Two women stand at coffee shop counter
Rural coffee shop dream becomes reality
The Center helped Rachael and Heather pursue their dream of owning a business.
Learn how
Inside the Nebraska State Capitol building; desks filling both sides with tall ceiling
2023 legislative updates
Stay informed on what is happening during the legislative session with our biweekly legislative updates.
Read updates
Meat processing facility interior with staff working
Meat processing loans available
$50,000 to $5 million for use of expansion or start-up, real estate or new construction, facilities, equipment, working capital, and more.
Apply now
Conservation praise land with bright yellow flower
Conservation Fellow spotlight
From a small urban plot to a 10-person CSA, Jazz uses fellowship for guidance on conservation practices.
Meet Jazz
Watershed area in crop field
'From The Source'
We conducted two surveys to examine the efficacy and current standing of Iowa’s Watershed Management Authorities.
See results
Three men sit on a wooden porch speaking to each other. Black and white photo.
From the desk of the executive director
50 years of meaningful rural impact.
Read essay

Unapologetically Rural

We are unapologetically rural. We stand up for the small family farmer and rancher, new business owner, and rural communities. For more than 40 years, we've been a leading force engaging people to build a better rural future. We live this work. Welcome to our rural revolution.

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Apply for a Loan

Offering small business and housing loans in Nebraska. Apply now.
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Clean Energy

Clean energy like wind power creates economic opportunity.
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Family Farms

Specialty crop growers, rural food businesses, farm to school - we have events for you!
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Farm Policy

Find rural analysis on the topics affecting farmers and ranchers.

Frequently Asked Questions

You have questions? We have answers. Here are some of the more common questions we receive. If you don't see what you're looking for here, please send us an email at info@cfra.org.
All FAQs
Can I watch videos about your work?

Yes. Our staff host regular videos called "Rural Rapport" that describe our work, and many of our webinars are published online. We even have feature and how-to videos. All clips and full features can be found on our YouTube channel. Click here to watch.

How can I donate to the Center for Rural Affairs?

You can donate to the Center in a number of ways.

  • Give online at cfra.org/give - either a one-time donation or you can set up a recurring donation.
  • Check out options to give to our Granary Foundation here.
  • You can mail in donations to: Center for Rural Affairs, PO Box 136, Lyons, NE 68038. 
How do I apply for a home ownership loan?

Our home ownership loans are from $5,000 to $100,000 and can be used for: purchase of home, owner occupied rehabilitation or renovation, or emergency repair to a property in Nebraska. Visit cfra.org/homeloans for more information and to apply online. If you have questions, click here to find your loan specialist.

How do I apply for a small business loan?

Our small business loans are only available in Nebraska. Visit cfra.org/loans to view the types of loans we offer and to apply online. If you have questions, click here to find your loan specialist.

I am a beginning farmer, do you have resources for me?

We have information on setting up your farm business, farm financials, and farm transition finances. If you are looking for land, we keep an up-to-date list of land matching programs across the U.S. and Canada. In addition, we offer beginning farmer and landowner workshops in Nebraska. Visit our farming page for details.

Our Mission

Establish strong rural communities, social and economic justice, environmental stewardship, and genuine opportunity for all while engaging people in decisions that affect the quality of their lives and the future of their communities.

Learn More