Our democracy continues to face unprecedented challenges, from diminished trust in government, to deepening social and ideological divisions, to renewed efforts to suppress the political power of Black, Indigenous and People of Color communities. Discussions about meeting these challenges have often focused on efforts in urban hubs, even as demographic shifts and organizing power in rural communities can change the game for long-term progress towards a more inclusive, equitable and reflective democracy. While daunting, the landscape of rural communities is more diverse than the easy generalizations and stereotypes. This deeper dive into rural democracy will highlight the opportunities for philanthropy to be a stronger partner in this space.