Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC)

Join our mission-driven team! RCAC is seeking talented and passionate candidates who are committed to making a difference in underserved rural and Indigenous communities across the West. Explore our open positions and apply if you have the qualifications to become one of our dedicated changemakers. Click here to view our open positions: https://lnkd.in/gRxQxpdE Be a part of our vision for a better tomorrow!

💧 Progress for New Mexico's water future 💧 The New Mexico Integrated Water Financing Plan builds on the state’s 50-Year Water Action Plan and Water Task Force report to secure and maximize federal funding for critical water initiatives. Through collaboration with tribal, state and federal agencies, the plan addresses barriers to accessing funds, develops innovative financing approaches and creates solutions that sustain New Mexico’s water resources. RCAC staff contributed expertise to help identify strategies for connecting resources and accelerating progress. This collaboration marks a critical step toward securing long-term water solutions for the state.

Arizona Water for All, part of the Arizona Water Innovation Initiative led by Amber Wutich and organized in partnership with the Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC) and the Environmental Defense Fund, piloted a Water Leadership Institute in South Tucson and Nogales to increase empowerment and engagement in water-decision-making among Arizona's most water-insecure communities. As Daniela Sherrill writes, 50 people from across southern Arizona gathered earlier this fall for four sessions designed to equip each participant with the skills, knowledge and network to meaningfully engage with water issues in their communities. According to evaluation data collected by surveying participants, 90% of participants reported that they felt motivated to organize and advocate for their communities, and 85% of participants reported being interested in pursuing a career related to water, climate or the environment. 🔗Learn more about this initiative on the latest from the AWII blog: https://lnkd.in/gyeaEjNN

“The staff has always been tremendously helpful and easy to work with,” she said. “It’s always been a pleasure to work with RCAC, and the low interest rates you provide for communities are a major plus,” said Victoria Brady, chief financial officer of Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation. RCAC and CEDC are on a mission to make affordable housing a reality for struggling families in Ventura County, California and the surrounding region. Read more about their partnership: https://lnkd.in/gtA865Va

Big news! 📢 RCAC is excited to announce that we’ve received $2,142,000 in funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's FY 23-24 Rural Capacity Building program! This funding supports our mission to strengthen rural communities by addressing affordable housing needs and community development projects for low-income families and individuals in rural areas. We’re proud to join forces with HUD and other national non-profits to make a lasting impact in rural America. 

⭐Investment update!    12 months and over $50M later, we’re looking back on the impact investments—deposits, loans, equity investments, and guarantees—we made this year to advance health and racial equity; strengthen the community development finance system; and complement other RWJF work through program-directed investments.    We’ve shared some info on a couple of these deals, but there are many more we can’t wait to talk about. They include:  - A $5M loan to Sustainable Neighborhoods, a national community development financial institutions (CDFI) affiliate of the Center for NYC Neighborhoods - A $5M loan to the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA)  - A $5M loan to the Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC)  - A $10M program-related investment loan to ROC USA Capital - A $10M loan to Habitat Capital, a support organization of Habitat for Humanity International  - A $5M loan to the Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga Stay tuned for more details on each of these and our other 2024 investments. 

Yesterday, we announced $12 million in capacity-building grants to five national and regional non-profit organizations through our Rural Capacity Building program. These exemplary organizations will provide training, technical assistance, and financial support to local leaders, helping them serve hundreds of low-income or low- and moderate-income families and individuals in rural areas. To view the winners and learn more about the program, click here: https://ow.ly/Uw5550UuatT. Congrats, Housing Assistance Council, National Association for Latino Community Asset Builders, Minnesota Housing Partnership, Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC) & Rebuilding Together!

Governor Gavin Newsom’s recent press release highlights RCAC’s work overseeing the Tijuana River Trash Boom pilot project, a $4.7 million effort funded by the State Water Resources Control Board. This innovative project will intercept debris like tires and washing machines before they clog the Tijuana River, helping to address decades of pollution impacting communities near the southern border. Collaboration is key—thank you to California, federal, and international partners for making this critical work possible. Learn more about the pilot project and its impact: https://lnkd.in/gVFqpQwK

We are honored to support efforts that protect water quality and improve community resilience. The Tijuana River is a critical resource for communities on both sides of the border. Thank you to the State Water Board and all collaborators for making this vital work possible! 

Our lawmakers set aside their differences in recent years to pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) – allocating $50 billion to cities and counties across the country to support critical water infrastructure projects. We can’t back away now. Learn more and take action at: https://lnkd.in/gtxfJ4zJ #WinsWithWater