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

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.

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 Institute Community Strategies Group?


Blog
A reminder to reporters: If you’ve seen one rural place … you’ve seen one rural place

By shaping accurate narratives, we can drive fair and just investments and policies that honor the people and places at the heart of rural and Indigenous communities.

Blog
Q&A with MDC’s Brandy Bynum Dawson

MDC’s Brandy Bynum Dawson shares insights on her work, her home, and the deep connection between the two.

Blog
Support local Hurricane recovery efforts

As we’ve seen with previous disasters, the surest way to ensure equitable and targeted support is through the local organizations on the ground who have been doing the work before the disaster hits and will be there long after the cameras and national organizations recede.

Recent and Upcoming Events
Event
Exploring Migration and Displacement in Rural Communities

Sep. 10th, 2024, 3PM

Join this informal Zoom discussion on what will it take for rural communities to balance new residents, retain longtime residents and cultural traditions, and develop more equitable local economies.

Event
Rural Partnership Program: Addressing Capacity Needs in Rural America

Jun. 24th, 2024, 3PM

Attend this virtual information session to learn how the Farm Bill can strengthen rural capacity and expertise to pursue locally-led solutions.

Event
Logos of partner organizations
The Power of Rural Collaboration and Coalition Building

Jun. 17th, 2024, 4PM

Learn about capacity development, collaboration, and coalition building within rural development.

Event
Housing Impact Investing by Community Foundations

Apr. 29th, 2024, 2PM

Come share and learn how community foundations are finding innovative ways to use investment portfolios to partner with local developers & increase housing stock.

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