Community Resilience Investment BC Program

Wildfires are an increasing threat to communities across British Columbia, and building resilience against them has become a top priority for local governments and First Nations. Recognizing the need for proactive measures, the BC government launched the Community Resiliency Investment (CRI) program in 2018. This program offers communities the opportunity to secure up to $200,000 per year in funding to reduce wildfire risk and protect vital infrastructure.

At GrantMatch, we understand that securing government funding can be a critical component in strengthening the safety and resilience of your community. The CRI program offers two streams of funding that target specific needs: FireSmart Community Funding & Supports (FCFS) and Crown Land Wildfire Risk Reduction (CLWRR). Here’s how your community can take advantage of this funding opportunity.

Stream 1: FireSmart Community Funding & Supports (FCFS)

The FireSmart stream is designed to help communities implement wildfire prevention and mitigation activities. This includes FireSmart planning, fuel management, and public education to ensure long-term protection against wildfire threats.

Funding Details:

• High-Risk Communities (Risk Class 1-3): Eligible for up to $200,000 in annual funding.
• Lower-Risk Communities (Risk Class 4-5): Eligible for up to $150,000 in annual funding.

Communities can apply for either Application-Based or Allocation-Based funding, depending on their preparedness and foundational elements, such as established wildfire mitigation committees or response plans.

By leveraging this funding, local governments and First Nations can build or enhance their wildfire risk reduction strategies, ensuring they’re equipped to face the growing challenges posed by wildfires.

Stream 2: Crown Land Wildfire Risk Reduction (CLWRR)

In addition to FireSmart initiatives, the CRI program offers the Crown Land Wildfire Risk Reduction (CLWRR) stream, aimed at projects on provincial Crown land. This stream focuses on fuel management, prescribed fire programs, and protecting critical infrastructure—such as radio towers and weather stations—at high risk of wildfire damage.

Funding Highlights:

• Over $36 million has been invested in Crown land projects over the first three years of the program.
• Applications for the 2024 intake are currently open, allowing eligible organizations to submit one application between October 1, 2023, and September 30, 2024.

How to Apply for CRI Funding

Whether your community is just starting its wildfire mitigation journey or has existing strategies in place, there is a path to funding through the CRI program. The next round of funding opens on October 1, 2024, for FireSmart Community Funding & Supports, with applications accepted until September 30, 2025.

At GrantMatch, we specialize in helping organizations navigate the complexities of securing government funding. We work with communities to identify funding opportunities, optimize applications, and ensure maximum funding success.

If your community is interested in applying for the CRI program or learning more about wildfire risk reduction funding opportunities, we’re here to help. Contact us today to get started and protect your community from wildfire threats.