Rural Democracy Initiative
Our country is stronger when we invest in rural people and organizations bridging across racial, economic, and geographic differences to drive tangible solutions. Rural Democracy Initiative builds power toward a thriving democracy and shared prosperity across diverse communities in rural areas and small cities.
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We are changing the political landscape of rural America
The Rural Democracy Initiative supports rural people to expand civic participation, win life altering policies, and build power in the decisions impacting our communities. We support rural people to participate in elections and choose their representatives. Our grantees lead successful campaigns to develop local leaders to run for office and helped elect pro-democracy champions.
Our Network
Rural Democracy invests in more than 168 organizations in 23 states to work alongside hundreds of thousands of people in rural areas, small towns, and small cities to improve our lives and communities.
Communications
Rural Democracy drives effective communications by establishing local trusted messengers, reaching people through local press, and showing the connection between national talking points and local impacts.
Policies
We work to advance policies that improve the lives of rural people and ensure democracy works for us all. The Rural Democracy network has fueled a historic surge of rural progress, profoundly affecting numerous recent policy successes.
Featured Report
Rural Policy Action Report
Featuring priority legislation and executive action that supports working families and strengthens rural communities. The report also highlights numerous policy successes and the ongoing challenges people in rural communities face.
Support Rural Progress
Invest in the potential of our small towns and rural communities.
Rural Democracy Programs
We have seen enormous success in the fight for change in rural communities. The Rural Democracy network is poised to make an even greater difference this year.
Winning Jobs Narrative
The Winning Jobs Narrative and Toolkit provides a blueprint for compelling messaging about jobs, work, and the economy.
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Rural Youth Voter Fund
Investing in authentic long-term engagement of our young community members.
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Rural Democracy provides tools and original research to benefit rural communities
Rural Map and Dashboard
Rural classifications to the country’s census tracts, counties, congressional districts, and states.
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Rural Battleground Polls
The polls explore rural attitudes and points toward ways to engage rural communities.
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News from Rural Democracy
Rural Democracy Co-Authors Op-Ed for America’s 250th
A 250th anniversary op-ed shows how rural organizers are reclaiming power and keeping “We the People” alive.
Calling on Philanthropy to Partner with Rural America
At the 2026 GEO Conference, Rural Democracy’s Peter Martin joined a panel on how philanthropy can reclaim and renew democracy.
Winning Critical Funding for Rural Schools
After federal cuts stalled needed school repairs, rural Michigan organizers built a local strategy that won 20.5M in long-overdue repairs.
Small Businesses Stand Up for Immigrant Neighbors
In rural North Carolina, more than 250 small businesses are standing with immigrant workers so families feel safer on main street.