Local Investments Help Rural Communities Move Forward

Rural communities move forward when people have a safe place to call home, young people can prepare for what comes next and neighbors have support when life changes quickly.

Rural 1^st® believes care for community should be practical. Through Local Community Investment Committees, team members help direct resources to organizations that understand the needs of the rural communities they serve. While the projects may vary from one state and region to the next, the goal remains consistent: support quality-of-life improvements that foster prosperity and sustainability throughout rural America.

Creating Stronger Places to Call Home

In Indiana, local investments supported Habitat for Humanity programs in Wabash and Kokomo. Other funding reached rural development neighborhood-based work. Through specific connection to both local and well-recognized organizations, team members are able to connect community development to a basic need: helping local organizations create more stable places for people and families.

Opening Opportunity for Young People

Throughout the first half of 2026, investments spanned a wide array of support including youth development, leadership programs and hands-on learning.

Support reached the Campbellsville University agriculture program in Kentucky, helping to establish this unique program and further the Associations goal to invest in the next generation of rural leaders. Top Crops in Bowling Green, an organization driven by their mission to provide rural life and interpersonal skills to residents with special needs, was also a highlight of the local community investment dollars being put into action.

In addition, leadership and workforce initiatives across Indiana were selected for charitable giving and how they’re further the impact of the Rural 1^st team across these local areas. These investments help local organizations create opportunities that are shaped by their own communities and rural residents that call them home.

Showing Up When Communities Need Help

Community development also means helping communities respond to urgent needs. Rural 1^st local investments included disaster relief support for residents impacted by tornadoes and floods in various portions of Indiana. Ensuring that even when disaster strikes, there is a dedicated team who are working and living in the same communities they serve.

Unique and non-traditional support, such as supplying toiletries and other essential supplies to a drive thru style food pantry, was also a highlight within the Hoosier State. Randi Webber, Rural 1^st Loan Officer shared, “the highest number of families served in a single shift has been close to 90. It’s such an incredible program to support through our Local Community Investment funds.”

This work reflects an understanding that rural organizations can carry broad responsibilities with limited local resources, but with support of partners like Rural 1^st, can continue making a real and lasting impact.

Improving Everyday Rural Life

Other investments supported parks, fishing and outdoor activities, local gathering spaces and community programs. In Ohio, support included county fair projects, a beef barn and a food donation and storage project. Together, these efforts showcase how community development often begins with practical improvements people can see and utilize close to home.

“Rural 1^st is proud to support the places and programs that help rural communities thrive. From enhancing county fairgrounds, expanding outdoor recreation opportunities, creating community gathering spaces or supporting local food initiatives, these investments help strengthen connections, celebrate rural traditions and create opportunities for future generations.”

—Hannah Walker, Community Investment Manager

By supporting organizations that build and provide activities and learning opportunities for rural residents, there is no shortage of creating a love for the country and rural activities across each and every state Rural 1^st operates within.

Care for Community, Put Into Practice

Rural 1^st serves customers across a broad territory, but the leader in rural lending is showing up each and every day in communities team members live and work. By supporting the organizations already working in their communities, Rural 1^st helps strengthen the places people choose to call home and brings them Closer to What Matters^®.

Learn more about Rural 1^st community investments and how we support rural communities across our 22 state territory.