What We Do
Our Mission And Values
We champion rural North Carolina by investing in people, communities,
and potential.
Vision Statement
A North Carolina where every rural voice matters and every rural community thrives.
Core Values
We uphold the following values as foundational to our work and the success of the communities we serve:
Strive for Excellence
We continuously learn, improve, and collaborate to encourage innovative solutions that drive meaningful change.
Build Strong, Inclusive Communities
We foster cultures of access, belonging, and mutual respect, creating communities where all people can live and thrive.
Promote Authentic Leadership
We cultivate trusted, credible leaders — within the Center and across rural communities — to help move North Carolina forward.
Deliver Meaningful and Measurable Impact
We focus on long-term, sustainable results that lead to visible, lasting change in rural communities.
North Carolina Counties
Rural Counties
78 counties with an average population density of 250 people per square mile or less.
Regional City & Suburban Counties
16 counties with an average population density between 250 and 750 per square mile.
Urban Counties
6 counties with an average population density that exceeds 750 people per square mile.
Densities calculated by the Rural Center based on the 2020 U.S. Census.
Leadership
Leadership development training throughout our rural communities.
The Rural Economic Development Institute (REDI), our flagship leadership program, has trained over 1,250 rural leaders to make meaningful impact in their communities.
Our Homegrown Leaders training offers a three-day regional leadership and community economic development program to equip leaders to lead long-term economic growth.
Engagement
Engagement that directly influences the quality of life in rural North Carolina.
Our Faith in Rural Communities program builds dynamic and vibrant faith communities across every town and crossroads in North Carolina. Participating churches can receive grants, coaching sessions, and peer networking that helps them connect to their communities. We also organize an annual Rural Summit to focus on issues influencing life in rural North Carolina.
Advocacy
Advocacy for policy and legislation that improves broadband, health care, and infrastructure.
Much of our advocacy work is guided by our legislative agenda. Through this agenda, we research, develop, and advocate for nonpartisan policy solutions to rural North Carolina’s biggest economic development challenges. Our work helps improve life in rural North Carolina.
Capital
Lending programs that benefit people and small businesses with limited access to capital.
Many small businesses in rural communities report that they struggle to access capital. Through our lending programs — CornerSquare Capital and the State Small Business Credit Initiative — we support businesses, entrepreneurs, people, and communities that have been historically undercapitalized. In addition to capital, we provide coaching and connections to promote economic mobility.