Indiana Rural Development Council

Partners

Notice of Responsibility – The links on this website are provided only for the convenience of visitors to IRDC’s site. IRDC has no interest in, responsibility for, or control over any of the linked sites. IRDC makes no promises or warranties of any kind, express or implied, including those of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, as to the content of the linked sites. In no event shall the IRDC be liable for damages resulting from use of these links even if the IRDC has been informed of the possibility of such liability.

Non-Governmental Organization Partners

Agribusiness Council of Indiana is the leading advocate for a growing and competitive agribusiness sector in Indiana's economy. It achieves this by educating and meeting the needs of its members on the issues that affect their business, the public, and the environment.   www.inagribiz.org

Alliance of Indiana Rural Water is a non-profit organization of nearly 450 small/rural water & wastewater systems and Indiana's only representative to the National Rural Water Association. The ALLIANCE provides solutions through training/continuing education, on-site technical assistance, up-to-date information, networking with colleagues and other experts, and government advocacy. www.inh2o.org

The Association of Indiana Convention and Visitors Bureaus is a nonprofit association dedicated to promoting tourism within the state of Indiana through the cooperative efforts of Indiana's Convention and Visitor's Bureaus. Through marketing, legislative activity, and professional development, member CVBs stand ready to maximize both the volume and economic impact of business and recreational tourism in member communities.  www.aicvb.org

The Association of Indiana Counties works for the betterment of county government by lobbying the Indiana General Assembly on behalf of counties, serving as liaison among counties, state, and federal agencies as well as providing technical assistance and training to county officials and employees.  www.indianacounties.org

The Central Indiana Corporate Partnership is an alliance of Indiana business and research university leaders coming together to foster long-term prosperity for the region. CICP is dedicated to the proposition that the public, private, and academic sectors must plan and invest strategically to build a competitive, 21st century economy in Central Indiana.  www.cincorp.com

Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana saves and protects buildings and places of architectural and historical significance; leads and assists individuals, organizations, and communities in preserving, adapting and revitalizing Indiana's endangered landmarks; educates the public, restores buildings, advocates preservation, and provides financial support for preservation efforts; and seeks to enrich contemporary life and leave a legacy of landmarks. www.historiclandmarks.org

Hoosier Environmental Council works to protect and restore the natural systems upon which life depends through education, advocacy, and citizen empowerment in Indiana.   www.hecweb.org

The Hoosier Rails-to-Trails Council is an all-volunteer, state-wide, not-for-profit, citizens' rail-trail advocacy and assistance group.  The HRTC seeks to preserve priceless links to history, nature, recreation, local identity, and to each other by educating communities about the benefits of trails, advocating public policies which promote trails, providing technical assistance for specific projects, and enjoying the trails with whatever time is left over!  www.indianatrails.org

The AgrIInstitute is a leadership development and people-capacity building organization that facilitates a robust network of agricultural and rural leaders. Seeded in 1983 by the Lilly Endowment, AgrIInstitute provides a fertile environment for cultivating leaders to serve agriculture and rural communities. AgrIInstitute serves a community rich with opportunity; opportunities that span the globe and make a difference in big and small ways from local communities to world wide interests. www.agriinstitute.org

Indiana Association of Area Agencies on Aging advocates for quality programs and services for older adults and persons with disabilities. www.iaaaa.org

Indiana Association of Cities & Towns is the official voice of Indiana municipal government. Through IACT’s collective efforts, local government continues to lead the way in innovative problem-solving and in giving its citizens more for their money.  www.citiesandtowns.org

Indiana Association for Community and Economic Development, whose members are dedicated to improving lives through community economic development, works to strengthen both the industry and local organizations through capacity building, advocating for effective public policy, forming beneficial partnerships among members and delivering quality professional development services.   www.iaced.org

Indiana Association of Regional Councils is a statewide association of 12 organizations that provide comprehensive, regional planning services that are coordinated with local municipal and county governments. www.iarconline.org

