About
The Rural Community Assistance Partnership (RCAP) is a national network of nonprofit organizations, headquartered in Washington, DC, that works with rural communities across the country to elevate rural voices and build local capacity to improve quality of life, starting at the tap. Its vision is a resilient, equitable, and thriving rural America. RCAP's field-based staff work directly alongside communities rather than from centralized offices.
Mission
RCAP builds local capacity in small, rural, and tribal communities, with a core focus on safe drinking water and wastewater services as the foundation for community health and economic opportunity.
What they do
- Environment, water and wastewater — technical assistance and training that help small communities operate, finance, and improve their drinking water and wastewater systems.
- Community and economic development — support that helps rural places strengthen local economies and quality of life.
- Special initiatives — targeted programs addressing emerging rural needs.
Network structure
RCAP is a nationwide coalition with more than 400 technical assistance providers organized through six regional partners: Rural Community Assistance Corporation (Western states), Midwest Assistance Program, Communities Unlimited (South), RCAP Solutions (Northeast and Caribbean), Great Lakes Community Action Partnership, and Southeast Rural Community Assistance Partnership. Together the network serves all 50 states, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and tribal lands.
Scale and impact
According to its impact reporting, RCAP has served more than 4.1 million rural and tribal residents in over 2,600 communities, helped rural communities access 397.5 million dollars in infrastructure funding, and delivered 567 trainings reaching 8,189 water systems and 11,564 attendees. The communities it supports are among the smallest in the country, with a median household income of 45,023 dollars.
Financials and governance
According to ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer, Rural Community Assistance Partnership Incorporated (EIN 23-7367533) has been a recognized 501(c)(3) organization since 1974. For the fiscal year ending September 2025 it reported total revenue of 36,849,641 dollars, total expenses of 36,343,666 dollars, and total assets of 7,524,600 dollars; contributions and grants made up 99.2% of revenue. Olga Morales-Pate serves as CEO, David Fredenburgh as CFO, and Rick Martinez as volunteer board chair.