Announcing the 2025 Rural Welcoming Initiative Participants—Rural Communities Lead the Way

Rural America is changing. Across the country, we’re navigating shifting demographics, economic transitions, and growing divides. But rural leaders aren’t backing down—they’re embracing inclusion, opportunity, and connection. Since 2020, the Rural Welcoming Initiative (RWI) has provided nonprofits and local governments in rural places with the tools, resources, and support to make their communities more welcoming for all.

Welcoming America is thrilled to announce the 12 participants for 2025:

Meet the 2025 RWI Participants

  1. Arkansas: FRIENDS Foundation
  2. Colorado: College Access Navigators & United Way of Morgan County
  3. Colorado: Hispanic Affairs Project
  4. Colorado: Integrated Community
  5. Colorado: Lamar Unidos
  6. Georgia: Migrant Equity Southeast
  7. Indiana: Regional Opportunity Initiatives
  8. Kansas: Finney County Community Health Coalition
  9. Minnesota: The Bridge Center
  10. New York: Ulster County Workforce Development Board
  11. North Dakota: Communities Acting Together for Change and Hope
  12. Wisconsin: Southwestern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission

Since 2020, the Rural Welcoming Initiative has offered a competitive application process where selected nonprofits and local government entities an opportunity to join the Welcoming Network and receive coaching and technical assistance, peer learning, and access to the Welcoming Interactive conference this year in Detroit, Michigan.

“Rural communities across the country are already leading the way in welcoming. Through the Rural Welcoming Initiative, we’re proud to support and elevate the work these communities are already doing: helping them connect, share best practices, and sustain their impact. When rural communities thrive as welcoming places, everyone benefits, from local economies to the social fabric that makes these places home.” — Senior Network Director Molly Hilligoss

These communities are leading the way in proving that welcoming isn’t just for big cities—it’s for every town, every county, and every neighbor. They’re at the forefront of what welcoming communities look like. Places where people, no matter their background, can come together, contribute, and feel at home. We can’t wait to support their work. Congratulations to the 2025 RWI cohort!