Based on our interviews with rural nonprofits and private and community foundations, we identified opportunities for private foundations to level the playing field for rural nonprofits. Here are some approaches foundations can use to create a better balance of resources or to reach out specifically to rural nonprofits:
- Recognizing that rural nonprofits are likely to be more isolated from informal networks, craft outreach efforts to ensure nonprofits of interest actually know about funding opportunities;
- Simplify initial application requirements to reduce the cost of grant-writing;
- Partner and leverage the capacity of community foundations or regional collaboratives to deliver more cost-effective outreach and support; and
- Lend the foundation’s reputation and network to help rural nonprofits access a wider cadre of funders.
NIYLP’s partnerships with the Atlantic Philanthropies and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation point to ways foundations can support rural funding efforts. Here are three other examples:
The James Irvine Foundation, which focuses on expanding opportunity for the people of California, has sponsored proposal writing workshops in rural locales to equip rural nonprofits with essential knowledge on the grant proposal landscape, best practices and examples of quality letters of intent and proposals, and even steps to take if proposals are turned down. [1]
The California Wellness Foundation (TCWF) is committed to improving the health of underserved communities. To more effectively extend its reach, the foundation makes grants to local community foundations that, in turn, re-grant the funds to community-based organizations.[2] President and CEO Gary L. Yates explained, “Community foundations by nature are well-positioned to assess local health needs, identify nonprofits that understand and can address these concerns, and supply technical assistance that goes beyond grant dollars to make sure that local nonprofits have the capacity necessary to meet the health care needs of underserved populations.”
In California, three private foundations, The David & Lucile Packard Foundation, The Charles Stuart Mott Foundation, and The California Endowment, have partnered with the League of California Community Foundations to support its 28 member community foundations.[3] Due in large part to this support, the League has been able to grow new and bolster emerging community foundations—efforts that have resulted in 97 percent of Californians having access to the benefits of community foundations.[4] Specifically, the League serves “the practical roles of convener, educator, trainer, and representative, becoming a virtual forum for the networking and sharing of ideas and best practices.” [5]
[1]Foundation Center website (www.foundationcenter.org/sanfrancisco/training/irvine.html)
[2]“TCWF Grants to Local Foundations Help Reach Diverse Communities,” Summer 2007.
[3] League of California Community Foundations website (www.lccf.org)
[5] "Building Healthy Communities Through Community Foundations,” The California Endowment.