Resources for Community Development
The following list of resources, grouped according to MDC's six building blocks to economic prosperity and community well-being ( The Building Blocks of Community Development ), can provide information and support for community development efforts.
| Business Development |
Build the economic base and create larger numbers of higher-quality jobs - jobs that provide a living wage, good benefits, and potential for advancement.
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| Workforce Development |
Create a high-skill, high-value workforce, the human resource base required for the knowledge economy.
|
| Physical Infrastructure |
Utilize transportation and telecommunications to connect the community with distant markets, people, and educational options; provide essential infrastructure to ensure public health and safety.
|
| Social Infrastructure |
Provide social supports to enable all people to live and work with dignity.
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| Cultural and Environmental Stewardship |
Preserve, enhance, and capitalize upon the natural, cultural, historical, and built environments.
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| Civic Infrastructure |
Create a culture of civic decision-making and problem-solving that is forward looking, accountable, and inclusive. |
Business Development
APPALACHIAN CENTER FOR ECONOMIC NETWORKS (ACEnet)
A community economic development organization in rural Ohio, ACEnet assists businesses in start-up, expansion, and the creation of good jobs. Currently, the organization is focused in the food and technology sectors. ACEnet also encourages networking among its entrepreneurs, which often results in information sharing and joint ventures.
94 Columbus Road
Athens, OH 45701
740-592-3854
www.acenetworks.org
APPALACHIAN REGIONAL COMMISSION
The Appalachian Regional Commission facilitates economic development in the Appalachian region of the Southeastern U.S. through coordination and cooperation among government agencies and the private sector.
1666 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 700
Washington, DC 20235
202-884-7799
www.arc.gov
ASPEN INSTITUTE'S COMMUNITY STRATEGIES GROUP
The Aspen Institute's Community Strategies Group provides focused learning for organizations and funders working to achieve more widely shared and lasting prosperity in communities.
One Dupont Circle, Suite 700
Washington, DC 20036
202-736-1494
http://www.aspeninstitute.org/csg/index.html
ASSOCIATION FOR ENTERPRISE OPPORTUNITY
A membership-based organization founded in 1991, the Association for Enterprise Opportunity supports microenterprise development, particularly for those with limited access to economic opportunity.
1601 North Kent Street, Suite 1101
Arlington, VA 22209
703-841-7760
www.microenterpriseworks.org
CORPORATION FOR ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT
The Corporation for Enterprise Development fosters asset building and economic opportunity strategies within low-income communities. CFED's approach unites community practice, policy, and private markets in innovative ways.
777 North Capitol Street, NE, Suite 800
Washington, DC 20002
202-408-9793
www.cfed.org
DEVELOPMENT TRAINING INSTITUTE (DTI)
DTI's mission is to advance the knowledge and practice of community building in America. This nonprofit trains leaders in community development and provides consulting, grants, and other resources to further community development work.
2510 St. Paul Street
Baltimore, MD 21218
410-338-2512
http://www.dtinational.org/
MOUNTAIN ASSOCIATION FOR COMMUNITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (MACED)
MACED's mission is to improve life in Appalachian mountain communities, especially for low-income people, by providing technical assistance in the areas of community and business development, emphasizing sustainable development.
433 Chestnut Street
Berea, KY 40403
859-986-2373
www.maced.org
NATIONAL BUSINESS INCUBATION ASSOCIATION
The National Business Incubation Association assists professionals in the process of business enterprise development. The Association's membership services include professional development activities, specialized training, and relevant research to further the interests of the industry.
20 East Circle Drive, Suite 190
Athens, OH 45701-3571
740-593-4331
www.nbia.org
NATIONAL CONGRESS FOR COMMUNITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
The National Congress facilitates community economic development through community-based strategies. Its activities include advocacy, research, training, and technical assistance.
1030 15 th Street, NW, Suite 325
Washington, DC 20005
202-289-9020
www.ncced.org
NATIONAL RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND FINANCE CORPORATION
The National Rural Development and Finance Corporation provides loans and technical assistance for rural enterprise and community development to community groups.
711 Navarro Street, #350
San Antonio, TX 78025
202-212-4552
www.rdfc.org
NORTH CENTRAL REGIONAL CENTER FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT
The Center is one of four throughout the country that coordinates rural development research and education, intended to improve the well-being of rural people in the North Central Region. The Center highlights and supports innovative strategies that respond to emerging, critical needs.
Iowa State University
108 Curtiss Hall
Ames, IA 50011-1050
515-294-7648
www.ag.iastate.edu/centers/rdev/RuralDev.html
NORTHEAST REGIONAL CENTER FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT
The Northeast Regional Center for Rural Development is another one of the four centers throughout the country (see description above). This Center has goals similar to those of all the rural development centers but focuses specifically on the Northeast Region.
