Rural Diversity: The Untapped Opportunity for Corporate America
Our Privacy Policy has been updated! The Conference Board uses cookies to improve our website, enhance your experience, and deliver relevant messages and offers about our products. Detailed information on the use of cookies on this site is provided in our cookie policy. For more information on how The Conference Board collects and uses personal data, please visit our privacy policy. By continuing to use this Site or by clicking "ACCEPT", you acknowledge our privacy policy and consent to the use of cookies. 

Rural Diversity: The Untapped Opportunity for Corporate America

/ Quick Take

Rural America is home to 20% of the US population but only receives 5% of large philanthropic grants. By directing more corporate citizenship resources to rural communities, US firms can address pressing needs, advance their commitments to diversity and socioeconomic development, and help reduce economic and political alienation.

Rural America is home to 20% of the US population but only receives 5% of large philanthropic grants. By directing more corporate citizenship resources to rural communities, US firms can address pressing needs, advance their commitments to diversity and socioeconomic development, and help reduce economic and political alienation.

Insight for What’s Ahead: Rural America is highly diverse, as illustrated in the map below. People of color represent 24% of the rural population, and include people from a wide range of backgrounds that varies significantly by region.  As companies rethink their diversity, equity & inclusion (DEI) efforts in light of rising ESG backlash, the recent Supreme Court decision on affirmative action, and other diversity-related litigation, they should not overlook the value of supporting rural communities as a way of serving all Americans regardless of background.

Author

This publication is only available to Members. Please sign in to your myTCB® account to access it. To learn more about becoming a Member, click here. To check if your company is a Member, click here

myTCB® Members get exclusive access to webcasts, publications, data and analysis, plus discounts to events.

Other Related Resources

C-Suite Insights - Stay updated on the biggest issues facing business executives.