Program Area

Human & Community Development

The Human & Community Development team is Winrock International’s engine for rural development, innovation and resilience in the U.S. Rooted in Arkansas and the Mississippi Delta, we carry forward Gov. Winthrop Rockefeller’s passion and legacy of fairness, opportunity and open government through a deeply place-based approach that invests in local leadership and collaboration. We strengthen communities by building coalitions of local governments, nonprofit organizations and grassroots leaders to co-design sustainable solutions, leverage shared resources and shape the future together, ensuring that no rural community is left behind.

Who we serve:

We work alongside local leaders who know their communities best. Through trust-based partnerships and cross-sector collaboration, we co-create solutions, align resources and ensure rural voices lead the way.

Rural Communities in the U.S.

Local Leaders and Organizations

Low-income & Vulnerable Populations

How we serve:

Community-centered approach: Partnering with local leaders and grassroots organizations rather than imposing external solutions.

Place-based solutions: Tailoring approaches to specific geographic and community contexts.

Capacity building: Developing and strengthening organizations’ and communities’ skills, resources and abilities to thrive interdependently.

Systems thinking: Using data-driven priorities and systematic approaches to address complex challenges.

Collaborative partnership: Building multi-sector partnerships and connections to increase impact.

What we do:

Community capacity building: We strengthen rural leaders to plan, fund and carry out community-driven projects that build the physical, digital and social foundations for thriving communities. Our place-based approach equips leaders with tools and confidence to design solutions that address infrastructure, equity, and opportunity. By fostering inclusive engagement, strengthening local decision-making and mobilizing resources, we help communities transform ideas into sustainable improvements that enhance quality of life and resilience.

Rural health innovation: We catalyze multi-sector collaboration to reduce barriers to care and improve health outcomes in rural communities, where disparities remain among the highest in the nation. By connecting health systems, public agencies, employers and community leaders, we advance local solutions that improve access, reduce stigma and promote equitable outcomes. Our work builds healthier communities by expanding preventative services, strengthening rural healthcare delivery and creating supportive environments for individuals and families.

Empowering local organizations: We develop the capacity of small nonprofits, grassroots groups and emerging leaders to increase operational efficiency, develop their own leadership, achieve long-term success and deepen their impact. Leveraging Winrock’s expertise in project design, coalition building, grant writing and program management, we help organizations refine their vision, strengthen operations and adopt effective practices to ensure that vital community-serving organizations can grow and serve sustainably and confidently.