Pennsylvania State University
7 Armsby Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-863-4656
www.cas.nercrd.psu.edu
NxLeveL™
NxLevel is a network of diverse groups engaged in some aspect of business, community, and/or economic development. Participants in the network share best practices with one another in order to develop the best entrepreneur training curricula possible and promote the efficient use of community resources.
University of Colorado at Denver
Campus Box 128
P.O. Box 173364
Denver, CO 80217-3364
303-556-6650
www.nxlevel.org
ROCKY MOUNTAIN INSTITUTE
Focusing on market-based solutions, the Rocky Mountain Institute helps businesses and communities become more efficient in using resources. The Institute helps to create more wealth and employment in a community while protecting natural and human capital and maintaining competitive advantage.
1739 Snowmass Creek Road
Snowmass, CO 81654-9199
970-927-3851
www.rmi.org
RURAL ADVANCEMENT FUND INTERNATIONAL - USA (RAFI - USA)
RAFI - USA manages programs that address agricultural trends and the people and communities who are affected by them. The staff members of RAFI - USA work with farmers, community groups, university representatives, and others to stimulate policy debate and develop community-based solutions to assist farmers and agricultural communities.
P.O. Box 640
Pittsboro, NC 27312
919-542-1396
www.rafiusa.org
RURAL LISC
An advocate of rural community development corporations, Rural LISC aims to build the capacity of those organizations while demonstrating the value of supporting rural community development corporations to funders and policymakers.
1825 K Street, NW, Suite 1100
Washington, DC 20006
202-739-0882
www.ruralisc.org
SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
In addition to being the single largest financial backer of small businesses, the Small Business Administration also provides technical and management assistance to help small business owners succeed.
200 North College Street, Suite A-2015
Charlotte, NC 28202
800-827-5722
www.sbaonline.sba.gov
SOUTHERN RURAL DEVELOPMENT CENTER
One of four regional rural development centers in the country, SRDC's aim is to build its land grant institutions' capacity to respond to critical rural development issues that affect the well-being of Southern rural communities.
Box 9656
410 Bost Extension Building
Mississippi State, MS 39762
662-325-3207
www.ext.msstate.edu/srdc/
SOUTHERN RURAL DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE
The Southern Rural Development Initiative is made up of 34 community-based organizations working in the rural South. Focused in the poorest communities in the rural South, the collaborative aims to increase the region's access to capital; build the capacity of its institutions; and advocate for positive change that responds to the needs of the region.
128 East Hargett Street, Suite 202
Raleigh NC 27601
919-829-5900
www.srdi.org
UNITED STATES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce represents the interests of businesses, chambers, and business associations in public policy arenas. The U.S. Chamber serves its members by sharing information on critical issues, hosting policy forms, providing tools to small businesses, and lobbying for a pro-business environment.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
1615 H Street, NW
Washington, DC 20062-2000
202-659-6000
www.uschamber.com
USDA RURAL DEVELOPMENT OFFICE
The USDA Rural Development Office improves the quality of life in rural America through its financial, economic development, and technical assistance programs. These programs make it possible for the Rural Development office to support rural businesses, public facilities and services, and community empowerment programs.
14 th & Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20250
202-720-2791
www.rurdev.usda.gov
WESTERN RURAL DEVELOPMENT CENTER
Western Rural Development Center works cooperatively with universities and communities in the West to identify key issues in the western rural regions and coordinate programs that respond to those needs.
Utah State University
8335 Old Main Hill
Logan, UT 84322-8335
435-797-9732
www.ext.usu.edu/wrdc
Civic Infrastructure
ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS FOR REFORM NOW (ACORN)
ACORN is a membership association of low- and moderate-income families who are organized into 500 neighborhood chapters in 40 cities across the country to lead campaigns that promote social and economic justice.
88 3 rd Avenue, 3 rd Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11217
718-246-7900
www.acorn.org
ASSET-BASED COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE
The ABCD Institute conducts research and provides training and resource tools for community builders to identify and mobilize assets as a focus for community development.
Institute for Policy Research
Northwestern University
2040 Sheridan Road
Evanston, IL 60208-4100
847-491-8711
www.northwestern.edu/IPR/abcd
CENTER FOR COMMUNITY CHANGE
The Center for Community Change is a nonprofit research, advocacy, and training organization that works to build the capacity of grassroots leaders and community-based organizations to change their communities and the policies that affect them.
1000 Wisconsin Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20007
202-342-0567
www.communitychange.org
CENTER FOR THIRD WORLD ORGANIZING
The Center for Third World Organizing (CTWO, pronounced "C-2") is a racial justice organization dedicated to building a social justice movement led by people of color. CTWO seeks to galvanize public support for policies that both advance racial justice and promote equity in the arenas of gender, economics, and sexuality.
1218 East 21st Street
Oakland, CA 94606
510-533-7583
www.ctwo.org
CHAPIN HALL CENTER FOR CHILDREN
The Chapin Hall Center is a policy research and development organization affiliated with the University of Chicago. The Center focuses its work on improving the lives of all children, as well as the families and communities that support those children.
