First Nations, local governments and not-for-profit organizations are reminded to get their applications for the fourth intake of the BC Rural Dividend program submitted before the deadline on Dec. 15, 2017.

Single applicants can apply for up to $100,000 for community-driven projects and must contribute at least 20% of the total project cost. Partnerships involving more than one eligible applicant can apply for up to $500,000 and must contribute 40% of the total project cost.

The project-development funding stream will provide up to $10,000 to help communities with limited capacity build business cases and feasibility assessments needed to develop strong future projects.

Under the BC Rural Dividend program’s special circumstances allowance, which is used to help rural communities facing economic hardship, funding will also support those communities hard hit by wildfires in 2017.

Projects will be assessed and approved based on the following criteria:

• Rural communities most in need
• Improved community resiliency and economic strength
• Partnership building and enhanced shared prosperity
• Project feasibility and sustainability
• Economic impact on rural communities
• Attracting and retaining youth
• Innovation in economic development

The fourth intake program guide and detailed instructions on how to apply are available on the BC Rural Dividend website: www.gov.bc.ca/ruraldividend. Fourth intake results will be announced before March 31, 2018.