Home

Community Development Financial Institutions help rural Northern communities fund affordable housing, education, support small business growth

By
●
Community Development
●
May 29, 2026
Rural communities often experience a lack of capital access due to bank mergers, or community banks leaving their areas. CDFIs step in to bridge the gap by providing crucial capital, workshops, and referrals to rural communities — funding affordable housing, high-quality education, and community development with small business growth.
Latest stories
Under Mamdani, New York will be the first to open a free childcare center for city workers
By
●
Economic Development
●
June 9, 2026
The center, called The Little Apple, could be a model for other cities exploring ways to make life more affordable for workers.
Collaboration with justice system reshaping mental health response
By
●
Community Health & Wellness
●
June 9, 2026
Communities benefit when law enforcement, courts, and jails work alongside mental health providers.
How Michigan farmers are using a new app to make critical crop decisions right from the tractor 
By
●
Technology & Innovation
●
June 7, 2026
The free Enviroweather Mobile app, developed by Michigan State University specialists and the Michigan State Horticultural Society, provides farmers with real-time environmental data and predictive crop modeling on their smartphones.
Expanding library accessibility services through technology, training, and community partnerships
By
●
Diversity & Equity
●
June 7, 2026
Shelley Roossien leads Kent District Library efforts to improve accessibility through adaptive technology, staff training, and inclusive library services.
Cherry Health teledentistry pilot helps patients overcome dental care barriers
By
●
Health
●
June 6, 2026
Cherry Health’s teledentistry pilot uses virtual visits to reduce fear and connect underserved patients with dental care.
How occupational therapists help seniors age safely in their homes
By
●
Health + Wellness
●
June 5, 2026
A team of occupational therapists from Disability Advocates of Kent County is helping older adults stay independent through home modifications, safety assessments and accessibility improvements that reduce injuries and falls.
Gobioff Foundation artist microgrants make major impact
By
●
Community Development
●
June 5, 2026
Over five years, Gobioff Foundation has awarded $32,000 in microgrants to 64 artist projects.
Renewable energy means rethinking land use for agriculture and conservation
By
●
Environment & Sustainability
●
June 5, 2026
Making difficult choices in how land is used is the issue that New York and other states, and the U.S. as a whole, are facing as they seek to shift electricity generation from fossil fuels to renewable sources, such as wind and solar.
How creating space for connections can drive neighborhood development
By
●
Community Development
●
June 3, 2026
Fort Wayne’s neighborhood leaders use a shared space to crowdsource solutions and share ideas. These connections lighten the workload and stretch resources.
A publication of

Issue Media Group is a multi-local network of digital news outlets focused on community transformation through solutions journalism. We highlight the people and projects tackling challenges and driving change. Through its national, regional and local publications, IMG connects communities, shares impactful solutions, and inspires progress.

Subscribe to our Newsletter

You can unsubscribe from the newsletter at any time. Have a question? Contact us or review our privacy policy for more information.
Around the Country
Under Mamdani, New York will be the first to open a free childcare center for city workers
The center, called The Little Apple, could be a model for other cities exploring ways to make life more affordable for workers.
How Michigan farmers are using a new app to make critical crop decisions right from the tractor 
The free Enviroweather Mobile app, developed by Michigan State University specialists and the Michigan State Horticultural Society, provides farmers with real-time environmental data and predictive crop modeling on their smartphones.
How occupational therapists help seniors age safely in their homes
A team of occupational therapists from Disability Advocates of Kent County is helping older adults stay independent through home modifications, safety assessments and accessibility improvements that reduce injuries and falls.
Gobioff Foundation artist microgrants make major impact
Over five years, Gobioff Foundation has awarded $32,000 in microgrants to 64 artist projects.
Renewable energy means rethinking land use for agriculture and conservation
Making difficult choices in how land is used is the issue that New York and other states, and the U.S. as a whole, are facing as they seek to shift electricity generation from fossil fuels to renewable sources, such as wind and solar.
How creating space for connections can drive neighborhood development
Fort Wayne’s neighborhood leaders use a shared space to crowdsource solutions and share ideas. These connections lighten the workload and stretch resources.
Top 5 Articles

Support solutions journalism

Common Ground curates solutions-based issues journalism from across the Issue Media Group network and other national media outlets. It is a platform that reports on the big ideas and the people moving communities forward, creating a place where communities share ideas, solutions, and inspiration. When a neighborhood innovates — from revitalizing housing to improving public transit — those success stories connect with others facing similar challenges. By linking local experiences into a larger, solutions-driven narrative, Common Ground helps communities learn from each other and move forward together.

Support us

Our Partners

WKKF logo
Kresge Foundation logo
IFF logo
JP Morgan Chase logo
Ford Foundation logo
Delta Dental Foundation logo

Don't miss out!

Inspiration and ideas in your inbox every week.

Close the CTA

Already a subscriber? Enter your email to hide this popup in the future.