Disaster Resilience & Innovation Funding (DRIF) program
Funder
BC Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness (EMCR)
Deadline Details
Expressions of Interest (EOIs) are accepted on an ongoing basis. Selections are made annually, with funding decisions determined for that year. The cutoff date for 2024 was September 15th, 2024. The next cutoff date is TBD.
Funder Organization Type
- BC Provincial Government
The DRIF program is the first program based on expressions of interest (EOIs) that can be submitted on an ongoing basis through an online EOI portal, a video submission, or through an interview process. Funding is available for projects that strengthen defenses against natural and climate driven hazards, including floods, drought, extreme heat, and landslides, among others.
*Wildfire risk reduction projects are funded through the Ministry of Forests Community Resiliency Investment (CRI) program and will not be funded through the DRIF program.
The DRIF program will fund projects that support communities to:
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increase their understanding of risks and risk-reduction measures, including data acquisition, risk assessment, mapping, partnership-building and planning
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reduce their risks through non-structural projects such as policy and bylaw development, community education and temporary mitigation equipment
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reduce their risks through structural projects, including nature-based infrastructure
Once EOIs are received, the EMCR program team will assess the EOIs against program criteria and priorities and invite eligible proponents to pursue developing a full proposal. There is no deadline for the EOIs; EOIs are accepted on an ongoing basis. EOIs will be selected on an annual basis, please see the DRIF program website for the annual cutoff date for that year’s funding decisions.
Eligible Community
Eligible proponents for the DRIF program include First Nations and local governments (municipalities and regional districts) in British Columbia.
Required Community Contribution
No community contribution required
Funding Stacking Restrictions
No
The DRIF Program does not have stacking limits. However, it is the responsibility of project proponents to be familiar with the stacking rules and limitations of all funding programs they are applying to.
Application Limit per Community
3
Professional Input Required
Yes
Where applicable, projects must be completed under the guidance of Qualified Professional(s).
Range of Funding Available per Project
- Under $100 000
- From $100 000 to $1 000 000
- Over $1 000 000
Description of Funding
The DRIF program will pay 100% of eligible costs for all applicants up to the approved project maximum. Each First Nation or local government may be a lead or partnering proponent on no more than three submitted EOIs in each Stream to the following limits:
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Stream 1 – Foundational and Non-Structural Projects - $400,000 per partner proponent per EOI
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Stream 2 – Structural Projects - $5 million per partner proponent per EOI up to a maximum of $15 million per EOI
Percentage of Project Funded
100%The DRIF program will pay 100% of eligible costs for all applicants up to the approved project maximum.
Eligible Costs
EngineeringDesign
Planning
Community Engagement
Equipment/Material Purchase
Project Management
Staff Costs
Administration Fees
Capacity Building for the Community
Training
Reporting
Awareness and Education
Research and Development
All costs considered to be direct and necessary for the successful implementation of an eligible project, in the opinion of the Province. Please see program guide for complete list.
Ineligible Costs
Any costs incurred prior to signing a funding agreementCosts that are not related to or necessary for the project in the opinion of the Province. Please see program guide for complete list.
Reporting Requirements
Progress reports and final reports
Expected Timeframe for Funding Decision
There is no deadline for the EOIs; EOIs are accepted on an ongoing basis. EOIs will be selected on an annual basis, please see the DRIF program website for the annual cutoff date for that year’s funding decisions.