The Council invites the participation of all interested parties in its mission to partner resources and broaden its impact in Rhode Island's rural communities!

The focus of Rhode Island Rural Development Council is on facilitating collaborations among Federal, State, local and tribal governments in planning and implementation of programs impacting the rural areas of Rhode Island.

The RIRDC concentrates its efforts on:

Economic Development
Facilitating smart economic growth for RI though projects dealing with land issues, workforce development, education, and capital funding
Providing information and resources to assist in the change, differentiation of production or marketing or, product segregation of agricultural products.

Value-added to products
Providing information and resources to assist in the change, differentiation of production or marketing or, product segregation of agricultural products

Housing
Offering rental, home ownership or home improvement loans to qualified low income households.

Infrastructure Development
Offering loans or grants to local governments to improve and safeguard infrastructure components within RI's rural communities.

In RI, 25 communities are rural-eligible for varied program offerings from USDA Rural Development. The RIRDC further leverages opportunities to support all communities in RI though its partnering affiliations with State government, municipalities, civic, and community organizations. The Council welcomes the participation of all interested parties in its mission to partner resources and broaden its impact in our rural communities.

Communities and Non-Gov't Organizations

By partnering with RIRDC, projects in rural communities can be augmented by collaborative national and state funding programs as well as private sector grants. RIRDC will assist in research, communications, grant writing, and cross agency coordination for projects vital to the viability of rural communities.

Federal and State Program Partners

The Council can be a wealth of information and a conduit for communication to State and Federal agencies seeking to apply fair and equitable attention and weight to the less vocal concerns of non-urban Rhode Islanders. As a coordinating body without political agenda, the Council seeks to apply best practices and pragmatic solutions to existing and future programs to benefit all Rhode Islanders.

Non-Profit Organizations

Environmental, cultural, social, and educational organizations can coordinate the delivery of their services through RIRDC via communications, issue research, fund and grant leveraging, public exposure, and networking.

Foundations and Philanthropists

Make the most of grants and endowments by coordinating your funding with other sources to address concerns of rural Rhode Island. Your financial support for RIRDC is critical to retaining rural distinctiveness in RI balanced with informed choices for economic growth.

Become an RIRDC MemberMembership

:Individual: $25

Non-Profit: $50

Business: $100

Corporate Associate: Call for details.

Volunteers needed! Call now!

Send your tax-deductible donations payable to:

The RI Rural Development Council
35 Belver Avenue, Suite. 117
North Kingstown, RI 02852
Phone/Fax: 401-667-0071
Email: Director@RuralRI.org