Center for Rural Policy and Development

New on the Center for Rural Policy & Development blog: Why does rural Minnesota receive such a small share of philanthropic funding?

Read more about the rural philanthropy gap and what comes next for Greater Minnesota communities:

Bridging the Rural Philanthropy Gap: What the Data Tells Us—and What Comes Next for Greater Minnesota | Center for Rural Policy and Development By Marnie Werner, Vice President, Research & Operations

Rural Minnesota communities are finding new ways to grow and adapt thanks to strong local partnerships and philanthropy. CRPD President & CEO Julie Tesch featured in this Star Tribune column highlighting the impact foundations are making across Greater Minnesota.

Read the full story:

Tolkkinen: Rural Minnesota was reeling. These local foundations threw them a lifeline If only other Twin Cities givers would follow in the Minnesota Initiative Foundation’s footsteps.

Greater Minnesota is growing—and it’s being shaped by new neighbors from around the world. 🌍

As highlighted in CRPD’s State of Rural 2026 report, in-migration is now driving growth and helping rural communities stay strong.

Read more from the Post Bulletin:

Yes, people are flocking to Greater Minnesota — and many are from other lands Flipping an old narrative, new "State of Rural" report highlights a trend reshaping Minnesota.

CRPD President & CEO Julie Tesch spoke as the keynote at DEED’s Connecting One: Minnesota Broadband Summit—joining leaders from across the state to advance affordable, reliable high-speed internet for all Minnesotans.

🎙️ New episode of the CRPD Center of Everywhere podcast!

What does it take for a community to say yes or no to a data center? This conversation explores why these decisions are more complex than they seem—and why they require real dialogue and honest information.

Listen:

Season 6, Episode 2: A Grounded Conversation About Data Centers | Center for Rural Policy and Development What does it actually take for a community to say yes — or no — to a data center? Marnie Werner, VP of Research and Operations, sits down with Elise

Congratulations to Marnie Werner (right) of the Center for Rural Policy and Development on being named a Mental Health Advocate of the Year by the Center for Rural Behavioral Health at Minnesota State University, Mankato.

Marnie was recognized for her research advancing understanding of rural mental health.

Congratulations also to fellow Mental Health Advocate of the Year Meg Moynihan of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (left).

Check out the latest issue of Heartland Horizon - the CRPD E-Newsletter - https://mailchi.mp/ruralmn/april2026newsletter

CRPD’s latest blog post highlights encouraging news in addressing the overdose crisis.

Overdose deaths are declining in Minnesota — including in rural communities — showing real progress from prevention, treatment, and harm reduction efforts. Trends vary by region, however, with some areas not yet seeing the same declines.

Read more:

Signs of Progress in the Overdose Crisis | Center for Rural Policy and Development By Marnie Werner, Vice President of Research

📊 The State of Rural 2026 is here.

Each year, the Center for Rural Policy & Development examines the latest economic and demographic trends shaping rural Minnesota. The State of Rural report helps policymakers, community leaders, and residents better understand the past, present, and future of Greater Minnesota.

From population shifts to economic conditions, the data tells an important story about how rural communities are changing — and where opportunities lie for the future.

Explore the full report and see what the latest data reveals about rural Minnesota:
🔗 https://www.ruralmn.org/the-state-of-rural-2026/

The State of Rural 2026 | Center for Rural Policy and Development Click here for a printable version of this report.Each year, the Center for Rural Policy and Development provides an update on various economic and

📊 New blog post: Migration in Rural Minnesota: A nuanced story
The narrative isn’t as simple as “rural to urban.” New data shows migration trends across rural Minnesota are more complex — and more hopeful — than many assume.
👉 Read more: https://www.ruralmn.org/migration-in-rural-minnesota-a-nuanced-story/

Migration in Rural Minnesota: A nuanced story | Center for Rural Policy and Development New data show shifting trends across rural and urban Minnesota — and the critical role of international migration.