Programmatic Information

Begin your application on the next page!
Thank you for your interest in applying to the 2026 Virginia Rural Leadership Institute (VRLI) Cohort! The purpose of VRLI is to retain, attract, and develop rural Virginians into innovative, responsible, and civic-minded leaders who build strong local and regional communities, bringing rural prosperity across the entire Commonwealth. We are excited of your interest in applying to the program and look forward to reviewing your application. Applications for the 2026 VRLI Cohort are due by Friday, February 13, 2026.

Session Dates and Locations for the 2026 Virginia Rural Leadership Institute are published on the program's website! Cohort members are strongly encouraged to attend all 4 sessions. Attendance at 3 sessions is required for program completion.
Tuition & Payment Schedule

Tuition for the 2026 Virginia Rural Leadership Institute (VRLI) Cohort is set at $3,500 and is due in full by June 1, 2026. Tuition covers meals, lodging, and program materials, but participants are responsible for their own travel expenses to travel to each session location. Participants may also elect to participate in a payment plan, which is outlined below. If you are wish to seek financial assistance, you may either select the payment plan by April 1, 2026 or apply for financial assistance. Financial assistance to VRLI is need-blind. These details and options will also be provided to participants following acceptance into the 2026 VRLI Cohort.

The 2026 VRLI Payment plan is a $875.00 payment due on or before:

April 22
June 10
August 12
September 30
Financial Assistance

Financial assistance to VRLI is need-blind.

Requests for financial aid or scholarships will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Advisory Committee of the Virginia Rural Leadership Institute, once the selection process is completed. Participants are responsible for their own travel expenses, but meals, lodging, and program materials are covered by the tuition.

If you wish to be considered for financial assistance, please write a letter indicating your need for financial assistance and the amount of assistance you are requesting. All requests for assistance are confidential. Please email this letter to:

varuralleadership@cfrv.org
Please Title the Email as "2026 VRLI Assistance Letter (First Name Last Name)"

T