The Indiana Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts represents local districts with one voice, and assists the leadership of local SWCDs through coordination and education for the wise use and management of our natural resources.  www.iaswcd.org 

Indiana Association of United Ways is bringing together local United Way groups to help them create a successful future.  www.iauw.org

The Indiana Bankers Association will be the premiere provider of effective advocacy, quality education, knowledge sharing and communication to Indiana’s banking industry.   www.indianabankers.org

Indiana Builders Association "We Lead, Educate, and are an Advocate of Safe & Affordable Housing."  www.buildindiana.org

Indiana Chamber of Commerce works proactively on behalf of its members and constituents to create a world-competitive business climate throughout the state in order to maximize opportunity for meaningful employment of all Indiana citizens. www.indianachamber.com

The Indiana Coalition for the Arts was born in 2006 as two long-time arts service organizations came together: Arts Alliance Indiana (founded 1978) and Indiana Advocates for the Arts (founded 1980). Together, the new Arts Coalition, or "INCA," combines resources to speak out for the arts in Indiana!  www.inartscoalition.org

Indiana Cooperative Development Center provides technical assistance, educational outreach, and capacity building statewide to support rural collaborative enterprises.  www.icdc.coop

Indiana Economic Development Association has focused its efforts on two objectives:  1) to utilize the knowledge and resources of the association to make economic development activities in the state more effective; and 2) to cooperate and interact with all state and local organizations engaged in promoting the economic welfare of Indiana.  www.ieda.org

Indiana FFA is a statewide youth organization that makes a positive difference in the lives of young people by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agriculture education.  www.indianaffa.org

Indiana 4-H is a volunteer-based, informal educational program of the Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service.  It focuses on "learning by doing" and reaches boys and girls through small groups called clubs.  It is the largest youth organization in the Nation.   www.four-h.purdue.edu

Indiana Grantmakers Alliance is a membership organization of grantmaking staff and Board members. It is dedicated to advancing philanthropy in Indiana by promoting legal, ethical, effective and efficient grantmaking.  www.indianagrantmakers.org

The Indiana Hospital Association, the professional trade association for 169 Hoosier hospitals and health systems, has a mission to provide leadership, representation, and services in the common best interests of its members as they promote the improvement of community health status. www.ihaconnect.org

Indiana Humanities Council strengthens communities through targeted initiatives in leadership, education, and culture.  www.indianahumanities.org

Indiana Land Use Consortium is composed of representatives from various business, development, government, and education interests in Indiana. The group's mission states that it is a consortium of interested groups serving as a catalyst for education and discussion of land use. www.indianalanduse.org

Indiana Leadership Association works to foster and facilitate the best practices of leadership in Indiana communities and its people by working in education, trusteeship, servant leadership, and community.  www.indianaleadership.com

The Indiana Manufacturers Association represents manufacturing sector concerns before legislative bodies and regulatory agencies at both the state and federal levels.   www.imaweb.com

Indiana Municipal Power Agency is a not-for-profit organization owned and governed by its members, IMPA focuses on providing its 50 members with a power supply that is low-cost, reliable and environmentally responsible.   www.impa.com

Indiana Parks and Recreation Association is a non-profit organization comprised of park and recreation professionals, individuals and groups dedicated to the promotion of quality leisure time, adding value to the quality of life, and the preservation of our environment through research, education, and service to an ever expanding variety of users. www.inpra.org

The Indiana Planning Association serves the interests and needs of citizen and professional community planners and others in “Making Great Communities Happen” in Indiana.  IPA promotes public interest in planning and the development of Indiana’s resources and assists its membership in improving their knowledge and understanding of planning through annual conferences and other training and educational opportunities throughout the year.  www.indianaplanning.org

The mission of the Indiana Rural Health Association is to enhance the health and well-being of rural populations in Indiana through leadership, education, advocacy, and collaboration.  www.indianaruralhealth.org

