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.
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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](https://www.aspencsg.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/man-smiling-at-table-1024x682.jpeg)
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](https://www.aspencsg.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Untitled-design-e1660070986647.png)
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.
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What’s New at Aspen Institute Community Strategies Group?
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Exploring Examples of Rural Area Resources for Prosperity
Learn about valuable rural area resources that foster community prosperity. Explore examples of rural resources that support health, local wealth creation, and equitable development.
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Funding Rural Futures: Executive Summary
Executive Summary for Future Rural Futures: Call to Action. Get quick takeaways and recommendations for more equitable funding models.
![Black person is working in data center with laptop](https://www.aspencsg.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/GettyImages-953534480-1-scaled.jpg)
Making Broadband Work for Rural Communities and Native nations
Short case study with lessons learned, gaps in current approaches, and potential models that could move the country toward digital equity & full broadband coverage at a sustainable cost.
Recent and Upcoming Events
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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.
![Logos of partner organizations](https://www.aspencsg.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ROADS-Logos-1.png)
The Power of Rural Collaboration and Coalition Building
Jun. 17th, 2024, 4PM
Learn about capacity development, collaboration, and coalition building within rural development.
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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.
![Agricultural fields at sunrise](https://www.aspencsg.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/3a514484-1e23-68f0-a4a7-088f3257eba2.jpg)
Funders Shift Thinking to Meet Community Needs
Apr. 11th, 2024, 2PM
Fair treatment and meaningful involvement require agencies and funders to shift gears and meet communities where they are. What does it take to make this shift so that communities are treated fairly and meaningfully involved in the funding process?
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