Rural Action

What Rural Action does

Rural Action is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1991 and headquartered in The Plains (Athens County), Ohio, with a mission to foster social, economic, and environmental justice across Appalachian Ohio. It operates across a 58-county Ohio footprint and extends into seven states through the Appalachia Regional Food Business Center coalition. The organization delivers a portfolio of programs spanning sustainable agriculture, sustainable forestry, watershed restoration, zero waste, environmental education, and AmeriCorps national service, implemented through a combination of paid staff, AmeriCorps/VISTA members, and volunteers.

The organization's core "technology" consists of environmental and community development practices: passive acid mine drainage (AMD) treatment systems that have returned 32 fish species to Sunday and Monday Creeks, riparian restoration using native species, agroforestry technical assistance across 44 Ohio counties, food waste composting, and forest farming research. It operates six wholly-owned social enterprises — Chesterhill Produce Auction (since 2005, generating over $4.17M for growers), Zero Waste Event Productions, True Pigments (iron oxide pigment from AMD treatment), UpCycle Ohio Community Makerspace, Appalachian Understories (heritage tourism), and the integrated Appalachian Staple Foods Collaborative — that monetize its program work and provide distribution infrastructure.

Rural Action's revenue model is heavily grant-dependent, sourced from federal agencies (USDA, US Forest Service, NRCS, EPA, NEH), state programs (Ohio EPA, H2Ohio, Appalachian Community Grant Fund), and foundations (Climate Smart Communities Initiative, National Forest Foundation, Coca-Cola Foundation, Walton Family Foundation), supplemented by social enterprise revenue, individual/corporate donations, memberships, and fee-for-service technical assistance. Following a leadership transition in late 2025/early 2026 — with Joe Brehm and Bryn Sowash named permanent Co-CEOs after Debbie Phillips stepped down — the organization continues to expand programming while navigating the partial termination of its largest single grant, the $42.5M USDA Appalachia Regional Food Business Center.

Name

Rural Action

Legal name

Rural Action, Inc.

Website

https://ruralaction.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1991

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Rural Action is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1991 that delivers environmental restoration, sustainable agriculture, forestry, zero waste, and AmeriCorps programs across Appalachian Ohio, supported by six social enterprises and a 58-county service footprint.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Development Services

NAICS

Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations (813312), Social Advocacy Organizations (8133), Civic and Social Organizations (813410)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Agricultural Services (700)

akta.pro primary industry

Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems (BPAGAGAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Environmental Education & Outreach (BPAGAGAH), Rural Livelihoods & Economic Empowerment (BPAGABAA), K–12 Support & School Improvement Nonprofits (BPAGADAB)

Keywords

• Watershed restoration services
• Sustainable agriculture programs
• Environmental education services
• Community development nonprofit
• Zero waste consulting

Headquarters

HQ city

The Plains

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Government Grants: Rural Action receives significant funding from government sources including USDA, Ohio EPA, US Forest Service, NRCS, and state agencies. Notable grants include the Appalachia Regional Food Business Center ($42.5 million award for 5-year period), National Endowment for the Humanities grants, and EPA Section 319(h) grants for watershed restoration.
2. Foundation and Private Grants: Funding from foundations including Climate Smart Communities Initiative, National Forest Foundation, and other environmental organizations supporting specific programs.
3. Social Enterprise Revenue: Revenue-generating social enterprises including Chesterhill Produce Auction (generating over $4.17 million for growers since 2005), Zero Waste Event Productions, True Pigments, Appalachian Understories tours, and UpCycle Community Makerspace.
4. Donations and Memberships: Rural Action is a membership-based nonprofit organization that receives donations from individuals, corporate sponsors, and fundraising events including annual auctions.
5. Fee-for-Service Programs: Technical assistance services, waste assessments for schools, and specialized programs offered to partners and communities.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Rural Action is a membership-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that delivers community-based environmental, agricultural, and economic development programs across Appalachian Ohio. Its offerings include a portfolio of social enterprises (Chesterhill Produce Auction, Zero Waste Event Productions, True Pigments, UpCycle Ohio Community Makerspace, and Appalachian Understories tours) along with program services in watershed restoration, sustainable agriculture, sustainable forestry, zero waste, and environmental education supported by AmeriCorps national service placement.

