IU Center for Rural Engagement

08/28/2026

IU faculty set out from Bloomington for the 2026 Rural Indiana Faculty Tour to experience the people, places, and possibilities shaping rural Indiana.

Over three days and 250 miles, the group traveled through Orange, Dubois, Daviess, and Brown counties, connecting with rural leaders, community organizations, and one another along the way.

Here’s a look at some of the moments that made this year’s tour memorable.

08/27/2026

We're hiring!

The IU Center for Rural Engagement is seeking a full-time community resilience liaison to connect rural Indiana communities with IU resources and expertise and advance community-identified priorities.

This role will build relationships with partners, coordinate community-engaged projects, and support efforts that strengthen environmental, social, and economic resilience across the state.

Learn more and apply: go.iu.edu/VMX1uM

08/26/2026

"What’s Next, America?" from the National Issues Forums Institute is offering $250,000 in grant funding to help communities, campuses, and K-12 classrooms organize local conversations, identify shared priorities, and move ideas into nonpartisan civic action.

Spark Grants provide $1,000 to help communities organize and host What’s Next, America? conversations. Applications are open now.

Civic Action Grants of $2,500 to $5,000 support local, nonpartisan projects and civic actions that emerge from What’s Next, America? conversations. Applications open Sept. 17.

Learn more and apply:

A national conversation rooted in local communities. Mapping Progress “What’s Next, America?” conversations are happening—and growing—in communities across the country. Explore the map to see where people are coming together to talk, decide, and act. Want to add your initiative? Fill out t...

08/24/2026

A first-of-its-kind, $30 million initiative between the Indiana University School of Medicine and Indiana Department of Health will help equip rural Indiana emergency rooms with the training, tools, and infrastructure to deliver lifesaving care for mothers and children.

Read more:

The new initiative pledges $30 million over five years to train emergency room healthcare providers on obstetric and pediatric emergency standards of care...

08/21/2026

We’re excited to welcome Megan Rawlings to the Center for Rural Engagement team. In her role as associate project manager, Megan supports project management and helps strengthen communication and collaboration among center staff, IU faculty, and community partners.

Learn more about Megan at go.iu.edu/rWS9VR.

08/21/2026

From Washington, Indiana, to the rainforests and beaches of Costa Rica, IU Online at Indiana University student Jerrica Miles turned her passion for environmental sustainability into a hands-on research experience abroad.

Read more:

With IU Online’s approach to online education and its close collaboration with all of IU’s campuses, a recent IU East research trip brought Jerrica Mi...

08/20/2026

Join us at noon on Sept. 15 for the Rural Futures Webinar Series: Rural Roots, Academic Boots | Rural Philanthropy, Practice, and Collaboration.

Ann Ruble and Leeann Wright will explore how rural communities can strengthen philanthropy, build collaboration, and turn research into practical strategies for sustainable community investment.

The session includes a rural community foundation case study and time for live Q&A.

Register to attend at go.iu.edu/CB84Up.

Hosted in partnership with the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy and Community Foundation of Pulaski County

08/20/2026

It’s so rewarding to see the Marengo Big Springs Parklet take shape! We’re grateful to have been part of the process through the Rural Placemaking Studio.

08/18/2026

In our latest Field Notes, Quality of Place Liaison Nicole Vasconi shares insights from International Placemaking Week in Detroit.

She highlights how community-driven design empowers rural Indiana towns to celebrate local identity, revitalize shared spaces, and strengthen civic connection.

Read more:

In this Field Notes, Nicole Vasconi, Quality of Place Liaison at the IU Center for Rural Engagement, reflects on lessons from International Placemaking We...

08/17/2026

To keep life-saving care close to home for rural Hoosier families, the Indiana University School of Medicine and Indiana Department of Health are launching a $30 million initiative to equip rural emergency rooms with updated equipment and specialized training for maternal and pediatric care.

The new initiative pledges $30 million over five years to train emergency room healthcare providers on obstetric and pediatric emergency standards of care...