Unlocking Rural Prosperity: The Rural Funding Guide is Here

The Rural Funding Guide has been introduced by the Partners for Rural Transformation (PRT) to address the longstanding issue of underinvestment in rural America. This guide offers practical strategies to help public and private funders effectively invest in rural communities. It emphasizes the importance of equitable systems and strong local partnerships to ensure that funding reaches the areas that need it most. The guide aims to inspire funders, policymakers, and advocates to reinvest in rural America and support its prosperity.

Below is a summary of the eight practices that inform how public and private funders can invest in rural prosperity:

• Put Community Voice First: Ensure that the voices of local community members drive development efforts, rather than generating buy in for a pre-determined idea.
• Build Community Adaptability: Enhance the ability of communities to adapt and respond to changing circumstances and economic conditions.
• Support Regional Approaches: Invest in initiatives that benefit multiple communities and leverage regional strengths and assets.
• Form Trusted Partnerships: Develop strong, trust-based relationships with local communities through direct engagement and collaboration.
• Make Capital Accessible: Simplify the process of accessing funds to reduce barriers for rural applicants.
• Increase Flexible Capital: Provide operational funding that allows local leaders to address specific community needs and invest in long-term solutions.
• Grow Grant Capital: Increase the availability and scale of grants to support comprehensive community development.
• Provide Multi-Year Support: Offer consistent, long-term funding to enable sustainable development and allow for thorough planning and implementation.

The Rural Funding Guide can help water leaders in rural communities to secure and manage funding more effectively. It promotes equitable investment, strong partnerships, and long-term outcomes. All of which are key principles for sustainable water solutions. The guide encourages funders to simplify access to capital, support regional collaboration, and prioritize community voices, making it easier for water organizations to address infrastructure, climate resilience, and staffing challenges.

By highlighting common funding barriers like complex applications and limited resources, the Rural Funding Guide advocates for flexible, multi-year support that empowers water leaders to plan and implement impactful projects. It also promotes systems-level thinking, encouraging water initiatives to align with broader goals in housing, health, and economic development.