Rural Development Initiatives, Inc. (RDI) is an Oregon-based nonprofit committed
to assisting rural Northwest communities face today’s challenges and
create vitality. RDI is dedicated to building the capacity of rural leaders
and to facilitating the development of collaborative partnerships that undertake
economic and community development initiatives. RDI works with local community
leaders, volunteers, and partners to proactively address opportunities and
challenges. In the process, we facilitate the development of social capital
by helping communities build on their own assets, and linking them to resources
they need to succeed.
RDI has successfully helped more than 200 towns and
rural partnerships develop and diversify their economies by creating inclusive,
long-term strategies and in identifying and managing crucial projects. RDI's
work is focused in Oregon but also reaches six western states and British
Columbia.
RDI has a 13 member board of Directors, 10 staff members in the
main office in Eugene, Oregon and 13 field staff positions throughout the
state. RDI’s annual budget is $3.1 million and comes from foundations,
the state and federal sources, and user fees.