PATHWAYS TO SECURING RURAL FEDERAL FUNDING

This Ford Family Foundation report investigates why rural nonprofits and agencies often struggle to access federal resources—even when historic relief and infrastructure funds are available. Drawing on research by Sequoia Consulting, it highlights barriers such as limited grant-writing capacity, inequitable access, and structural hurdles that disproportionately impact small rural organizations and those serving communities of color. The report offers concrete recommendations, including creating rural grant-writing cohorts, establishing pre-planning and matching grant funds, and providing federal grant-writing training. At Aspen CSG, we see strong alignment with our mission: ensuring rural communities have the tools, capacity, and networks to fully access and leverage the resources they need for long-term prosperity.