Rural Philanthropy Toolkit

Welcome to the Rural Philanthropy Toolkit. This toolkit compiles emerging practices and resources to support rural communities seeking to build relationships with philanthropies across the United States.

Philanthropies provide a critical source of funding for community-based health programs. However, it can be challenging for small and rural communities to build relationships with philanthropies, particularly when they are not located in the same geographic area.

This toolkit presents practical strategies that can help rural communities build successful partnerships with philanthropies. In particular, it focuses on:

• Preparing for partnerships with philanthropies
• Conducting outreach to philanthropies
• Establishing and sustaining partnerships with philanthropies

The target audiences for the toolkit are rural organizations including: healthcare providers, such as hospitals and clinics; nonprofit organizations; faith-based organizations; businesses; networks; and community-based organizations.

For more information about rural community health programs, including how to develop and implement a program, please visit the Rural Community Health Toolkit.

Module 1: Introduction
Overview of philanthropic giving in the U.S. and unique challenges that rural communities face.

Module 2: Emerging Practices
Strategies for developing partnerships with philanthropies.

Module 3: Program Clearinghouse
Examples of emerging strategies, implemented in rural communities for partnering with philanthropies.

Module 4: Implementation
Important issues to consider and address when building relationships with philanthropies.

Module 5: Evaluation
Guidance for strengthening evaluations for philanthropic grants.

Module 6: Funding & Sustainability
Resources to plan for sustainability when receiving funding from philanthropies.

Module 7: Dissemination
Strategies to share information about rural programs with philanthropies.