Resource Database

The Center for Rural Affairs is an advocate for health care, clean energy, sustainable agriculture, and community development in rural areas. Also offers technical assistance, financing programs, and other resources to rural communities.

The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) provides assistance to agricultural producers and rural small businesses to complete a variety of renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. REAP offers loan guarantees and grants for eligible applicants.

Provides information on funding and technical assistance opportunities available from HUD, DOT, EPA, and USDA, as well as examples of how rural communities across the country have put these programs into action.

Gardens from Garbage seeks to provide assitance in teaching, organizing, networking, and producing in regards to food sustainability. Garbage from Garden's mission is to educate and guide organizations, neighborhoods and communities in developing a sustainable local food source through composting, gardening and year-round greenhouses.

Mission West works with small businesses, community development organizations, cooperatives, and food and agriculture producers in Montana. 

The Montana Department of Agriculture offers a variety of grant, loan and outreach programs to assist rural comunities and ag-related businesses.

The National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC) is an alliance of grassroots organizations that advocates and provides publications to the public regarding federal policy reform to advance the sustainability of agriculture, food systems, natural resources, and rural communities.

EPA and the International City/County Management Association (2010): Focuses on smart growth strategies to meet three main goals: support the rural landscape by keeping working lands viable and conserving natural lands; help existing places thrive by taking care of investments and assets; and create great new places by building lively and enduring neighborhoods where people want to live.

The Sonoran Institute is a not-for-profit 501 '3 organization that promotes community decisions that respect the land and people of the West. Sonoran's website includes information, contacts and examples to promote community-based strategies that preserve and protect the ecological integrity of protected lands and at the same time meet the economic aspirations of adjoining landowners and communities.