Whereas the Province of British Columbias Rural Dividend Fund Program has an application requirement that applicants must provide a review engagement letter for projects over 10,001 in funding or audited financial statements for projects over 100,001 in funding; And whereas these requirements for a professional review of financial statements can be at a significant cost to non-profit agencies and create a barrier for these agencies to make application to the Rural Dividend Fund thereby reducing the opportunity for non-profit organizations to leverage their capacity to strengthen the economy of rural communities: Therefore be it resolved that the provincial government determine other means of investigating the financial strength of non-profit organizations that are key partners and valuable contributors to sustainable rural community economies.
Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations Rural Development UBCM provided a good opportunity to hear from local governments their visions for rural development. There have been some positive reviews of the program, as well as concerns expressed from rural communities. The Rural Dividend Program is currently completing the review and assessment process for applications received during the fourth intake period. Funding announcements will be made by the Program in March 2018. The Rural Dividend Program is committed to continuously improving to ensure it meets the needs of rural stakeholders. The Ministry is currently completing an online engagement process to gain feedback regarding key priorities for rural development, as well as potential improvements to the Rural Dividend Program. The online engagement can be accessed here: https:engage.gov.bc.caruraldevelopment Communities are encouraged to take part and share their perspectives on the Program. The engagement will close on February 28, 2018 and a report summarizing the feedback will be posted in Spring 2018.