The article examines the socio-cultural problems of the development of rural areas and small towns in Russia, affecting the strategic priorities of the development of Russia and rural areas. It is proposed to use the mechanisms of development of non-profit organizations as a way to take into account and solve local problems and requests of the population in rural areas. The research methodology is based on the study of the practical experience of the non-profit organization "My Address" located in the village of Krasnaya Gorbatka, Selivanovsky district, Vladimir region. The author suggests solving individual socio-cultural problems through the organization of a single rural space of "attraction" through the mechanisms of non-profit organizations. The article may be useful to state and municipal authorities, heads of non-profit organizations when planning ways to develop rural areas and small towns in Russia.