Deadline: 28-Sep-23
Applications are now open for the Small Community Wildfire Readiness Support Program to help small and First Nations communities in the Basin plan and prepare for wildfires through wildfire prevention and protection equipment, training courses and planning assessments.
Strategic Priorities
- Community Well-being
- Ecosystem Enhancement
- High-speed Connectivity
- Housing
- Local Food Production and Access
- Support for Business Renewal
Funding Information
- Up to 100% of total project costs can be requested from the Trust. The typical maximum amount of Trust funding for any one project is $70,000.
- Projects showing broad community support and confirmed cash contributions from additional sources are more likely to receive funding.
Duration
- Projects must be completed within one year of the date of the signed contribution agreement.
Eligibility Criteria
- Eligible applicants include First Nations communities, registered non-profit organizations, legally incorporated society-run fire departments and brigades and local governments representing small and remote communities (populations typically less than 2,500) in the Columbia Basin Trust region.
Selection Criteria
- The Trust uses the following selection criteria to prioritize funding:
- Demonstrate achievable and measurable wildfire readiness outcomes.
- Demonstrate community susceptibility to wildfires.
- Demonstrate how the project will build wildfire resiliency in the community on a longer term.
- Demonstrate linkages to your community’s or Regional District’s Emergency Response Plan.
- Demonstrate relevant partnerships, if applicable.
- Demonstrate project readiness and ability to move forward within the stated timelines.
- Demonstrate a cost-effective budget.
- Demonstrate training courses are accredited.
- For equipment purchases, demonstrate:
- the equipment will be stored on community property;
- operators of the equipment will be fully trained in its use;
- long-term plans to operate and maintain the equipment; and
- the equipment will be used for the benefit of the community.
- Demonstrate equipment purchases towards developing a Fire Smart Structure Protection Trailer follow the BC Wildfire Service standards and approvals.
- Demonstrate applicable regulatory approvals are obtained and followed.
For more information, visit Columbia Basin Trust.