Product overview

Rural Action operates as a membership-based nonprofit organization offering a portfolio of social enterprises and environmental programs rather than a unified tech product. The organization manages six distinct social enterprises: Chesterhill Produce Auction (produce sales supporting regional farmers since 2005), Zero Waste Event Productions (sustainable event management), True Pigments (iron oxide pigment production from acid mine drainage), UpCycle Ohio Community Makerspace (repair and reuse workshop), and Appalachian Understories (heritage tourism). These commercial enterprises are complemented by core programmatic work in sustainable agriculture, sustainable forestry, watershed restoration, zero waste initiatives, and environmental education, including AmeriCorps national service placement and the annual Sustainability Awards recognition program. The organization does not offer a traditional software product, API, or technology platform.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Chesterhill Produce Auction A produce auction social enterprise that provides wholesale market access for Appalachian Ohio farmers, generating over $4.17 million in revenue for growers since 2005 and strengthening the regional food system.
• Zero Waste Event Productions Zero waste event services that help schools, businesses, and community events divert waste from landfills through waste assessments, composting programs, and sustainable event management.
• True Pigments A social enterprise that produces iron oxide (ochre) pigments from acid mine drainage treatment, transforming environmental remediation into a marketable product while supporting watershed restoration.
• UpCycle Ohio Community Makerspace A community makerspace providing tools, workshops, and space for creative reuse, repair activities, fix-it services, and upcycling programs in the Athens County area.
• Appalachian Understories A tourism social enterprise providing guided outdoor experiences celebrating the natural and cultural heritage of Appalachian Ohio, including historical tours, bike tours, hiking, and interpretive programs.
• Watershed Restoration Services Environmental restoration services focused on treating acid mine drainage and restoring aquatic habitats in Sunday and Monday Creek watersheds, including riparian plantings, streambank stabilization, and native species restoration.
• Sustainable Forestry Technical Assistance Free technical assistance and site visits for landowners across 44 Ohio counties on agroforestry, forest farming, silvopasture, reforestation, wildlife habitat, invasive species management, and water quality protection.
• Zero Waste Programs Waste reduction and recycling services for schools, businesses, and healthcare facilities including school composting initiatives, waste assessments, medical equipment donation programs, and recycling center operations.
• Sustainable Agriculture Programs Programs supporting local farmers including the Appalachian Staple Foods Collaborative, Live Healthy Kids food education, and technical assistance for agroforestry and specialty crop cultivation.
• Environmental Education Programs Educational programming for schools and communities including Appalachian Understories tours, Live Healthy Kids school programs, Appalachian Green Teachers Conference, and watershed education initiatives.
• Office Sublease (86 Columbus Circle) Private office sublease at 86 Columbus Circle, The Plains, OH priced at $410/month per 140 sq ft office, inclusive of utilities and internet with shared conference room and kitchen access.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over $4.17 million generated for Appalachian Ohio growers through Chesterhill Produce Auction since 2005
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Combat to KayaksminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 June 2026Zanesville-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving veterans while strengthening communities through outdoor recreation and conservation. Partnership for Historic River Paddle event during Muskingum 250 Celebration.
• Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerODNR provides H2Ohio funding for land purchases and watershed restoration. Collaborative work continues on acid mine drainage treatment systems, including the biggest treatment system planned for Monday Creek Watershed.
• Ohio UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRuss College at Ohio University partners with Rural Action on watershed restoration, with Scott Miller as Associate Dean of Industry Partnerships and Outreach involved in restoration projects.
• BSC GroupminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEngineering/planning firm providing stakeholder engagement and modeling expertise for flood and erosion hazard study in Athens County through Climate Smart Communities Initiative.
• Athens County Regional Planning CommissionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for climate resilience and flood hazard planning, providing local government perspective and regulatory coordination.
• True PigmentscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSocial enterprise developing pigment production from iron oxide (ochre) while treating acid mine drainage. True Pigments Director Michelle Shively MacIver participates in restoration presentations. Facility in Truetown.
• USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartners on technical assistance to help landowners access cost-share programs like Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) for wildlife habitat implementation.
• Central Appalachian NetworkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoalition of 16 partners working to serve seven states (Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia) with the Appalachia Regional Food Business Center.
• Athens Hocking Solid Waste DistrictminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDistrict providing funding through Ohio EPA for school composting programs. Partner on waste management education and regional composting initiatives.
• Southeast Ohio Recycling Terminal (SORT) OrganicsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCompost facility that picks up food waste weekly from schools, creating soil amendment used by local farmers. Key partner in school composting pilot program.
• Wayne National ForestcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner on riparian restoration in Wingett Run-Little Muskingum watershed. Site on Wayne National Forest property provides public outdoor recreation access.
• Healthy Hartwoods Timber Stand ImprovementminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAmesville, OH-based company addressing non-native invasive plant species at restoration sites before native planting.
• Williams Forestry and AssociatesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerConsulting firm that planted 4,000 trees in the 12-acre riparian area along the Little Muskingum River.
• United Plant SaversminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership on Goldenseal cultivation research, awarded USDA Ohio Department of Agriculture Specialty Crop Block Grant funding.
• UpGrade OhiominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcquired by Rural Action in 2018, increasing organizational capacity for community development work.
• OhioHealth O'Bleness HospitalminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealthcare sustainability partnership since 2016. Rural Action Zero Waste helped establish campus-wide recycling, medical equipment donation program, and sustainability goals.
• MedWish InternationalminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMedical equipment donation partner receiving equipment from OhioHealth O'Bleness Hospital through Rural Action Zero Waste program.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Fahe: Appalachian housing and community development nonprofit network operating across multiple states with member organizations. Comparable regional development focus, federal funding relationships, and member-based structure.
• Trout Unlimited: National nonprofit dedicated to coldwater conservation and stream/watershed restoration, including acid mine drainage remediation in Appalachia. Strong overlap on watershed restoration methodology and volunteer-based delivery.
• Coalfield Development Corporation: West Virginia-based nonprofit focused on economic redevelopment, workforce training, and social enterprises in former coal communities. Closely aligned mission around post-coal Appalachian community revitalization.
• Appalachian Sustainable Development: Regional nonprofit operating in Appalachian Virginia/Tennessee delivering sustainable agriculture, food systems, and forestry programs. Highly comparable mission, geography, and program mix (farm-to-table, forestry, food access).
• Mountain Association for Community Economic Development (MACED): Eastern Kentucky-based nonprofit supporting rural Appalachian communities through sustainable agriculture, forestry, energy efficiency, and small-business development. Comparable community-led GTM and program categories.
• Green Forests Work: Appalachian-focused nonprofit dedicated to reforestation of formerly mined lands through native tree planting. Directly comparable on riparian reforestation, AMD-impacted landscapes, and volunteer-driven restoration delivery.
• Central Appalachian Network (CAN): Coalition of 16 partners (including Rural Action) working on food systems, sustainable agriculture, and community development in Central Appalachia. Comparable multi-state, coalition-based operating model.

Broad incumbents

• The Nature Conservancy (Ohio Chapter): Large national conservation nonprofit with significant Ohio and Appalachian watershed work. Overlaps in land conservation, watershed restoration, and forest stewardship but at much greater scale.

Regional players

• Appalachian Ohio Alliance: Ohio-based conservation alliance focused on protecting natural areas in Appalachian Ohio. Comparable geographic footprint and conservation mission, though more focused on land acquisition and protection than community programming.

Others

• Appalachian Regional Commission: Federal-state economic development partnership funding community programs across the 13-state Appalachian region. Not a direct competitor but a key funder and convener whose priorities shape Rural Action's opportunity set.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/Rural_Action
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UC844GnJprA1QZp6dFtQrn2Q
• Facebookfacebook.com/ruralaction
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/rural-action
• Instagraminstagram.com/ruralaction

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Subsidiaries4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Rural Action