RCAC’s programs and services deliver solutions to complex community needs. Our local presence allows us to develop partnerships with communities to identify needs, set goals, and select the best options to meet those goals. RCAC and our partners provide the tools to create change and growth, but the communities chart their own course. Collaboration, plus community effort will equal community change. How can we help you?

RCAC’s Loan Fund is a financial resource for rural communities. The Loan Fund fills financing gaps and serves in unconventional markets. We offer loans for affordable housing development, environmental infrastructure, community facilities and small businesses in rural locations.

Decent housing, safe drinking water, education, financing, jobs, community facilities, leadership, families are the many facets to RCAC's work.

RCAC expands the knowledge base of the rural public through education and training. Our training expertise is in technical, financial, and administrative issues that affect rural communities. We take great pride in our professional trainer team's capacity and effectiveness. Our trainers maximize audience participation to keep trainings relevant and memorable.

RCAC's news and publications are a compilation of timely news, announcements and accomplishments produced for the rural development world.

Sub-standard housing and poverty are commonplace in low-income rural communities. Many of these communities also face daunting challenges to access safe, clean drinking water and to develop other vital infrastructure. These issues are often overlooked in policy because rural communities lack the resources, training or social networks that are found in urban areas. Learn how you can advocate for the under-served population in the West.

Founded in 1978, RCAC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides training, technical and financial resources and advocacy so rural communities can achieve their goals and visions. For more than 35 years, our dedicated staff and active board, coupled with our key values: leadership, collaboration, commitment, quality and integrity, have helped effect positive change in rural communities across the West. Learn more about who we are and how we operate.

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News & Publications

Recent News

Thursday, Oct 03, 2019

Posted in: Economic issues, Featured News, Louis Martin

Rural America faces rising suicide rates

A recent University of Ohio study raises important questions about suicide in rural communities. The study correlated suicide rates based on where victims lived. Rural areas had notably higher rates, 22 per 100,000 people, compared to 17.6 in large metropolitan areas.
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Monday, Sep 30, 2019

Posted in: California, Featured News, Native communities

Gatherers in Mendocino County risk fines and jail time to keep Tribal traditions alive

In Mendocino, California, a group of Indigenous people from the Sherwood Valley Band of Pomo Tribes are defying a bevy of state and local laws. Intended to crack down on poachers who over-harvest local sea resources, the laws also criminalize Native traditions of sustainable harvesting, which stretch back hundreds of years.
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Friday, Sep 27, 2019

Posted in: Featured News, Native communities, New Mexico

RCAC funds Major Market in New Mexico

Construction began this month on Major Market in New Mexico. Using a $1 million Kellogg Foundation grant and PRI (program related investment) RCAC helped to fund the organic market and deli in New Mexico. The market is owned and operated by Darrell Tsabetsaye and his family, all Zuni Tribe members.
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Connecting people to the future

News & Publications

Recent News

Rural America faces rising suicide rates

Gatherers in Mendocino County risk fines and jail time to keep Tribal traditions alive

RCAC funds Major Market in New Mexico

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