What we do:

Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that operates in 13 western states and Pacific islands. We serve Indigenous and rural communities through training, technical and financial assistance and advocacy. Our major programs include:

Community and Economic Development

Disaster Recovery Services

Environmental

Housing

Lending

Native Communities

Who we are:

We are a diverse group of more than 180 passionate professionals who serve Indigenous and rural communities, bringing our unique thinking, backgrounds, experiences and culture to the organization and our work. RCAC fosters an inclusive, collaborative workplace environment where our colleagues and partners are valued and treated with respect so that the organization and people we serve can excel.

See our Strategic Framework here.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is a key strategic direction.

Mission statement

RCAC partners with rural and Indigenous communities to achieve their vision and well being through technical assistance, training, financial resources and advocacy.

Vision statement

Rural and Indigenous communities throughout the West are empowered to be vibrant, healthy and thriving.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

RCAC is committed to building and maintaining a culture of openness and inclusivity. Read more about our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee.

About RCAC DE&I

  • Recent News

    Aug 29, 2023

    RCAC Interview: Julia Hnilicka, Alaska USDA Rural Development Director

    In this issue, we speak with Julia Hnilicka, State Director for USDA Rural Development - Alaska. Hnilicka was born and raised in the rural Alaskan village of Nenana, where she has spent most of her life. Her upbringing as the child of a tugboat captain and an educator has provided her with a firsthand understanding of the complex issues confronting rural households.

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  • Upcoming Events

    September 14

    CalTAP Fair: Building a Resilient Water Future

    Join us and learn about the California Technical Assistance Provides (CalTAP) programs, funded by the California State Water Resources Control Board. These programs provide onsite technical assistance and free workshops, as well as many other resources, for water professionals throughout California.

    View Event  | Register

  • Making an Impact

    Success Story Highlight

    Canjilon: RCAC bolsters New Mexico village’s push for water security

    Perched atop a mesa in northern New Mexico’s Rio Arriba County, the small village of Canjilon is a living testament to the deep-rooted heritage of its community. Home to nearly 300 residents, primarily of Hispano and Indigenous descent, Canjilon’s roots stretch thousands of years, during which the Pueblo, Apache, and Navajo peoples have called the surrounding lands home.

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    Video Highlight

    A Brief History of Self-Help Housing in the United States

Infrastructure

RCAC is the Environmental Finance Center for Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington. There are many challenges in infrastructure maintenance and development. During the next 20 years $600 billion in infrastructure projects will need to be completed to protect public health yet budget constraints are an increasing reality.

Learn more

Join Our Team

Help make a difference in rural communities in the West. We work in diverse and low-income communities to increase access to affordable housing and safe drinking water, promote economic opportunity and job creation, and provide financing for community and economic development projects.

Apply here

RCAC is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.

Read our Non-Discrimination Statement


  • Invest in & support RCAC

    We welcome donations and grants of any size for operating and program support. Help us meet the ever increasing demand for funds needed to sustain rural communities and small businesses. An investment in RCAC’s Loan Fund is an investment in your community.

    Start here


  • California Lenders License

    Licensed by the California Department of Business Oversight — #60DB0 83068

    Start here


  • How are we doing?

    Please take a few minutes and complete our customer satisfaction form to let us know how we’re doing. We are here for you.

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