1313 East 60 th Street
Chicago, IL 60637
773-256-5213
www.chapin.uchicago.edu
CIVIC PRACTICES NETWORK
The Civic Practices Network brings together people and organizations across the United States who work to develop best practices and tools to solve community and institutional problems.
Center for Human Resources
Heller School for Advanced Studies in Social Welfare
Brandeis University
60 Turner Street
Waltham, MA 02154
617-736-4890
www.cpn.org
COALITION ON HUMAN NEEDS
The Coalition on Human Needs is an alliance of national organizations that work together to advocate for public policies that improve the lives of low-income families and communities.
1120 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 910
Washington, DC 20036
202-223-2532
www.chn.org
FORUM FOR YOUTH INVESTMENT
The Forum for Youth Investment is a national initiative that promotes policies and programs that increase youth investments and youth involvement in the United States.
7014 Westmoreland Avenue
Takoma Park, MD 20912
301-270-6250
www.forumforyouthinvestment.org
GAMALIEL FOUNDATION
The Gamaliel Foundation is a national network of grassroots organizations, many of them faith-based, that work to create more just communities. The Foundation offers training and connections to resources.
203 North Wabash Avenue, Suite 808
Chicago, IL 60601
312-357-2639
www.gamaliel.org
HEARTLAND CENTER FOR LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
The Heartland Center for Leadership Development is a nonprofit organization that conducts research, policy advocacy, and program development activities that focus on fostering local leadership in rural communities.
941 O Street, Suite 920
Lincoln, NE 68508
800-927-1115
www.4w.com/heartland
HIGHLANDER CENTER
The Highlander Center provides tools, training, and technical assistance to build the capacity of individuals, communities, and institutions to address and overcome social and economic injustice in Appalachia and the South. The Highlander Center has a particular focus on participatory democracy and grassroots organizing.
1959 Highlander Way
New Market, TN 37820
865-933-3443
www.hrec.org
MDC INC.
MDC's mission is to advance the South through strategies that expand opportunity, reduce poverty, and build inclusive communities. The nonprofit organization analyzes trends to identify challenges that impede progress for the South and its people, and it addresses those challenges from multiple angles. Core strategies include developing responsive public policies; demonstrating effective programs; building institutional and community capacity for progress; and informing the public dialog.
400 Silver Cedar Court, Suite 300
PO Box 17268
Chapel Hill, NC 27516-7268
919-968-4531
www.mdcinc.org
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES (NACo)
As the only national organization representing county governments, the National Association of Counties acts as a liaison with other levels of government, advocates for counties on a national level, and provides counties with the assistance they need in responding to their most pressing problems. NACo is also engaged in special projects concerning the environment and sustainable communities.
440 First Street, NW, Suite #800
Washington, DC 20001
202-393-6226
www.naco.org/index.cfm
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF TOWNS AND TOWNSHIPS (NATAT)
NATIONAL CENTER FOR SMALL COMMUNITIES (NCSC)
NATAT is a national membership association of local government officials from small communities that develops and advocates for government solutions to local problems. The affiliated NCSC conducts research, provides training, and publishes materials to help officials manage small communities.
444 North Capitol Street
Washington, DC 20001-1201
202-624-3550
www.natat.org
www.smallcommunities.org
NATIONAL CIVIC LEAGUE
The National Civic League provides research and technical assistance to strengthen citizen democracy and help communities develop cross-sector collaboration to solve local problems.
1445 Market Street, #300
Denver, CO 80202-1728
303-571-4343
www.ncl.org
NATIONAL COALITION BUILDING INSTITUTE
The National Coalition Building Institute (NCBI) is a nonprofit training organization that works to develop local leadership capacity for collaborative community problem-solving efforts.
1835 K Street, NW, Suite 715
Washington, DC 20006
202-785-9400
www.ncbi.org
NATIONAL COMMUNITY BUILDING NETWORK (NCBN)
The National Community Building Network is a national membership organization that serves as a hub for brokering information and connections among community builders. NCBN?s mission is to promote and advance community-building principles, in practice and policy, to achieve social and economic equity for all children and families.
1624 Franklin Street, Suite 1000
Oakland, CA 94612
510-663-6226
http://www.ncbn.org/
NATIONAL LEAGUE OF CITIES (NLC)
NLC is a national organization representing the interests of cities. NLC provides a wide range of services to city officials to enable them to better serve their communities. Membership in the organization allows officials access to education and training, research, publications, and technical assistance.
1301 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Suite 550
Washington, DC 20004
202-626-3000
www.nlc.org
NATIONAL ORGANIZERS ALLIANCE
The National Organizers Alliance brings together people and organizations who are dedicated to progressive organizing for social and economic justice. The Alliance serves as a clearinghouse and convener for national and regional groups of organizers.
