Local governments, Indigenous communities and organizations, as well as not-for-profit organizations, are reminded to get their applications for the sixth intake of the BC Rural Dividend program submitted before the Aug. 15, 2019, deadline.

“Our government is committed to supporting rural communities throughout the province,” said Doug Donaldson, Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development. “This program provides funding for projects that create sustainable jobs, forge strong partnerships and support economic development in small communities.”

Applications for the rural dividend can be submitted through the program’s three funding streams:

• The project development stream provides up to $10,000 to help communities undertake preliminary work, such as feasibility assessments and business cases, to develop strong future projects.
• The single-applicant stream provides up to $100,000 to help implement community-driven economic development and diversification projects.
• The partnerships funding stream provides up to $500,000 to support projects that will be delivered with at least one eligible partner.

The program also includes a special circumstances provision to help communities respond to significant economic disruption.

Up to $25 million is available for 2019-20. All projects are assessed based on the information provided in the application and budget form, including a project’s feasibility and its direct impact on economic development in the community.

To be eligible for funding, projects must take place in, or directly benefit, a community with a population of 25,000 or fewer.

The sixth intake program guide and detailed instructions on how to apply are available on the BC Rural Dividend website: www.gov.bc.ca/ruraldividend

Learn More:

Webinars with information for new applications, recommendations and tips for developing strong applications, and highlights of what’s new for the sixth application period, are now online:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-business/economic-development/support-organizations-community-partners/rural-economic-development/rural-dividend/resources