Rural Philanthropy Knowledge Center

Across America, rural communities face big challenges as economies change, populations shift, and government resources and subsidies dramatically decline. But rural residents are responding with resilience and innovation, harnessing hidden resources to create permanent assets for the future of their communities.

Rural communities build philanthropy from the ground up, using strategies that tap into core values and engage everyone – not just the wealthiest residents. They get support and assistance from community foundations and private philanthropic foundations.

 

In This Area

  • The Basics
    Explains basic information about rural philanthropy and why and how the Forum is involved.
  • Start a Rural Fund
    Information for people and organizations interested in starting or catalyzing a rural fund.
  • Manage a Rural Fund
    Tips and tools to determine how you will make grants, educate members and donors, and evaluate how you are doing.
  • Leverage Community Endowment
    Every community – no matter its size, economy or location – can grow an endowment. Learn what an endowment is and how you have the capacity and ability to grow one.
  • Success Stories
    Read about what rural funds, foundations and donor education projects are doing and how they are making an impact in their communities.
 

Materials

  • The Power of Rural Philanthropy (PDF)
    A report commissioned in 2005 by the Forum of Regional Associations of Grantmakers that examines trends in rural philanthropy-building.
  • Rural Fund Development 101 (PDF)
    Aug. 2007 guide for community leaders in rural places on community endowment fund; focus on practical tools and samples for the startup, maintenance, and leadership of community endowment.