Indiana Rural Water Association, a not-for-profit organization, provides education and technical assistance to water and wastewater operators, utility boards, and elected officials. IRWA also works with State agencies and other like-minded associations to accomplish these goals and support reasonable, productive regulation of the water industry. www.indianaruralwater.org

Indiana Statewide Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives, Inc. exists to provide leadership, values, and a unified voice for the electric cooperatives of Indiana.   www.indremcs.org

The Indiana Venture Center, Inc. is a privately funded not-for-profit organization serving as a catalyst for the creation and growth of entrepreneurial, high growth businesses in Indiana. The Indiana Venture Center strives to increase both the number and the quality of successful entrepreneurial companies in Indiana and provide new career opportunities to high knowledge workers.   www.indianaventurecenter.org

International Center of Indianapolis helps the greater Indianapolis community welcome and connect people of all cultures.  www.icenterindy.org

The current mission of Richard G. Lugar Center for Rural Health (formerly Midwest Center for Rural Health) is to prepare and train primary care physicians for successful rural practice and to expose individuals not yet decided on a career to the rewards of delivering health care services in a rural area. www.mcrh.org

The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to preserve the plants, animals and natural communities that represent the diversity of life on Earth by protecting the lands and waters they need to survive. www.nature.org/ wherewework/ northamerica/ states/ indiana/

The Rural Community Assistance Program is a nationwide network of technical assistance providers. In Indiana, the Indiana Community Action Association, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, assists low to moderate income, rural communities as they pursue solutions to drinking water, wastewater, solid waste, and community development needs. www.incap.org

Southern Indiana Regional Development Partnership is an action-oriented, not-for profit organization dedicated to raising the quality of life in Southern Indiana through community and economic development.  www.sirdp.us

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University-Based Assistance Programs

Agricultural Innovation and Commercialization Center at Purdue University assists clients in developing economic viable business plans so as to secure funding and grow a new business.  www.agecon.purdue.edu/planner

Building Better Communities is a university-wide initiative designed to spur economic development and improve the quality of life in Indiana by matching Ball State's expertise with the varied needs of cities and towns throughout the state.  www.bsu.edu/bbc

The Center for Economic and Community Development (CECD) is a statewide public service unit of Ball State University whose mission is to help build self-sufficient Indiana communities by increasing the knowledge and ability of development professionals, government officials, and volunteers.  www.bsu.edu/cecd

North Central Regional Center for Rural Development located at Iowa State University is one of four regional centers coordinating rural development, research and education throughout the United States. www.ncrcrd.iastate.edu

The Purdue Center for Regional Development will foster Indiana becoming the nation’s leader in supporting creative regional approaches to development, that build on three core values: a voluntary approach; the power of data, analysis, ideas, and information; and the importance of dialogue, social capital development, and collaborative partnerships.  www.purdue.edu/pcrd

The Purdue Cooperative Extension Service is part of a network of colleges, universities, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, serving communities and counties across America.  The Cooperative Extension Service is one of the nation's largest providers of scientific research-based information and education. The Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service program areas are: Agriculture and Natural Resources; Consumer and Family Sciences; Economic and Community Development; and 4-H Youth.   www.ces.purdue.edu

The Purdue Extension New Ventures Team created this website to help individuals find the answers and information they need to decide whether they should start a new agriculture - or food - related business. www.agecon.purdue.edu/newventures

Purdue University Technical Assistance Program (TAP) was established in 1986 to help Indiana companies grow and prosper. TAP works cooperatively with other Purdue economic development programs, state agencies, and local economic development groups. www.tap.purdue.edu

The Rural Policy Research Institute (RUPRI) provides unbiased analysis and information on the challenges, needs, and opportunities facing rural America. RUPRI’s aim is to spur public dialogue and help policymakers understand the rural impacts of public policies and programs.  www.rupri.org

STATS Indiana provides statistical information about the State of Indiana, its population, economy, workforce, and other useful information. www.stats.indiana.edu

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Academic Partners

Ancilla College  www.ancilla.edu
Located in Donaldson, it is a liberal arts institution of higher learning sponsored by the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ.  The College’s religious tradition is Catholic; its climate ecumenical.  In a caring environment, Ancilla serves a diverse population as it transforms and empowers students to achieve high academic goals, lifelong learning, successful careers and values-centered lives.