715 G Street, SE
Washington, DC 20003
202-543-6603
www.noacentral.org
NATIONAL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT INFORMATION CENTER (NYDIC)
NYDIC is a collaborative effort of 39 organizations that work to promote public policies and programs to enable youth development. NYDIC serves as a clearinghouse of information, tools, and publications
1319 F Street, NW, Suite 601
Washington, DC 20004
877-693-4248
www.nydic.org
PEOPLE'S INSTITUE FOR SURVIVAL AND BEYOND
The People's Institute is a nonprofit training organization that leads workshops on dismantling racism and conducts community-organizing training.
144 North Johnson Street
New Orleans, LA 70116-1767
504-944-2354
www.thepeoplesinstitute.org
PEW PARTNERSHIP FOR CIVIC CHANGE
Affiliated with the Pew Charitable Trusts, the Pew Partnership for Civic Change is a research organization that identifies promising practices to developing strong, sustainable communities. The Partnership also manages a few demonstration programs to field-test their strategies.
5 Boar's Head Lane, Suite 100
Charlottesville, VA 22903
804-971-2073
www.pew-partnership.org
SAGUARO SEMINAR
The Saguaro Seminar's goal is to determine what institutions, mechanisms, incentives, and approaches will significantly increase our stock of social capital and reengage Americans with their communities. Its major report is available at http://www.bettertogether.org . The seminar is a project of Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government.
Taubman Center 364
Harvard Kennedy School of Government
79 JFK Street
Cambridge, MA 02138
617-496-2764
http://www.ksg.harvard.edu/saguaro/index.html
SOUTHERN ECHO
Southern Echo is a nonprofit training organization that works to develop grassroots leadership in African American communities in Mississippi and the surrounding region. Southern Echo engages in a broad spectrum of work, including education reform and advocating for environmental justice, fair political representation, and democratic participation.
P.O. Box 2450
Jackson, MS 39225
601-352-2266
SOUTHERN EMPOWERMENT PROJECT
Southern Empowerment Project is an association of member-based organizations in Appalachia and the South that works to challenge racism. Southern Empowerment Project trains its members in community-organizing strategies.
343 Ellis Avenue
Maryville, TN 37804
865-984-6500
www.southernempowerment.org
SOUTHERN REGIONAL COUNCIL
The mission of the Southern Regional Council is to promote racial justice, protect democratic rights, and broaden civic participation in the Southern United States. Since its founding in 1919 as the Commission on Interracial Cooperation, SRC has engaged Southern communities on issues of democracy and race.
133 Carnegie Way, NW, Suite 900
Atlanta, GA 30303-1031
404-522-8764
http://www.southerncouncil.org/index.html
SOUTHERN RURAL DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE
The Southern Rural Development Initiative comprises 34 community-based organizations working in the rural South. Focused in the poorest communities, the collaborative aims to increase the region's access to capital; build the capacity of its institutions; and advocate for positive change that responds to the needs of the region.
128 East Hargett Street, Suite 202
Raleigh NC 27601
919-829-5900
www.srdi.org
Cultural and Environmental Stewardship
AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE PRESERVATION FOUNDATION (AAHPF)
The AAHPF is a national nonprofit organization that works to preserve African American historical sites and sacred places.
420 Seventh Street, NW, Suite 501
Washington, DC 20004
www.aahpf.org
AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM ASSOCIATION
The African American Museum Association is a nonprofit membership organization that provides a collective voice for the interests and needs of African American museums and cultural institutions in the United States.
P.O. Box 548
Wilberforce, OH 45384
937-376-4944
www.artnoir.com/aaam
AMERICAN INDIAN HERITAGE FOUNDATION
The American Indian Heritage Foundation manages programs and provides grants that meet the physical and social needs of American Indian tribes. The Foundation works to provide increased educational and economic opportunities for Indians and emphasizes preserving the cultural heritage of Indian tribes.
6051 Arlington Boulevard
Falls Church, VA 22044
202-463-4267
www.indians.org/aihf
CONSERVATION FUND
The nation's most well known conservation nonprofit, the Conservation Fund works on land acquisition, sustainable development, and leadership development for professionals working in the field.
1800 North Kent Street, Suite 1120
Arlington, VA 22209-2156
703-525-6300
www.conservationfund.org
HANDMADE IN AMERICA
HandMade in America is a nonprofit organization that promotes handmade crafts as a tool for sustainable community and economic development in Western North Carolina. HandMade also manages educational initiatives, provides community leadership training, and supports the development of small businesses.
P.O. Box 2089
Asheville, NC 28802
828-252-0121
www.wnccrafts.org
NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS
The National Endowment for the Arts, an independent agency of the federal government, is the largest national funder of artists and nonprofit arts organizations in the United States.
1100 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20506
202-682-5400
www.nea.gov
NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE HUMANITIES
The National Endowment for the Humanities is an independent federal agency that provides research, education, and funding for public programs in the humanities.
