OUR EXPERTISE

COMMUNITY STRATEGIES GROUP

Since 1985, the Aspen Institute Community Strategies Group (Aspen CSG) has been committed to equitable rural prosperity. We work towards a future where communities and Native nations across the rural United States are healthy places where each and every person belongs, lives with dignity, and thrives.

OUR Work

Thrive Rural

Rural Equity, Opportunity, Health, and Prosperity

Imagine a future where communities and Native nations across the rural United States are healthy places where each and every person belongs, lives with dignity, and thrives.

Man in a t-shirt with the word "Dad"smiling standing on ladder
Regional and Rural Development

Advancing the principles and practices of regional wealth-building as the means to better economic development policy and practice in the United States.

People smiling at the table with notepads and pens
Community Development Philanthropy

Building the number and capacity of community and region-focused foundations that are taking leadership on – and making a significant difference in – improving the economy and livelihoods in their places.

Family of four smiling and sitting together on the couch
Whole Family Prosperity

Building the capacity of practitioners and policymakers to help families on the economic margins earn more, keep more of what they earn, and grow what they keep into assets for themselves and their communities.

Field with trees and people walking

What’s New at Aspen CSG?


publications
outdoor rec report page cover
Mapping a New Terrain: Call to Action

As new rural outdoor recreation economies take root, we can meet this moment by improving how we do outdoor recreation development to better support rural families, businesses, and workers, create more sustainable and equitable economic systems, and improve local health and wellbeing.

event
Wealth Creation in Rural and Indigenous Places

Sep. 19th, 2023, 2PM

Learn how rural practitioners are advancing equitable prosperity and economic development in a way that embraces and strengthens the unique assets of rural regions.

blog-posts
WealthWorks: A Powerful Tool for Thriving Rural Places

WealthWorks is an approach to doing economic development differently that inspired and continues to inform the Thrive Rural Framework. Learn more about the WealthWorks approach.

blog-posts
Broadband technician working
Broadband Resources

A collection of broadband resources for funding, advocacy, and community program opportunities for rural community leaders.

Recent and Upcoming Events
event
Wealth Creation in Rural and Indigenous Places

Sep. 19th, 2023, 2PM

Learn how rural practitioners are advancing equitable prosperity and economic development in a way that embraces and strengthens the unique assets of rural regions.

event
Natural disaster response workers moving sand bags
Rural Disaster Preparedness: Partnering for Resilience & Resources

Aug. 1st, 2023, 2PM

Join this hybrid event to explore how rural communities can be better prepared and be more resilient so that when disaster strikes, not just the entire community but the entire region can band together and ensure a swift recovery.

event
Small business owners choosing apples and veggies in box at farmers market.
Advancing Regional Action Infrastructure

Jul. 18th, 2023, 1PM

Learn how rural practitioners are advancing regional action infrastructure and how your community can strengthen regional networks and work across communities.

event
American Flag
Recompete Pilot Program Webinar

Jun. 29th, 2023, 3PM

Join our upcoming webinar on on the Recompete Pilot program, which aims to invest $200M in geographically diverse economically distressed communities.

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