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We are changing the political landscape of rural America.

Rural Democracy Initiative (RDI) supports rural people working to transform their lives and communities in service of shared prosperity and democracy. We invest in permanent civic engagement, issue advocacy, community organizing infrastructure, and sustainable urban-rural coalitions. In addition to grantmaking, RDI also supports rural leaders and organizations through convening, research, and communications.

With everything at stake this year, we are increasing our grantmaking while carefully targeting our investments in places where rural action will define policy and electoral outcomes. We regularly convene grantees to share what’s working and innovations. We match groups in our network with technology platforms, research, and other resources to enhance their success. Learn More

RDI is investing in research, content, and narrative development while building a collaborative network of communications platforms with credibility in rural areas. Learn More

The RDI network helped pass many of the priorities in our Rural Policy Action Report, including programs for public health, economic recovery, and protections for working families. Our grantees are working with local officials to ensure that federal funds can quickly help with broadband, housing, and small businesses. Learn More

We know how to win in small towns and rural communities

Forging a Rural Policy Action Plan

In the context of the 2024 elections, Barn Raiser discusses our Rural Policy Action Report.

RDI in The Hill

In The Hill, Sarah Jaynes calls for policies that support the small businesses, farmers, workers, and caregivers that drive our economy.

2023 Rural Policy Action Report

A national collaborative of rural policy and advocacy organizations released their 2023 Rural Action Policy Report, outlining specific investment

Building Multi-Racial Power (and Winning!) in Rural Communities

Rural Democracy Initiative hosted a panel at Netroots Nation, the country's

RDI in Nonprofit Quarterly

The federal government has made historic investments in rural communities, and many of these programs will be implemented over the next several years.