Under Growth plans, the returns earned by the portfolio are reinvested in the scheme itself while under Dividend plans a part of the returns are distributed among investors in the form of dividends. Thus, Growth plans do not offer periodic returns. They provide capital appreciation and a lump sum amount when you withdraw. Dividend plans, on the other hand, offer periodic dividends and a lump sum amount when you withdraw. This lump sum amount, however, is lower than that provided by Growth plans.