Rural Development Organizations
There are many excellent organizations out there doing rural development - we've complied a list of some of the top ones.
Rural Economic Development
Communities in rural, remote, coastal and northern regions of Canada contribute almost 30% of our country's GDP and help drive economic growth.
Our path toward a resilient, prosperous and inclusive Canada includes improvements to every Canadian's quality of life—especially those living in rural, remote and underserved communities.
Whether it's about housing affordability or access to reliable high-speed Internet, the Government of Canada is helping rural and remote communities thrive and achieve sustainable, long-term growth.
Learn about programs that help rural Canadians take advantage of emerging opportunities and address the unique challenges they face.
Economic Trust of the Southern Interior - British Columbia
The Economic Trust of the Southern Interior (ETSI-BC) uses its $50 million endowment from the Province of BC to contribute to stronger communities in the Southern Interior by helping build a strong and diversified economy. They work with the region’s local governments, economic development practitioners, non-profit business support organizations, post-secondary institutions, industry associations, and accelerators to grow and diversify our region’s economy.
Island Coastal Economic Trust
The North Island Coast Development Initiative Trust, known as the Island Coastal Economic Trust (ICET), has been at the forefront of economic diversification, planning and regional revitalization in the Vancouver Island and Sunshine Coast region for the past 16 years.
The Columbia Basin Rural Development Institute
The Rural Development Institute (RDI), at Selkirk College, is a regional research centre with a mandate to support decision-making by Columbia Basin-Boundary communities through the provision of information, applied research and outreach and extension support. The RDI is funded by Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) through an 8-year partnership agreement which began in 2011. Selkirk College supports the operation of the institute through its infrastructure and specific capabilities, including the Regional Innovation Chair in Rural Economic Development (RIC) who serves as the RDI Lead Researcher.
Northern Development Initiative Trust
Northern Development Initiative Trust is a regionally operated economic development funding corporation for central and northern British Columbia. NDIT operates independently from the government and provides the funding and ability to identify and pursue new opportunities for stimulating economic growth and job creation within the regions.
University of Northern British Columbia Community Development Institute
Center for Rural Strategies
The Center for Rural Strategies seeks to improve economic and social conditions for communities in the countryside and around the world through the creative and innovative use of media and communications. By presenting accurate and compelling portraits of rural lives and cultures, CRS hopes to deepen public debate and create an environment in which positive change for rural communities can occur.
Columbia Basin Trust
CBT is mandated under the Columbia Basin Trust Act to manage its assets for the ongoing economic, environmental, and social benefit of the Columbia Basin region, without relieving governments of any obligations in the region. CBT is also mandated under the Columbia Basin Management Plan to include the people of the Basin in planning for the management of its assets and to work with others to coordinate activities related to the purpose of the Trust.
The Rural Ontario Institute
Established in 2010, the Rural Ontario Institute (ROI) was created through the amalgamation of The Centre for Rural Leadership (TCRL) and The Ontario Rural Council (TORC). ROI delivers programs that develop strong leaders who are critical voices around opportunities and key issues facing rural Ontario.
Rural Policy Research Institute
The Rural Policy Research Institute (RUPRI) provides unbiased analysis and information on the challenges, needs, and opportunities facing rural America. RUPRI’s aim is to spur public dialogue, and help policymakers understand the rural impacts of public policies and programs.
Heartland Center for Leadership Development
The Heartland Center for Leadership Development is an independent, nonprofit organization developing local leadership that responds to the
challenges of the future of small towns and rural communities.
The Rural School & Community Trust
The Washington, D.C.-based Rural School and Community Trust is a national nonprofit organization addressing the crucial relationship between good schools and thriving communities.
Center for Rural Affairs
Nebraska-based CRA's mission is to establish strong rural communities, social and economic justice, environmental stewardship, and genuine opportunity for all while engaging people in decisions that affect the quality of their lives and the future of their communities.
Rural Development Initiatives
Rural Development Initiatives, Inc. is a private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization based in Eugene, Oregon. RDI was formed in 1991 in response to the timber industry crisis facing the Pacific Northwest. RDI’s programs and services help communities help themselves with effective and results-oriented training and resources necessary for individuals living in rural communities to build and sustain a better future in their communities.
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