Random Acts of Rural: Government Grants for Rural Communities and Businesses Rarely Consider Community Needs

In this episode of Random Acts of Rural, an online talk show highlighting issues faced by rural communities, the spotlight was on the challenges faced by British Columbia's rural areas when it comes to obtaining grants for creating community spaces whether for sports spaces or meeting places. 

The video showcased meaningful dialogue between the two hosts, Sally and Steve, who have real life experiences living in various rural communities across British Columbia. They shed light on the frustrations experienced by local businesses and organizations. Many applicants for grants have found themselves caught in a bureaucratic web that often prioritizes job creation. In small communities, most projects are run by volunteers, and what is needed is the infrastructure for some community use, not necessarily job creation.

Among the other issues with respect to getting grants that they discussed, is the the lack of transparency and clarity in the grant application process. Local businesses and entrepreneurs have expressed frustration over the excessive paperwork and stringent eligibility criteria that can deter their efforts to secure funding.

In addition, most grants require matching funds, not easy to find in rural areas, although hosts Sally and Steve mention grants that are offered by banks and the railroads, they are often on the small side. Unfortunately, one government grant can't be used to augment another government grant.  Estimating the hours of volunteer work to be involved at a particular wage can be useful in upping the matching fund requirement.

Fostering collaboration between grant-awarding bodies and local community representatives can contribute to a more targeted and effective distribution of funds. By involving those who intimately understand the challenges and opportunities within their respective rural areas, the likelihood of grants being awarded to projects that are needed will significantly improve.

They also spoke to the fact that costs for liquor licenses and associated liability for serving alcohol costs the same for a rural business as for an urban business that serves many more people.

As the voices of rural communities grow louder, it is crucial for policymakers and grant administrators to acknowledge and address the existing disparities. By prioritizing the allocation of grants, by pricing various licenses realistically, and by opening up some of the Agricultural Land Reserve, they indicated that this would greatly contribute to the economic vitality in rural British Columbia, allowing these communities to thrive, fostering sustainable growth and enhancing the overall well-being of their residents.