Apply for Funding

Investment Readiness Program

In 2022, the Trust invested in the North Island Sustainable Power Coalition, a partnership of First Nations and local governments focused on local renewable energy and eliminating frequent power outages disrupting communities. 

Our Investment Readiness Program invests in the development of targeted strategies and tools to support and strengthen community and regional economic diversification and investment attraction, as well as strategic regional collaboration initiatives.  Through this program, we actively engage with communities to support their evolving needs as they move along a continuum of economic development capacity building. 

The program can provide up to $30,000 to cover up to 50% of eligible costs through six funding streams: 

  • Economic Development Strategy 
  • Quick Start  
  • Technology Attraction Strategy 
  • Sector Development  
  • Investment Attraction
  • Regional Collaboration 

Eligibility

The program is open to Indigenous communities including Indigenous development corporations, local and regional governments, and not-for-profit organizations. 

Application Deadlines

Applications are accepted on a continuing basis until the annual funding allocation has been reached. 

How to Apply

Please review the Application Guide (PDF) for information on who can apply, funding streams, eligible activities and costs, and assessment criteria. 

Please contact Denice Regnier prior to developing your funding application. Denice is available to advise on eligibility and to provide support and insights that will position your project funding application for the highest probability of success when it is reviewed for decision by the board of directors. 

Denice Regnier 
Manager, Programs and Corporate Affairs 
250-871-7797
denice@islandcoastaltrust.ca 

For your project to be considered for review, a fully completed funding application must be received that includes the following: 

If available: 

  • Current economic development strategy, strategic plan and annual report 
  • Letters of support from communities and partners demonstrating the local and/or regional benefits of the proposed project 
  • Quotes received from contractors or consultants 

Funding Decisions

Once we receive a complete funding application, our staff review all information and prepare a recommendation for review by the Trust board of directors at their next scheduled meeting. Funding decisions are typically provided within 60 days. 

Project Reporting for Approved Projects

Once approved, we will provide applicants with a funding agreement which will identify payment schedule, project milestones, insurance requirements, and acknowledgement of funds, etc. We expect projects to begin implementation within six months of board approval and be completed within one year.   

We proactively work with the leads of each funded project to meet the reporting and funding milestones in each funding agreement. Funds are disbursed for projects following receipt of supporting invoices.  

A final report is required for each funded project upon its completion detailing the project’s performance and resulting outcomes. Final reports must provide narrative and quantitative outcomes spanning the following: 

  • Summary of work plan activities that were completed 
  • Details of the project’s outcomes as identified in the final report form  
  • Lessons learned and next steps 
  • Financial information that accounts for all funding contributions and expenditures for the project 
  • Photography (if available) that conveys the impact of the project to support knowledge sharing and storytelling about the project. 

Contact Us

Whether you are conceiving a new project, you’d like advice on other funding programs that partner with the Trust, or if you’re ready to apply for funding, we welcome you calling or emailing us. The earlier the better as we work in true partnership with the projects the Trust invests in and we’re dedicated to supporting you. If you have a funded project and you’re looking to provide a report, we can assist you with that as well. Please contact: 

Denice Regnier
Manager Programs and Corporate Affairs
250-871-7797
denice@islandcoastaltrust.ca