The Rural Compact was developed by rural leaders representing a cross-section of rural America.

Organizations serving on the current Rural Compact steering committee are the following:

• The University of New Hampshire Carsey Institute, Durham, New Hampshire
• Center for Rural Strategies, Whitesburg, Kentucky
• National Congress of American Indians, Washington, D.C.
• Quitman County Community Development Organization, Marks, Mississippi
• Llano Grande Center for Research and Development, Edcouch/Elsa, Texas
• Rural Policy Research Institute (RUPRI)
• Stand Up for Rural America, Washington, D.C.
• Sustainable Northwest, Portland, Oregon
• League of Rural Voters, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Sponsors 

The Rural Compact and the National Rural Assembly are supported by the generous contributions of foundations, nonprofit organizations, and individuals. Key sponsors include the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and the Ford Foundation.