1100 Pennsylvania Ave, NW
Washington DC 20506
202-606-8400
www.neh.gov
NATIONAL MAIN STREET CENTER
The National Main Street Center, affiliated with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, serves as a clearinghouse and technical assistance provider for communities that are working to revitalize their downtown commercial districts.
1785 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20036
202-588.6219
www.mainst.org
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
The National Park Service manages the national park system in the United States and promotes the preservation of natural and cultural resources in this country and worldwide.
1100 Ohio Drive, SW
Washington, DC 20242
202-619-7256
www.nps.gov
NATIONAL TRUST FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION
The National Trust for Historic Preservation provides technical assistance, funding resources, and advocacy to preserve diverse historic places in the United States and to revitalize communities.
1785 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20036
800-944-6847
www.nthp.org
SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION
The Smithsonian is a collection of 16 national museums and galleries, the national zoo, and various research centers dedicated to scholarship in the arts, sciences, and history.
SI Building, Room 153
Washington, DC 20560-0010
202-357-2700
www.si.edu
Physical Infrastructure
AMERICAN FARMLAND TRUST
The Trust provides technical assistance and information on farmland protection and soil conservation to local governments, private organizations, and individual landowners.
1200 18 th Street, NW, Suite 800
Washington, DC 20036
202-331-7300
www.farmland.org
AMERICAN PLANNING ASSOCIATION
The American Planning Association is a nonprofit public interest and research organization representing 30,000 practicing planners, officials, and citizens involved with urban and rural planning issues.
1776 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20036
202-872-0611
www.planning.org
AMERICAN PUBLIC WORKS ASSOCIATION'S INSTITUTE FOR SOLID WASTES
The Institute for Solid Wastes conducts technical research on collection, processing, and disposal of solid wastes in North America. It publishes Solid Wastes , a quarterly newsletter for members.
1401 K Street, NW, 11 th Floor
Washington, DC 20005
202-408-9541
www.apwa.net
AMERICAN WATER RESOURCES ASSOCIATION
The American Water Resources Association promotes multidisciplinary water resources management and research.
4 West Federal Street
P.O. Box 1626
Middleburg, VA 20118-1626
540-687-8390
www.awra.org
ASSOCIATION FOR COMMUNITY NETWORKING
The Association for Community Networking seeks to promote and improve community-based, appropriate technology services through connecting people and organizations, identifying effective models, and developing products and services.
P.O. Box 10155
Blacksburg, VA 24062
540-231-1619
www.afcn.net
BENTON FOUNDATION
The Benton Foundation seeks to highlight the value of communications in alleviating social ills. It does so through three program areas: advocating for public interest capacities of the new media; strengthening the work of nonprofits through the use of communications; and creating Internet knowledge networks.
950 18th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20006
202-638-5770
www.benton.org
CENTER FOR EXCELLENCE IN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPLMENT
A project of the U.S. Department of Energy, this website offers information and services on how communities can implement sustainable development strategies.
www.sustainable.doe.gov
CENTER FOR LIVABLE COMMUNITES
The Center for Livable Communities assists local governments and community leaders with transportation and land use planning, programs and policies that will result in more resource-efficient land use patterns.
1414 K Street, Suite 600
Sacramento, CA 95814
916-448-1198
www.lgc.org/center/
CONSERVATION FUND
The nonprofit Conservation Fund works on land acquisition, sustainable development, and leadership development for professionals working in the field.
1800 North Kent Street, Suite 1120
Arlington, VA 22209-2156
703-525-6300
www.conservationfund.org
JOINT CENTER FOR SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES
The Joint Center for Sustainable Communities assists local officials in developing programs and policies that will result in job growth, environmental stewardship and social equity. The Center promotes community leadership initiatives, provides technical assistance, and conducts policy and education forums.
440 First Street, NW, Suite 800
Washington, DC 20001
202-393-6226
www.usmayors.org/USCM/sustainable
MORINO INSTITUTE
The Morino Institute concentrates its work in fostering entrepreneurship, furthering a more effective philanthropy, eliminating social divides, and exploring the impact of the Internet on society.
11600 Sunrise Valley Drive, Suite 300
Reston, VA 20191
703-620-8971
www.morino.org
NATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION ADMINISTRATION
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration helps the United States maintain its leadership in the telecommunications industry. It does so by providing greater access for all Americans and foreign markets and by creating new opportunities with technology.
1401 Constitution Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20230
202-482-7002
www.ntia.doc.gov
RURAL LISC
An advocate of rural community development corporations, Rural LISC aims to build the capacity of those organizations while demonstrating the value of supporting rural community development corporations to funders and policymakers.
1825 K Street, NW, Suite 1100
Washington, DC 20006
202-739-0882
www.ruralisc.org
RURAL UTILITIES SERVICE/TELECOMMUNICATIONS PROGRAM
The Rural Utilities Service is a Rural Development Agency of the United States Department of Agriculture. It helps Rural America finance electric, telecommunications, and water and wastewater projects and makes loans and grants for rural distance learning and telemedicine projects. It is also a policy and planning rural advocacy agency.
1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Suite 1510
Washington, DC 20250
202-720-9540
www.usda.gov/rus
SIERRA CLUB
One of the nation's most influential environmental organizations, the Sierra Club promotes the responsible use of the earth's resources. The organization also educates others to protect the quality of the natural and human environment. The Sierra Club is one of the leading advocates of smart growth planning and policies.
85 Second Street, Second Floor
San Francisco, CA 94105-3441
415-977-5500
www.sierraclub.org
SMART GROWTH NETWORK
The Network encourages development that benefits the economy, the community and the environment. Network partners include environmental groups, historic preservation organizations, and local and state governments.
777 North Capitol Street, NE, Suite 500
Washington, DC 20002-4201
202-962-3591
www.smartgrowth.org
SOLID WASTE ASSOCIATION OF NORTH AMERICA
The Solid Waste Association of North America promotes the environmentally and economically sound management of solid waste by educating solid waste professionals on how to improve their skills and business. The Association also conducts research into the most innovative strategies in the field.
1100 Wayne Avenue
Silver Spring, MD 20910
800-467-9262
www.swana.org
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMMERCE'S TECHNOLOGY OPPORTUNITY PROGRAM
The Technology Opportunities Program (TOP) is a merit-based grant program that demonstrates the practical applications of telecommunications and information technologies meeting public interest needs.
National Telecommunications and Information Administration
U.S. Department of Commerce
1401 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 4092
Washington, DC 20230
202-482-2048
www.ntia.doc.gov/otiahome/top
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION'S COMMUNITY TECHNOLOGY CENTERS PROGRAM
The Community Technology Centers program promotes the development of model programs that demonstrate the educational effectiveness of technology in urban and rural areas and economically distressed communities.
Office of Vocational and Adult Education
Room 4414, Switzer Building
330 C Street, SW
Washington, DC 20202-7240
202-260-2499
www.ed.gov/offices/OVAE/CTC
Social Infrastructure
ASPEN INSTITUTE ROUNDTABLE ON COMPREHENSIVE COMMUNITY INITIATIVES
The Aspen Institute Roundtable provides a forum for foundations, technical assistance providers, community practitioners, and others involved in comprehensive community initiatives to discuss the opportunities and challenges of their work. The Roundtable also conducts a small grants program.
281 Park Avenue South
New York, NY 10010
212-677-5510
www.aspenroundtable.org
CENTER FOR BUDGET AND POLICY PRIORITIES
The Center for Budget and Policy Priorities is a nonprofit research organization that analyzes a range of government policies and programs, with particular focus on how they affect low- and moderate-income people.
820 First Street, NE, #510
Washington, DC 20002
202-408-1080
www.ccbp.org
CENTER FOR COMMUNITY CHANGE
The Center for Community Change is a nonprofit research, advocacy, and training organization that works to build the capacity of grassroots leaders and community-based organizations to change their communities and the policies that affect them.
1000 Wisconsin Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20007
202-342-0567
www.communitychange.org
CENTER FOR LAW AND SOCIAL POLICY (CLASP)
CLASP is a national nonprofit that conducts policy research and advocacy activities to improve the economic well being of low-income families.
1616 P Street, NW, Suite 150
Washington, DC 20036
202-328-5140
www.clasp.org
CHAPIN HALL CENTER FOR CHILDREN
The Chapin Hall Center is a policy research and development organization affiliated with the University of Chicago. The Center focuses its work on improving the lives of all children, as well as the families and communities that support those children.
1313 East 60 th Street
Chicago, IL 60637
773-256-5213
www.chapin.uchicago.edu
CHILDREN'S DEFENSE FUND
The Children's Defense Fund is a national nonprofit organization that carries out research and policy advocacy on behalf of children. Its mission is to educate the nation about the needs of children so that no child is left behind.
25 E Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001
202-628-8787
www.childrensdefense.org
HOUSING ASSISTANCE COUNCIL
The Housing Assistance Council is a national nonprofit that works to increase the availability of decent and affordable housing for low-income people in rural areas throughout the United States.
1025 Vermont Avenue, NW, Suite 606
Washington, DC 20005
202-842-8600
www.ruralhome.org
NATIONAL GOVERNORS' ASSOCIATION (NGA)
NGA provides governors and their senior staff members with services that range from representing states on Capitol Hill and before the administration on key federal issues to developing policy reports on innovative state programs and hosting networking seminars for state government executive branch officials. The NGA Center for Best Practices focuses on state innovations and best practices on issues that range from education and health to technology, welfare reform, and the environment. NGA also provides management and technical assistance to both new and incumbent governors.
Hall of States
444 North Capitol Street
Washington, DC 20001-1512
202-624-5300
www.nga.org
NATIONAL RURAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION
The National Rural Health Association is a national membership organization that conducts research and policy activities with the mission of improving health care access and outcomes for rural Americans.
One West Armour Boulevard., Suite 203
Kansas City, MO 64111-2087
816-756-3140
www.nrharural.org
OFFICE OF RURAL HEALTH POLICY
Falling under the umbrella of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Office of Rural Health Policy works with government and private sector leaders at the federal, state, and local level to foster better health care services in rural America.
Room 9A-55, 5600 Fishers Lane
Rockville, MD 20857
301-443-0835
www.ruralhealth.hrsa.gov
WELFARE INFORMATION NETWORK
The Welfare Information Network provides technical assistance and serves as a clearinghouse for research, policy updates, promising practices, and funding opportunities for welfare reform in the United States.
1000 Vermont Avenue, NW, Suite 600
Washington, DC 20005
202-628-5790
www.welfareinfo.org
Workforce Development
AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNITY COLLEGES (AACC)
AACC works with other higher education associations, the federal government, Congress, and other national associations that represent the public and private sectors to promote the goals of community colleges and higher education.
One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 410
Washington, DC 20036
202-728-0200
www.aacc.nche.edu
AMERICAN INDIAN HIGHER EDUCATION CONSORTIUM
Representing 32 colleges in the U.S. and one in Canada, the Consortium has four objectives: to maintain commonly held standards of quality in American Indian education; to support the development of new tribally controlled colleges; to promote and assist in the development of legislation to support American Indian higher education; and to encourage greater participation by American Indians in the development of higher education policy.
121 Oronoco Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
703-838-0400
www.aihec.org
THE ANNIE E. CASEY FOUNDATION
The Annie E. Casey Foundation encourages public policies, human service reforms, and community supports that improve the well-being of vulnerable children and families. The Foundation supports the Jobs Initiative program that has created community-based initiatives in six cities around the country to help low-income workers find meaningful employment.
701 St. Paul Street
Baltimore, MD 21202
410-547-6600
www.aecf.org
APPALACHIAN REGIONAL COMMISSION
The Appalachian Regional Commission facilitates economic development in the Appalachian region of the Southeastern U.S. through coordination and cooperation among government agencies and the private sector.
1666 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 700
Washington, DC 20235
202-884-7799
www.arc.gov
THE EDUCATION TRUST
The Education Trust is an independent nonprofit organization that provides research, policy advocacy, and technical assistance to help state and local leaders engage in sustainable K-16 reform efforts. The Education Trust emphasizes helping to make schools and colleges work for low-income students and students of color.
1725 K Street, NW, Suite 200
Washington, DC 20006
202-293-1217
www.edtrust.org
INSTITUTE FOR EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP (IEL)
The Institute for Educational Leadership manages a number of programs that bring together diverse constituencies to work toward improving the education system, emphasizing developing the human and institutional capacity to lead education and workforce reform at the state and local levels.
1001 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 310
Washington, DC 20036
202-822-8405
www.iel.org
JOBS FOR THE FUTURE
Jobs for the Future develops, identifies, and promotes systems that aid workers in obtaining the skills they will need to enter into family-supporting employment. JFF is particularly concerned with the needs of youth and adults who have had little access to employment that provides benefits and opportunities for advancement.
88 Broad Street
Boston, MA 02110
617-728-4446
www.jff.org
LEAGUE FOR INNOVATION IN THE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
The League for Innovation in the Community College is an international membership organization that conducts research, provides extensive web resources and services, and manages demonstration projects with the aim of spreading community college innovative practices.
4505 East Chandler Boulevard, Suite 250
Phoenix, AZ 85048
480-705-8200
www.league.org
MDC INC.
MDC's mission is to advance the South through strategies that expand opportunity, reduce poverty, and build inclusive communities. The nonprofit organization analyzes trends to identify challenges that impede progress for the South and its people, and it addresses those challenges from multiple angles. Core strategies include developing responsive public policies; demonstrating effective programs; building institutional and community capacity for progress; and informing the public dialog.
400 Silver Cedar Court, Suite 300
PO Box 17268
Chapel Hill, NC 27516-7268
919-968-4531
www.mdcinc.org
MANPOWER DEMONSTRATION RESEARCH CORPORATION (MDRC)
MDRC is a nonprofit social policy research organization that seeks to build and disseminate knowledge that will improve social policy and the well-being of low-income people and communities. MDRC's current work is focused in three areas: welfare and income security, education, and employment and community initiatives. Occasionally, MDRC also manages demonstration projects.
16 East 34 th Street, 19 th Floor
New York, NY 10016-4326
212-532-3200
www.mdrc.org
NATIONAL ALLIANCE OF BUSINESS
A national business organization focused on increasing student achievement and improving the competitiveness of the workforce.
1201 New York Avenue, NW, Suite 700
Washington, DC 20005
800-787-2848
www.nab.com
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF MANUFACTURERS
The National Association of Manufacturers is the nation's largest industrial trade organization, representing manufacturers and employers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. The Association also serves as a policy advocate and offers extensive training opportunities.
