Radically Rural was founded with the intent to share rural models across the US and beyond. All of our summit sessions, roundtable discussions, and newsletters intentionally share “what’s working” in rural. That’s why we’ve compiled as many examples of replicable rural programs and initiatives as we could right here:
Accessibility & Inclusivity
Neighborhood Access
Concord, NH
This consulting firm brings accessibility training and audits to local communities, businesses, and nonprofits. Learn more.
Mohawk Cultural Center
Paul Smiths, NY
This mobile learning center visits schools, community centers, and events to deliver Mohawk culture to Akwesasne. Learn more.
Forsyth Chamber of Commerce
Forsyth, MT
This Chamber of Commerce hosts newcomers events to make new residents feel welcome and engaged in local politics and community. Learn more.
All in for Health
Stable Recovery
Lexington, KY
This program provides horse industry training to those recovering from addiction. Learn more.
Walking School Buses
Washington D.C.
Groups of parents organize and supervise group walks to school to encourage active transportation over driving. Learn more.
Safe Together
Brainerd, MN
This interactive guide and creative report is based on findings from the Rural Minnesota Safety Project. Learn more.
Childcare
Early Childhood Initiative
West Central, MN
This network of parents, educators, and more works to improve the quality of care for and development of young children. Learn more.
Parkview Pointe Senior Center
Laverne, OK
This senior center practices intergenerational care with a childcare center on the premises. Learn more.
Shickley Public Schools
Shickley, NE
This small town prioritized childcare by serving children from “diapers to diplomas” in their public schools. Learn more.
Rural Child Care Innovation Program
New Ulm, MN
This local development authority has developed a pod model for multiple childcare providers to offer their services. Learn more.
Friends Center for Children
New Haven, CT
This organization provides housing to childcare providers and teachers to reduce their expenses. Learn more.
New Britain YWCA
New Britain, CT
This YWCA opened a Childcare Incubator Project to train new childcare providers and support them through enrollment. Learn more.
Community Journalism
Amateur Ration Toolkit
Puerto Rico, USA
This toolkit helps journalists partner with ham radio operators in the aftermath of natural disasters. Learn more.
Local News Go Bag
Mendocino, CA
This project shares information, tools, resources, and more for journalists covering disasters in their communities. Learn more.
Voter411
Pitt County, NC
This website provides nonpartisan information about candidates for local office across the county. Learn more.
Disaster Planning & Broadband
World Central Kitchen
International
This organization provides meals to both rural and urban communities after natural disasters. Learn more.
Grundy County Community Foundation
Grundy County, IL
This foundation implemented Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD) after experiencing six disasters in nine years. Learn more.
Mobile Beacon
National, USA
This 4G/5G Internet service delivers maximum value to nonprofits with a powerful combination of accessibility and affordability. Learn more.
Energy
NH Solar Shares
Plymouth, NH
NH Solar Shares builds community funded arrays that provide energy for low income families. Learn more.
Jack’s Solar Garden
Longmont, CO
This research site aims to make agrovoltaics more accessible and educate farmers, developers, and community members. Learn more.
Zero Foodprint
National, USA
Members crowd-fund grants for farmers to switch to regenerative farming practices. Learn more.
Entrepreneurship
Wyoming County Business Center
Warsaw, NY
This center houses local government offices, farmer resources, and entrepreneur support all in one place. Learn more.
Tionesta Market Village
Tionesta, PA
This town turned an empty lot into a market village with sheds. Learn more.
Northeast Transition Initiative
Northeast, USA
This organization helps business owners successfully plan their exit strategy with an emphasis on employee ownership. Learn more.
Traverse City Repair Cafe
Traverse City, MI
This donation-based community event pairs attendees with skilled volunteers to help repair household items. Learn more.
Ice House Entrepreneurship Program
National, USA
This program is designed to inspire and engage participants in the fundamental aspects of an entrepreneurial mindset. Learn more.
Online Farmers Market
Plymouth, NH
This online farmers market allows customers to pre-order locally grown goods and prevent food waste and loss of product for farmers. Learn more.
Housing
Build UP
Birmingham, AL
This program provides students with an opportunity to develop construction skills by renovating houses that they then have the opportunity to buy. Learn more.
Windham Regional Commission
Windham County, VT
This organization led a multi-town solution to adapt a public building into mulit-unit housing. Learn more.
The Bird’s Nest
Cumby, TX
This tiny home community for women provides affordable housing and social connectivity. Learn more.
Land & Community
Benevolence Farm
Alamance County, NC
This farm residential program cultivates leadership and promotes sustainable livelihoods for individuals impacted by the criminal legal system. Learn more.
Pemi-Baker Land Trust
Plymouth, NH
This trust works with property owners to place conservation easements on land in perpetuity. Learn more.
Autism Nature Trail
Perry, NY
Letchworth State Park features an accessible Autism Nature Trail for inclusive outdoor recreation. Learn more.
eBird
Ithaca, NY
This platform allows users to populate birding data which then contributes to our understanding of climate change. Learn more.
Preservation Trust Vermont
VT, USA
This organization focuses on historic preservation including building easements, advocacy work, and more. Learn more.
PA Wilds
PA, USA
This voluntary planning document that highlights how communities in the region can protect and enhance their community’s character. Learn more.
Main Street
Perry Main Street Association
Perry, NY
This group puts on an annual chalk art festival which brings together artists, farmers, Main Street businesses, and community members. Learn more.
218 Relocate
Bemidji, MN
This town has incentives like free coworking space and moving stipends for attracting remote workers. Learn more.
Coburns’ General Store
Stafford, VT
This business is exploring a nonprofit trust model as the owners transition into retirement. Learn more.
Youth Retention
The Circle Program
Plymouth, NH
This summer camp and mentorship program connects girls and young women with mentors and initiatives in the community. Learn more.
Lead for America
National, USA
This organization places fellows with service opportunities in their hometowns across the country. Learn more.
Farms Work Wonders
Wardensville, WV
This program supports Appalachian youth through paid job trainings and mentorship at their five local businesses. Learn more.