The Chronicle of Philanthropy

Is rural philanthropy being overlooked? Our September issue investigates how foundations are taking more thoughtful approaches, but total dollars continue to lag. Also, inside: ? Grant makers are betting that a rural education program can scale ? Native American group builds community wealth by giving to individuals ? Why $20 million couldn't save an A.I. nonprofit ? 10 ways to make the most of donor data ? Opinion: What the Grateful Dead can teach nonprofits ? and much more! Dive in! ?? https://bit.ly/3zbGonk Not a subscriber yet? Sign up today. ?? https://bit.ly/3UN69ST ??

Mark your calendars to join us here on LinkedIn on October 2 for an inspired conversation with Emmy-award winning screenwriter and producer Erik Bork (Band of Brothers, From Earth to the Moon). He'll chat with Chronicle editor-at-large George Anders to talk about philanthropy’s efforts to incorporate anti-polarization themes in movies and TV shows. Bork is the director and writer of The Elephant in the Room, a soon-to-be-released romantic comedy in which red-blue politics complicate a potential love story. Register today for reminders: https://bit.ly/3N59hFb About the series: The Commons in Conversation is a series of exclusive, one-on-one conversations with national and local leaders working to strengthen a fractured America. Chronicle editors and writers will host individuals from across the country in casual lunchtime discussions about what it will take to bring Americans together. Guests will talk about ideas and promising solutions and how the philanthropic world — from major philanthropists to everyday nonprofit leaders — can contribute. #TheCommons

We're looking forward to our #philwebinar on September 19 with panelist Isis Krause chief strategy officer at Philanthropy Together. She's joining us to help you learn how to better: ?? Identify key metrics and better use data to show the impact of your work ?? Craft stories about your results to grab donors’ attention and inspire giving ?? Create excellent impact reports — and tools that can help ? Plus, she'll share tips on what language works — and what doesn’t — when talking about impact and real-world examples of reports that hit the mark. Register today! ??? https://bit.ly/3XG5FiR

Village Health Works has always taken on big challenges. The organization got its start providing medical care in rural southwestern Burundi in 2006, soon after the end of the country’s 12-year civil war. Its campus in the village of Kigutu is seven miles from the nearest paved road and a three-hour drive south of the country’s largest city of Bujumbura. In the early days, doctors and nurses slept in tents during the week and traveled back to their families in the city on weekends, and at night, they provided care by candlelight, says Joelle Bukeneza, a doctor at Village Health Works and deputy director of outpatient services. “In 2006, if you looked at satellite images, it was empty,” Bukeneza says of the campus. “When you see the images now, it’s different. It’s full of buildings.” The joint Burundian-American nonprofit takes a holistic approach to health care by providing free medical care but also seeking to address the root causes of illnesses. In addition to seeing patients at its facilities in Kigutu, the organization employs community health workers who make home visits. It also runs schools, supports farming and livestock co-ops, teaches people about nutrition, and more. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3XdBePC

Ready to elevate legacy giving at your nonprofit? ?? Join our #philwebinar on October 10th to learn vital strategies from top fundraisers who boosted their planned giving revenues. Elevate your fundraising with significant bequests and keep your donors engaged for a lasting impact. You’ll learn: ? Key elements of a strong program ? Proven ways to promote legacy gifts ? Tips for creating a successful legacy society Don’t miss this chance to learn steps you can take right away to kick start or boost planned giving at your nonprofit. Secure your spot today! ?? https://bit.ly/4d6Psri

In 2021, Bush Foundation in Minneapolis chose two organizations to receive $50 million each to boost wealth building in Black and Native American communities in Minnesota and the Dakotas. One of those recipients, the @NDNCollective, started by asking community members what wealth means for Native Americans. It then began awarding up to $50,000 to individuals to build wealth in ways that bolster family, community, and cultural heritage. Read more: https://bit.ly/3Xllx91

Opinion: How a record Lilly Endowment grant to the National Park Foundation increases access to parks and reaffirms the democratic principal that all people have a right to experience natural beauty. https://bit.ly/3XIlc1q

The Ford Foundation's Darren Walker, climate scientist Ayana Elizabeth Johnson, and other nonprofit leaders will be featured in the new season of the Center for Effective Philanthropy's podcast "Giving Done Right." https://bit.ly/3Tq8JwQ

Andrea Cristina Mercado, executive director of Florida Rising Together and the New Florida Majority Education Fund, will become president and CEO of the The Climate & Clean Energy Equity Fund, effective January 2. #transitions https://bit.ly/3ZnzvKd

??? Join us for a riveting online #philforum where industry experts will delve into the ramifications of the Equal Rights v. Fearless Fund ruling, its impact on grants for people of color, and its journey through the courts. Hear from notable speakers including Marc Philpart, Dr. Carmen Rojas, PhD (she/her), Olivia N. Sedwick, and Thomas A. Saenz, as they share their insights on this pivotal topic. Register today! ? https://bit.ly/4dZ11SV California Black Freedom Fund Marguerite Casey Foundation Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law MALDEF - Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund