About us

We are a national network of emerging leaders challenging the status quo in rural America.

Together, we are increasing paychecks, decreasing daily expenses, and improving our local quality of life.

Our Approach

Civic Leadership

We work with rural leaders to develop the leadership skills needed for creating positive community change.

Public Education

We raise awareness about challenges and harmful stereotypes that are holding our communities back.

Policy Research

We ensure rural people have a seat at policy making tables and provide solutions to our bigggest challenges.

Latest News and Research

Shanai Matteson: Building Community Power Through Culture

In Aitkin County Minnesota, in a tiny blip of a town called Palisade, population 167, is a local artist named Shanai Matteson keeping a pot of soup simmering. It's community night, and though she never officially called it a potluck, her neighbors always bring dishes to share. This monthly gathering has become something people look forward to, a small but vital spark of connection in a community that's weathered its share of storms.

Building the Rural Opportunity Economy

Democracy is all about solving big problems by working...

RuralProgress Celebrates $1.5 Billion in Out-of-Pocket Medical Savings Set to Benefit Rural Americans

Biden-Harris Administration Wins Again for Rural Communities of Color Today...

Major Rural Policy Victory: Six Communities Receive $184 Million For The Recompete Pilot Program

TL:DR The Economic Development Administration just announced awards to six...

Briefing: Data Resourses for Rural Prosperity PART II – Navigating Grants.gov

Join RuralOrganizing.org Education Fund and Grants.gov personnel for a...

Colorado River Water Users AvoidMandatory Use Cuts – For Now

In a last minute deal reached before the May...

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Daycare Relief in Lake Crystal Thanks to USDA Rural Development Community Facilities Program

After a year of operation, Little Lakers, a nonprofit...

Rural Community Needs Assessment Toolkit

This resource is intended to help rural organizers and...

Yes, the Farm Bill should Restore a Robust Rural Economy

...and that means including the Rebuild Rural America and...

2022 Rural Organizer Exit Interview Report and Webinar

ABOUT THIS REPORT AND RECORDED WEBINAR Between February 03, 2023...

Our Work Was Just Featured on All Things Considered on NPR

Wow! I can’t believe it. Yesterday evening, NPR’s All...

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