required reporting may be listed as ineligible to submit future grant requests until reporting is up to date.

Contact
For further information regarding the Discretionary Grants-in-Aid program, please contact:

Sandra Haley
Community Services Coordinator
Phone: 250-489-2791 or 1-888-478-7335 (toll-free)
Email: [email protected]

Last edited: Thu, January 04, 2024 - 2:48:59