National initiative
Empowering Minds
No More Empty Tractor Seats.
An upstream rural mental health initiative that builds awareness, equips First Identifiers, reinforces learning, and strengthens local support before crisis.
Nonprofit community benefit organization
We equip and empower the people closest to rural challenges with the knowledge, relationships, tools, and resources they need to create positive, lasting change.
Working across rural America and Canada
People closest to the problem
are best situated to solve it.
Rural communities are vital to the 21st century. They make the difference.
Organizations
Leaders engaged
Association relationships
Community engagements
One Foundation. Six ways we strengthen rural vitality.
Each part of the Foundation meets a distinct rural need. Together, they build thriving people, thriving organizations, and thriving communities.
01
Everything begins with well human beings
Mental wellbeing, resilience, connection, hope, and local support systems.
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02
Strengthening the heart of rural communities
Equipping the volunteer led organizations that bring rural people and traditions together.
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03
Preparing and inspiring the next generation
Supporting students, educators, schools, and the leaders rural communities need next.
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04
Building strong and sustainable economies
Strengthening workforces, leaders, organizational cultures, and rural economic vitality.
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05
Effective leadership. Engaged communities.
Equipping local government, elected officials, and community leaders to meet the moment.
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06
The knowledge. The innovation. The action.
Turning research, insight, and proven frameworks into rural action.
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Our rural vitality model
Our mission is to strengthen the vitality and long term sustainability of rural communities under 20,000 people.
01
Knowledge, tools, resources, and relationships for the people closest to the challenges.
02
Greater capacity, connection, and sustainability across rural communities.
03
Thriving communities for today’s families and generations to come.
Featured initiatives
National initiative
No More Empty Tractor Seats.
An upstream rural mental health initiative that builds awareness, equips First Identifiers, reinforces learning, and strengthens local support before crisis.
North American initiative
Leading the generational handoff with intention.
Training, tools, follow through, technology, and connection for the volunteers and leaders stewarding vital rural institutions.
Building rural capacity
Student leadership, educator support, school culture, and youth development.
Workforce development, leadership growth, organizational culture, and burnout prevention.
Municipal government, elected officials, community leadership, and public engagement.
Our think and do tank: research, trends, frameworks, leadership convening, publishing, and activation.
Creating value. Building capacity. Changing lives.
Partnership creates the capacity to equip more leaders, strengthen more organizations, and reach more communities. Together, we invest in people and help rural communities thrive.