About the Wisconsin Rural Partners
Supporting Thriving & Resilient Communities
WRP Direction
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
- Annual Statewide Rural Summit
- Top Rural Development Initiative Awards
- 4 Annual Small Community Forums
About Wisconsin Rural Partners: 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 constructive community change.
(Board Approved August 19, 2025)
Goals
- Build Collaborative Partnerships
- Identify Critical Rural Needs
- Coordinate Private/Public Community Leadership
- Communicate Rural Policy Initiatives
History 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:
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