Reimagining Rural, Groundwork: Laying the foundations for success graphic with sponsor logos.

Reimagining Rural 2026

Groundwork: Laying the Foundation for Lasting Success

We are excited to announce the launch of the 2026 Reimagining Rural Virtual Community Gathering: Groundwork. Join us for sessions on the first three Wednesdays in February:  4, 11, and 18. The series will focus on getting back to the basics of grassroots community improvement efforts.
 
As we kick off the 2026 Reimagining Rural year, we’re pleased to share some additional exciting news. Thanks to the tremendous partnership and support of the Montana Community Foundation, Reimagining Rural has received special funding from the Wells Fargo Foundation to further support and expand the important work happening across rural Montana. This investment will bring new and expanded opportunities to engage, share, learn, and grow together. 
 
Thanks to the Wells Fargo funding, additional grant funds will be available to alumni communities that complete this year's series.  The grants will start at $7,500.
 
The link to the application is below.  Applications are due January 5, 2026.

2026 Reimagining Rural Application

Please review the following documents before applying:

If you have questions or comments, please feel free to contact Jennifer Andersonor Tara Mastel.  We're happy to help.

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What is Reimagining Rural?

Reimagining Rural is like an old fashioned satellite party.  Communities each hold an in-person gathering for their local folks to watch the speakers.  Everyone across the state watches the rural-focused speakers via Zoom and then, they each have their own local discussion about the ideas they heard from the speaker and how they might apply locally. 

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The Reimagining Rural Roadshow

Bringing Montana Resources to You

Montana’s small towns are vital to the fabric of our state. While these communities are rich in character and resilience, they often face overwhelming challenges. Reimagining Rural was created to help bridge the gap between local efforts and the regional and state resources available to support them.  

Through MSU Extension’s virtual Reimagining Rural gatherings, over 60 communities and 500 Montanans have gained access to tools, partnerships, and funding that have sparked real progress and renewed hope.  

We’ve taken the next step. The Reimagining Rural Roadshow brings together local, regional, and state partners in one location to build relationships, share ideas, and create strategies to strengthen rural Montana.  

We believe in investing in small towns—and we think you do too. Your sponsorship will help turn local ideas into action and provide valuable opportunities to promote your work and connect with others. Please see the attached sponsorship packet for details.  

Thank you for your consideration and your commitment to rural Montana. 

Sincerely, 

Jennifer H. Anderson 
MSU Extension Community Vitality Associate Specialist 
Reimagining Rural Roadshow Planning Committee 

Connect with Jennifer Anderson to learn how you can be a sponsor of the Reimagining Rural Roadshow.

Event Sponsor Information

 Past Communities

Map of Montana with Reimagining Rural locations and Big Sky, Big Leadership locations.