At the Rural Communities Foundation of Nova Scotia, everything we do starts with a deep love and respect for rural communities. While our work touches many areas – climate resilience, food security, gender equality, and more – what ties it all together is a single, powerful truth: these challenges look different in rural places, and so do the solutions.
Rural communities in Nova Scotia are like no other. They are places of strength, creativity, generosity, and grit. They know what it means to face hardship – and to rise above it, together.
From the beaches to the forests, the farms to the fishing villages, what people in rural communities do best is come together to take care of one another.
Our work is a love letter to these communities. It’s shaped by the people who live there, guided by their voices, and built on the belief that rural communities already hold the answers – they just need support to bring their vision to life.
That’s where we come in. We listen. We walk alongside. And we help turn community-led ideas into lasting change.
Whether it’s addressing climate impacts, building local food systems, supporting women and gender-diverse leaders, or supporting inclusion and belonging in small towns, we see the extraordinary in every rural place. And we’re here to help it thrive.
Who We Are
Our Mission
To empower residents and communities of rural Nova Scotia through sustainable granting and convening.
Our Vision
All Rural Nova Scotian residents live within healthy, prosperous, and sustainable communities.
Our Values
RCFNS values the important contributions of rural Nova Scotian residents and communities.
RCFNS values amplifying the important voices of marginalized peoples and communities, as well as the principles of access, diversity, equity, and inclusion.
RCFNS values sustainable and responsible environmental stewardship.
RCFNS values positive leadership and responsible innovation.
RCFNS values acknowledging Nova Scotia's history and role in colonialism, as well as committing to learning and understanding more about truth and reconciliation.
