The Rural Dividend Program is open to applications from October 3 – 31, 2016.

Please note that a new online application form has been developed for the Rural Dividend. Some components of the online application form (i.e. council/board resolution) may require additional time and planning to complete.

The online application form only allows you to proceed through questions one section at a time. To see all questions, please download the Application Questions from the documents section of this page.

Program Overview

The BC Rural Dividend is providing $25 million a year over three years to assist rural communities with a population of 25,000 or less to reinvigorate and diversify their local economies. It was developed to recognize both the contribution rural communities have made to B.C.’s economy, and the unique challenges they face to diversify beyond natural resources.

The program will contribute to the strength and sustainability of small rural communities, making them more attractive places to live and work. The program is focused on supporting worthy projects that help rural communities navigate changes impacting their economies, such as attracting and retaining youth, using innovation to drive economic growth, and developing new and effective partnerships to support shared prosperity.

The program was developed in consultation with the Rural Advisory Council, made up of 13 members from across rural B.C. with a mandate to advise the government on how to best support rural prosperity and thriving rural communities across the province.

The Rural Dividend is administered by the B.C. Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations.