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About the Wisconsin Rural Partners

Supporting Thriving & Resilient Communities 

Wisconsin’s voice for collaborative action on issues to support rural communities!
Mission: Wisconsin Rural Partners is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the resilience and prosperity of rural Wisconsin by bringing together residents, businesses, civic organizations, and government to address unique opportunities, share knowledge, and drive collaborative solutions.

Vision: Wisconsin Rural Partners (WRP) advances a vibrant rural network across Wisconsin, with a vision of thriving, resilient communities empowered by strong partnerships, informed leadership, and access to resources.

Programs: WRP has designed and implemented highly effective programming to identify and address key issues that impact rural life. The portfolio of events includes:

  • Annual Small Community forums;
  • Annual statewide Rural Summit conference;
  • Top Rural Development Initiative awards

About: Wisconsin Rural Partners (WRP) is a neutral, nonprofit organization that brings together a cross-section of residents, organizations, and leaders that cross political affiliations and organizational boundaries to advance initiatives important to rural communities throughout the state. From community-centered initiatives that build upon local citizen-based efforts to an annual statewide Summit, WRP is focused on addressing issues and building collaboration between community, state, federal, nonprofit, and private sector leaders.

    WRP holds, as its central value, the integration of community-based solutions that support Wisconsin’s quality of life while promoting economic opportunity, social equality, and environmental accountability. WRP is proud of its legacy of utilizing a strong network of thoughtful and effective leaders to analyze and make crucial recommendations on Wisconsin rural policy and implement construction community change.

    Goals

        • Build Collaborative Partnerships
        • Identify Critical Rural Needs
        • Coordinate Private/Public Community Leadership
        • Communicate Rural Policy Initiatives

    History

    Wisconsin Rural Partners, Inc. (WRP) was created in 1992 under the National Rural Development Partnership initiative which established a state-by-state network to improve the coordination of rural development programs and serve as a catalyst for future initiatives. During the ensuing years, WRP has been a dynamic and non-partisan forum for identifying, discussing, and addressing issues affecting rural areas.

    As Wisconsin’s federally designated State Rural Development Council (SRDC), WRP embraces a comprehensive approach to rural development through collaboration and cooperation among a wide array of partners including local, state, tribal, and federal governments, as well as for-profit businesses and nonprofit private sector organizations.

    Advocate

    WRP is an active advocate for locally-based solutions focused on core issues and opportunities. WRP encourages private/public partnerships for sustainable rural community development.  We foster and celebrate local initiatives and projects that promote stewardship and expansion of community and natural resources including:

    • Broadband Access and Adoption
    • Community Infrastructure and Systems
    • Child and Health Care Access
    • Housing Financing and Construction
    • Transportation Maintenance, Access and Use
    • Agriculture and Natural Resource Use and Conservation

    About us

    ​Wisconsin Rural Partners, Inc. (WRP) serves as a network hub for organizations, government agencies and people working to make rural Wisconsin a better place. ​​We strive through our work to build leadership for the communities of rural Wisconsin.  ​​

    get involved!

    Show your commitment to make rural Wisconsin a better Place: 

    Find us

    Wisconsin Rural Partners
    601 Sawyer Terrace #5184
    Madison, WI 53705

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