Local non-profits, community groups, schools and First Nations are being encouraged to start planning now as the 2026 ReDi Grants program officially opens for applications.
“Golden continues to benefit from Columbia Basin Trust’s vital role in supporting local projects through the ReDi Grants program,” said Alysha Saville, Director of Corporate Services & Communications with the Town of Golden.
“As Golden’s largest annual granting program, ReDi Grants provide flexible, community-driven funding that empowers residents to shape local priorities and bring meaningful projects to life.”
ReDi Grants, short for Resident Directed Grants, are funded by the Columbia Basin Trust and delivered locally by the Town of Golden, supporting projects that strengthen the community and serve the public good. For 2026, a total of $308,828 has been allocated for projects benefiting the Town of Golden and CSRD Area A, with additional funds potentially available from unspent 2025 allocations.
The program supports a wide range of initiatives, from social services and community wellness to arts, culture, environment and economic development. What matters most is that projects deliver clear community benefits and align with local priorities.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants include registered non-profits, First Nations, registered schools and local governments. Private or unregistered groups can still take part, but must partner with an eligible organization that sponsors the application and manages the funding if approved.
Applicants with outstanding final reports from previous ReDi grants are not eligible until those reports are submitted.
Key dates to know
Applications must be submitted online by noon on Monday, February 2, 2026. Late applications will not be accepted.
Shortlisted applicants will be required to present their projects at a public meeting on March 4 or 5, 2026, held in the Town of Golden Council Chambers, either in person or virtually. Funding decisions will follow shortly after, with the local selection committee reviewing applications on March 11.
Funding details
Applicants must request a minimum of $5,000, with no maximum amount set, though the total funding pool is limited. Projects must take place between March 1 and December 9, 2026, and the program does not support multi-year funding or retroactive costs.
Projects that rely solely on ReDi funding are discouraged. Groups are strongly encouraged to leverage other funding sources and demonstrate broader community support.
What the committee looks for
Applications are assessed using local data, including the Golden & District Community Foundation’s Vital Pulse 2025 Community Report, and applicants are encouraged to align their projects with up to five United Nations Sustainable Development Goals that reflect Golden and Area A priorities.
Projects that respond to clearly identified community needs, avoid duplicating existing services, and show strong partnerships tend to score well.
Help is available
Groups new to the process, or those looking to strengthen their application, are encouraged to use the optional pre-application worksheet, which mirrors the online application and helps teams organize their project details in advance.
Questions about eligibility or the application process can be directed to the Town of Golden’s ReDi Program Manager at cbtadmin@golden.ca, and full application details are available through the Town of Golden website.
“Local residents can be proud that their input through the annual Golden & District Community Foundation’s Golden & Area A Vital Pulse survey helps directly shape community projects,” said Ryan Watmough, the Town’s ReDi Grant Committee Technical Administrator.
“Applicants use this feedback to design initiatives that matter most, and the Selection Committee relies on it when making funding decisions.”
For many local organizations, ReDi Grants remain one of the most flexible and impactful funding tools available. With more than $300,000 on the table, 2026 represents a real opportunity to turn good community ideas into projects that make a lasting difference.
