Open
Last Update: June 5, 2026
Funding available
$ 1,000,000
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
New Brunswick, Canada
Overview
The Rural Economy Fund supports rural economic growth in New Brunswick through non-repayable financial contributions. It helps fund economic infrastructure, economic diversification, and strategic tourism projects with clear regional impact.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Strengthen organizational capacity
- Renovate or expand facilities
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 1,000,000 $
- Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Public administration
Location
- New Brunswick
Legal structures
- For-profit business
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Rural or Northern Residents
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Not Elsewhere Classified
Target groups
- Indigenous peoples
- Rural / Remote communities
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
- Nonprofits / charities
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Local
- Municipal
- Regional
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Development or improvement of community and regional economic infrastructure.
- Initiatives that diversify the rural economy.
- Strategic tourism facilities, infrastructure, or related initiatives with clear regional economic impact.
Documents Needed
- Completed and signed application form.
- Business case or supporting project information.
- Supporting financial statements for larger requests.
- Invoices and proof of payment for reimbursement claims.
- Any other supporting documents requested by RDC.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Not-for-profit organizations
- Municipalities
- Regional Service Commissions
- First Nations
- Eligible for-profit organizations under specific conditions
Who is not eligible
- For-profit organizations that do not meet the program’s specific conditions.
- Organizations that have not completed the terms of previous provincial contributions.
- Activities mainly serving religious or political organizations.
Eligible expenses
- Capital costs to build, renew, rehabilitate, improve, or renovate assets.
- Other reasonable and necessary project costs.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Vacant land and related costs.
- Operating costs, including wages and salaries, except for pilot projects.
- Debt reduction, debt retirement, financing charges, and interest.
- Fundraising campaigns, legal fees, hospitality, and volunteer labour.
- Activities mainly serving religious or political organizations.
Eligible geographic areas
- Eligible rural areas in New Brunswick.
- Incorporated municipalities or local governments with fewer than 25,000 residents.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are received, assessed, and evaluated by the Regional Development Corporation.
- RDC may seek sector review from the relevant provincial department if needed.
- Projects that are sufficiently detailed and eligible are considered for approval.
- Final approval is given by the President of RDC.
- Projects over $500,000 are submitted to Executive Council for approval.
Additional information
- Proposals are assessed by the Regional Development Corporation.
- Some projects may require environmental assessment and consultation with First Nations.
- Not all eligible projects are approved, due to limited resources.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Rural Economy Fund Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Rural Economy Fund. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the Rural Economy Fund?
The Rural Economy Fund supports rural economic growth in New Brunswick through non-repayable financial contributions. It helps fund economic infrastructure, economic diversification, and strategic tourism projects with clear regional impact.
How much funding can be received?
Rural Economy Fund Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $1,000,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Rural Economy Fund program?
To be eligible for the Rural Economy Fund program, you must:
Incorporated legal entity
Based in a rural area
Project meets local priorities
What expenses are eligible under Rural Economy Fund?
Development or improvement of community and regional economic infrastructure.
Initiatives that diversify the rural economy.
Strategic tourism facilities, infrastructure, or related initiatives with clear regional economic impact.
Who can I contact for more information about the Rural Economy Fund?
You can contact Government of New Brunswick by email at RDC-SDR@gnb.ca or by phone at 506-453-2277.
Where is the Rural Economy Fund available?
The Rural Economy Fund program is available the province of New Brunswick.
Is the Rural Economy Fund a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Rural Economy Fund is a Grant and Funding