www.iowagreatplaces.gov

Building Better Rural Places

This guide was written for anyone seeking help from federal programs to foster innovative enterprises in agriculture and forestry in the United States. Specifically, the guide addresses program resources in community development; sustainable land management; and value-added and diversified agriculture and forestry. Thus, it can help farmers, entrepreneurs, community developers, conservationists, and many other individuals, as well as private and public organizations, both for-profit and not-for-profit.

http://attra.ncat.org/guide/index.html

Center for Agriculture & Rural Development (CARD)

The Center for Agricultural and Rural Development (CARD) conducts innovative public policy and economic research on agricultural, environmental, and food issues. CARD uniquely combines academic excellence with engagement and anticipatory thinking to inform and benefit society.

http://www.card.iastate.edu/

Farm Foundation

Farm Foundation is a publicly supported nonprofit organization working to improve the economic health and social well-being of U.S. agriculture, the food system and rural people by helping private and public sector decision makers identify and understand forces that will shape the future.

http://www.farmfoundation.org/

North Central Regional Center for Rural Development (NCRCRD)

The North Central Regional Center for Rural Development, located at Iowa State University, is one of four regional centers coordinating rural development research and education throughout the United States. It is supported by land-grant universities of the North Central region, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and grants and contracts from private foundations.  The mission of the NCRCRD is to strengthen the ability of the land-grant system and its partners to help build rural community capacity, create vibrant and sustainable economies, and cultivate inclusive approaches to governance to enhance regional well-being

http://www.ncrcrd.iastate.edu/

USDA Rural Development

USDA Rural Development is committed to helping improve the economy and quality of life in all of rural America.  Rural Development has many financial programs which support such essential public facilities and services as water and sewer systems, housing, health clinics, emergency service facilities and electric and telephone service.  Also, Rural development promotes economic development by supporting loans to businesses through banks and community-managed lending pools in addition to offering technical assistance to help communities undertake community empowerment programs.

http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/