The North Coast Rural Challenge Network (NCRCN) is a loose-knit network of four rural school districts. It is funded in part by the school districts and in part by grants from external partners.

A steering committee made up of the NCRCN director and the coordinators for each district meets monthly to set the direction of NCRCN, coordinate activities, plan events, discuss and distribute the funds, develop new proposals, guide the evaluation process, and other work as needed.

Each coordinator guides and develops new projects in his or her district. Each coordinator works differently depending on the need of the district. Some coordinators have standing advisory committees who approve new NCRCN projects. Others use existing committees to obtain advice.

The director works with the coordinators and the administration of all the districts to make sure that the funds are used for NCRCN projects and to help new administrators understand the purpose of NCRCN.