Rural Community Investment Fund (RCIF)

- State-funded grant program providing $50,000-$500,000 to support economic expansion and job creation in rural Idaho communities - Eligible applicants: * Cities with population under 25,000 * Counties (for projects benefiting rural areas) * Tribes (for reservation projects in communities under 25,000) - Eligible activities include: * Infrastructure extensions (streets, water, sewer, utilities) for new businesses/industrial parks * Building acquisition/construction for company lease/purchase * Telecommunications, power, gas and rail upgrades for business expansion - Key requirements: * Local match required (no set amount) * Project must demonstrate rural benefit * City halls and schools not eligible - Evaluation based on: * Impact on distressed areas * Job creation quality and quantity * Long-term economic impact * Community support * Project readiness and financing