The Upper Cumberland Development District (UCDD) has announced a
new partnership with Rural Innovation Driving Equitable Resilience (RIDER), a national coalition of
rural-focused organizations. UCDD will serve as the backbone agency for RIDER, providing fiscal
and administrative support as the group seeks to secure financing for its mission to cut childhood
poverty in half across its communities.
RIDER is a collaborative effort of like-minded organizations from rural areas across the United
States. The coalition is dedicated to developing and implementing innovative strategies to create
economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for children and families. By partnering with
UCDD, RIDER gains the administrative infrastructure necessary to pursue significant funding
opportunities while it works to obtain its own non-profit status in the future.
“It is exciting to partner with these great organizations that share a similar passion for their
communities,” said Mark Farley, UCDD Executive Director. “This collaboration allows us to
combine resources and expertise to address the critical issue of childhood poverty on a larger
scale. We are proud to support RIDER’s ambitious and vital work.”
As the backbone agency, UCDD will manage financial contributions and provide structural
support, enabling RIDER’s member organizations to focus on program development and
community-level implementation. This partnership exemplifies a shared commitment to fostering
resilient and thriving rural communities.
