Project

Advancing Sustainability and Preparedness in Rural Economies (ASPIRE)

Funder: USDA Rural Development and the Walton Family Foundation

Project Timeline: October 1, 2023 - September 30, 2026

Contacts: Michelle Perez, michelle.perez@winrock.org; Jordyn Schneider, Jordyn.Williams@winrock.org and Jaylin Sprout, jaylin.sprout@winrock.org

Contributing to USDA Rural Development’s mission of improving the economy and quality of life in rural U.S. communities, the Advancing Sustainability and Preparedness in Rural Economies project will provide technical assistance, training and mentoring to four rural municipalities in Arkansas with the goal of enhancing local capacity to plan, implement, and sustain innovative community and economic development initiatives.

Winrock will implement a cohort-based, tiered technical assistance approach spanning the community development process, supporting each community to grow from its unique stage of capacity while fostering regional collaboration. Using a combination of peer-learning, project-based learning, and one-on-one technical assistance, the project will guide leadership through  building effective and equitable coalitions as drivers of change, reviewing regional and local  community and economic data; using data to identify community needs and solutions; identifying and writing grant and loan applications; effectively designing and managing community and economic development initiatives; and developing strategies to increase resilience and recovery of local economies through more and better market opportunities and improved infrastructure. With these tools, coalition leaders will be equipped to make changes in their communities while teaching others these principles to ensure efforts are sustainable and inclusive.  

To help communities thrive, Winrock will focus on three goals:

Building the capacity of local coalitions in the Arkansas Delta to effectively plan and execute community development strategies that increase rural economic growth and improve quality of life.
Building the capacity of local coalitions to prepare for and address climate and public health hazards to improve sustainability and resilience.
Building the capacity of local coalitions to better plan and implement community infrastructure projects that support economic recovery.