Center for Rural Strategies is a public-spirited communications organization that seeks to improve rural life by increasing public understanding about the importance and value of rural communities. Its goals are to use media strategically to reframe the broad public discourse that defines rural communities, and create an environment in which positive changes can occur. CRS helps communities and nonprofit organizations incorporate media and communications into their work in support of strategic goals. It also designs and implements information campaigns that educates the public about the problems and opportunities that exist in contemporary rural communities.

North Carolina Rural Economic Development Center Rural Data Bank is a leading source of information on rural people, communities and the rural economy. The goal of the data bank is to provide leaders and concerned citizens with the statistical information they need to bring about a more prosperous rural North Carolina.

North Carolina Association of Community Development Corporations is a  statewide, membership organization of community-based  corporations dedicated to helping disadvantaged communities.

Southern Rural Development Initiative is a bottom-up intermediary -- a regional collaborative working together to dramatically increase the flow of philanthropic and development capital to the South's poorest rural communities. Our 34 member organizations are organized into 5 sectors and work in 11 states.

NC Rural Development Council is viewed by organizations throughout the state as a coordinator, problem solver, linkage organization, brainstorming group, and sounding board for rural issues.

North Carolina Progress Board was created by the North Carolina General Assembly in 1995, as recommended by the Commission for a Competitive North Carolina. The commission saw its role as government's compass, setting broad directions for the state. Commission members envisioned the Progress Board as a body that would create a detailed map toward meeting certain goals, measure the state's progress in meeting those goals and report any progress -- or lack of progress -- to state leaders and residents.

University of North Carolina-Pembroke Rural Social Work Links page contains substantial links to rural information.