The Rural Information Center (RIC) assists local communities by providing information and referral services to local, tribal, state, and federal government officials; community organizations; libraries; businesses; and citizens working to maintain the vitality of America's rural areas.

The RIC Web site contains over 3,000 links to current and reliable information on a wide variety of rural resources and funding sources, including RIC's Database: Federal Funding Sources for Rural Areas Database.

RIC Information and Referral Services

RIC staff provide customized information products to specific inquiries including assistance in economic revitalization issues; local government planning projects; funding sources; technical assistance programs; research studies; and other related issues.

RIC staff process a broad array of general and funding information requests on such topics as:

• Successful strategies, models, and case studies of community development projects
• Small business attraction, retention, and expansion
• Housing programs and services
• Tourism promotion and development
• Recycling programs
• Community water quality
• Technology transfer to rural areas

RIC staff also refer users to organizations or experts in the field who can provide additional information.