Widespread coverage of Rural Policy Action Report

In partnership with 40 grassroots rural organizations, Heartland Fund released the third Rural Policy Action Report in October 2025. The broadly popular report outlines a practical agenda for tangible improvements to rural people's quality of life, and widespread media coverage highlights our policy priorities and grantee partners.

One hundred eighty radio stations covered the report’s release, focusing on priorities like education and health care. Prominent outlets such as The Nation and The American Prospect referenced the report in their coverage and highlighted the practical solutions. Barnraiser and COURIER newsrooms covered the report in detail.

Our grantees have also used the report to highlight the good work taking place at home through local and statewide outlets. In numerous publications across the country, our partners have elevated the report as an important part of the national discourse.

We had four syndicated editorials that ran in 50 outlets, mostly local papers. In one editorial, Communications and Policy Director Michael Chameides outlined “Five ways lawmakers can deliver for rural America.” Read more below.