Ball State University – www.bsu.edu
Ball State University is an innovative, supportive academic community that inspires students by: offering action-oriented learning including immersive out-of-class experiences, research, and study-abroad; providing extraordinary access to and collaboration with professors who create scholarship to advance knowledge, improve teaching, and transform learning; and engaging state, national, and international communities to enhance educational, economic, and cultural development.

Depauw University – www.depauw.edu
It supports those living, learning, and working in the DePauw University community through emerging technologies. Its team provides innovative solutions, training, support, and leadership. It has the responsibility of maintaining and enhancing the technologies of today, while collaboratively envisioning the needs and opportunities of tomorrow.

Indiana University – www.indiana.edu
IU is a major multi-campus public research institution, grounded in the liberal arts and sciences, and a world leader in professional, medical and technological education. Indiana University's mission is to provide broad access to undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education for students throughout Indiana, the United States, and the world, as well as outstanding academic and cultural programs and student services. Indiana University seeks to create dynamic partnerships with the state and local communities in economic, social, and cultural development and to offer leadership in creative solutions for 21st century problems.

Indiana State University – www.indstate.edu
As a publicly-assisted institution of higher learning, ISU embraces its mission to educate students to be productive citizens and enhance the quality of life of the citizens of Indiana by making the knowledge and expertise of its faculty available and accessible. These purposes are served when the University disseminates knowledge through instruction and extends and applies knowledge through research, creative and scholarly activities and public service.

IUPUI – www.iupui.edu
Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI), a partnership between Indiana and Purdue Universities, is Indiana's urban research and academic health sciences campus. IUPUI's mission is to advance the State of Indiana and the intellectual growth of its citizens to the highest levels nationally and internationally through research and creative activity, teaching and learning, and civic engagement.

Ivy Tech Community College has 23 campuses throughout Indiana.  It serves as the state's engine of workforce development, offering affordable degree programs and training that is aligned with the needs of its community along with courses and programs that transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana.  www.ivytech.edu

Indiana Wesleyan University  www.indwes.edu
IWU, based in Marion, is a Christ-centered academic community committed to changing the world by developing students in character, scholarship and leadership. IWU has 10 campuses in Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio.

Purdue University – www.purdue.edu
It’s mission is to serve the citizens of Indiana, the United States, and the world through discovery that expands the realm of knowledge, learning through dissemination and preservation of knowledge, and engagement through exchange of knowledge.

University of Indianapolis  www.uindy.edu
U of I is a private, residential, metropolitan institution of higher learning that provides a transformational educational experience through strong programs in the liberal arts and sciences, selective professional and doctoral programs, collaborative partnerships throughout the city and the world, and a Christian tradition that emphasizes character formation and embraces diversity.

University of Southern Indiana  ­– www.usi.edu
USI, based in Evansville, is a broad-based, public institution providing instruction, research, and service. There are five academic colleges within the University's structure: College of Business, Bower Suhrheinrich College of Education and Human Services, College of Liberal Arts, College of Nursing and Health Professions, and the Pott College of Science and Engineering. In addition, USI houses the Evansville Center for the Indiana University School of Medicine.

Vincennes University  www.vinu.edu
VU is a premier learning institution, widely recognized for leadership in innovation and delivery of successful educational experiences.  A broad range of program offerings and a commitment to superior service ensure the University’s role as an important link in Indiana’s economic and cultural vitality.  VU is a diverse community whose members all share responsibility for supporting the University mission and are respected for their contributions.  VU offers programs in five different locations in Indiana.