1331 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20004
202-637-3000
www.nam.org
NATIONAL CENTER FOR FAMILY LITERACY
The National Center for Family Literacy advocates for supportive policies, demonstrates effective models, provides training, and conducts research to expand family literacy.
325 West Main Street, Suite 200
Louisville KY 40202-4251
877-FAMLIT-1
www.famlit.org
NATIONAL GOVERNORS' ASSOCIATION
Provides governors and their senior staff members with services that range from representing states on Capitol Hill and before the Administration on key federal issues to developing policy reports on innovative state programs and hosting networking seminars for state government executive branch officials. The NGA Center for Best Practices focuses on state innovations and best practices on issues that range from education and health to technology, welfare reform, and the environment. NGA also provides management and technical assistance to both new and incumbent governors.
Hall of States
444 North Capitol Street
Washington, DC 20001-1512
202-624-5300
www.nga.org
NETWORK CONSORTIUM
The Network Consortium is a national membership organization that serves workforce development professionals. The Network provides professional development opportunities, conducts policy and research activities, and provides training and technical assistance.
10565 Lee Highway, Suite 200
Fairfax, VA 22030
703-359-6200
www.network-consortium.org
PUBLIC EDUCATION NETWORK
The Public Education Network is a national association of local education funds that works to advance school reform efforts in low-income communities across the country. The Network emphasizes engaging whole communities in improving public school systems.
Suite 900 North
601 Thirteenth Street, NW
Washington, DC 20005
202-628-7460
www.publiceducation.org
PUBLIC/PRIVATE VENTURES (P/PV)
P/PV assesses, identifies, and develops effective social policies and programs. The organization assists policymakers, funders, and communities in prioritizing the most promising policies and practices.
2000 Market Street, Suite 600
Philadelphia, PA 19103
215-557-4400
www.ppv.org
REGIONAL TECHNOLOGY STRATEGIES (RTS)
Paying special attention to disadvantaged areas and populations, RTS encourages regional competitive advantage through value-added commerce with highly skilled people. The organization is known for its work on industry clusters, inter-firm cooperation, and workforce development within community and technical colleges.
205 Lloyd Street, Suite 210
Carrboro, NC 27510
919-933-6699
www.rtsinc.org
RURAL SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY TRUST
The Rural Trust is an independent nonprofit organization that seeks to enlarge student learning and to improve community life by strengthening relationships between rural schools and communities and engaging students in community-based public work.
1825 K Street, NW, Suite 703
Washington, DC 20006
202-955-7177
www.ruralchallenge.org
SAR LEVITAN CENTER FOR SOCIAL POLICY STUDIES
Organized in 1995 as part of the Institute for Policy Studies at Johns Hopkins University, the Sar Levitan Center engages in research and policy development that addresses ways to connect out-of -school youth to the labor market.
Wyman Park Building
3400 North Charles Street
Baltimore, MD 21218-2688
www.levitan.org
SOUTHEASTERN REGIONAL VISION FOR EDUCATION (SERVE)
Affiliated with the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, SERVE is an education organization that conducts extensive research and then applies that research by developing tools, projects, and programs that are tested in schools at all levels throughout the South. SERVE also provides technical assistance, training, and policy advocacy.
P.O. Box 5367
Greensboro, NC 27435
336-315-7400
www.serve.org
SOUTHERN EDUCATION FOUNDATION
The Southern Education Foundation promotes equal access in higher education. It does so by conducting research and providing technical assistance and funding to promote equal and quality education for blacks and disadvantaged Southerners.
135 Auburn Avenue, NE, 2 nd Floor
Atlanta, GA 30303
404-523-0001
www.sefatl.org
SOUTHERN REGIONAL EDUCATION BOARD
Founded in 1948, the Southern Regional Education Board assists government and education leaders in 16 Southern states in developing policies and practices that advance all levels of education. The governors of each of the states sit on the board, along with other representatives whom they appoint. SREB's staff members conduct extensive research and studies to inform the region's leaders.
592 Tenth Street, NW
Atlanta, GA 30318
(404) 875-9211
www.sreb.org
WESTERN INTERSTATE COMMISSION FOR HIGHER EDUCATION (WICHE)
WICHE assists government and education leaders in 15 Western states in developing policies and practices that advance K-16 education. WICHE conducts research and studies to inform the region's leaders and emphasizes resource sharing among regional education leaders.
P.O. Box 9752
Boulder, CO 80301
303-541-0200
www.wiche.edu
WIDER OPPORTUNITIES FOR WOMEN (WOW)
WOW works both nationally and locally to help women and girls "learn to earn." The organization supports programs in literacy, technical and nontraditional skills, and career development. As a women's employment organization, WOW provides skill training models, technical assistance, and advocacy.
815 15th Street, NW, Suite 916
Washington, DC 20005
202-638-3143
www.wowonline.org