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State Government Agencies

Indiana Department of Natural Resources’ mission is to protect, enhance, preserve, and wisely use natural, cultural, and recreational resources for the benefit of Indiana's citizens through professional leadership, management, and education.  www.in.gov/dnr

Indiana Department of Transportation will plan, build, maintain, and operate a superior transportation system enhancing safety, mobility and economic growth.  www.in.gov/dot

Indiana Department of Workforce Development (IDWD) manages and implements innovative employment programs for Hoosiers, unemployment insurance systems, and facilitates regional economic growth initiatives for Indiana. www.in.gov/dwd

Indiana Economic Development Corporation
Indiana Economic Development Council, Inc. is the State of Indiana's lead economic development agency. www.in.gov/iedc

The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) provides services for: low income individuals and families; children; senior citizens; people with mental illness; people with addictions; and people with physical and developmental disabilities.   www.in.gov/fssa

Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority’s charge is to help communities build upon their assets to create places with ready access to opportunities, goods, and services. We also promote, finance, and support a broad range of housing solutions, from temporary shelters to homeownership.   http://ihcda.in.gov

Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs works with local, state, and national partners to provide resources and technical assistance to aid rural communities in shaping their vision for economic development.  www.in.gov/ocra

Indiana Office of Tourism Development will focus on its strategic goals and utilize the state’s assets of scenic beauty, geography, developed attractions and historical importance to grow Indiana’s tourism industry and realize the vision of making Indiana a top leisure visitor destination in the Midwest, with annual growth exceeding our competitive set.   www.in.gov/visitindiana

The Indiana Small Business Development Center is a state based organization offering a wealth of free and low cost information, management counseling, and educational services designed to support Indiana small business owners and potential entrepreneurs. Our mission is to help Indiana business grow and create new jobs within the state. www.isbdc.org

The Indiana State Department of Agriculture promotes Indiana's agricultural industry by bringing the strength and support of state government agencies together when working on agricultural issues and opportunities. www.in.gov/isda

The Indiana State Department of Health supports Indiana's economic prosperity and quality of life by promoting, protecting and providing for the health of Hoosiers in their communities.  www.in.gov/isdh

The Ports of Indiana is dedicated to facilitating economic development in Indiana through logistics facilities and services, maritime industrial and commercial development, development finance tools and strategic public-private partnerships. www.portsofindiana.com

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Federal Government Agencies

Federal Highway Administration is charged with the broad responsibility of ensuring that America’s roads and highways continue to be the safest and most technologically up-to-date. http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/

Rural Information Center is found at the National Agricultural Library. These resources provide information and referral services to organizations and professionals, and a rural calendar of events. www.nal.usda.gov/ric/

National Rural Development Partnership is a collaborative effort of federal, state, tribal and local governments, and the profit and non-profit sectors. The Indiana Rural Development Council is a member of the NRDP. www.rurdev.usda.gov/nrdp

U.S. Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Administration provides grants to non-profit and local governments for projects in economically distressed areas. USDOC - www.doc.gov         EDA - www.eda.gov  

U.S. Department of Housing provides information about and for communities including community plans, ideas that work and links to community building web sites. Also includes HUD's library and a Town Hall to discuss public policy issues. www.hud.gov

USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service works for a landscape in which a productive agricultural sector and a high-quality environment are both achieved. www.in.nrcs.usda.gov

USDA-Rural Development provides information and access to the informational resources of the Rural Development agencies. Includes programs and assistance, ideas that work, AmeriCorps, regulations, and state office listings. www.rurdev.usda.gov     Indiana Office – www.rurdev.usda.gov/in

U.S. Small Business Administration – Your Small Business Resource provides programs and services to help you start, grow and succeed.   www.sba.gov

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