Join colleagues from around the region for our second gathering about rural funding in the Southwest. This meeting is meant to provide funders that fund (or want to fund) in rural Southwest communities a chance for peer learning and networking. At the meeting, funders will have the opportunity to learn and share with one another about their work in rural communities and learn from experts in the field. The gathering will conclude with a working lunch on Tuesday, November 14, 2017, which is included in the registration. 

Location:
St. David's Foundation Innovation Center
1303 San Antonio Street
Austin, TX 78701
Please click on the attachment below for a map and directions.

Lodging: 
DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Austin
303 W. 15th Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 505-4067

Please click here to make your reservations. You may also book your reservations by calling (800) 222-8733. Be sure to mention group code LNA.

The special room rate will be available until October 22nd or until the group block is sold-out, whichever comes first.

 

Rural Funders Gathering November 2017 - SESSIONS

1. Strategic Planning for Rural Funders of the Southwest – A professionally-moderated conversation

The emergence of Rural Funders of the Southwest (RFSW) provides grantmakers the opportunity to work together to address shared challenges. The question before us is: what do we want to achieve as a group? Skilled facilitator and rural leadership expert, Dr. Richard Cummins, will guide a dynamic conversation exploring the strengths and potential advantages of collaboration. Dr. Cummins will then help RFSW shape a common vision and strategy for moving forward together.

Setting the stage for this discussion is Kathryn Lake of Texas 2036. She will provide an overview of a forthcoming strategic plan for the entire state, including both urban and rural communities. From human capital, to sustainable resource use, to economic vitality – the plan will include topics that align with rural funders’ vision for a vital Texas, balancing economic growth and quality of life.

Moderator: Dr. Richard Cummins, Department Head, Leadership and Strategic Studies, Corps of Cadets, Tarleton State University, Member of the Texas A&M University System

2. Facing Down Barriers: Activating Local Assets to Enhance Community Health and Well-Being in Rural Communities

Statistics show that Rural Americans experience significant health disparities bearing a disproportionate burden of disease and disability, increased mortality rates, lower life expectancies, and higher rates of pain and suffering than their urban counterparts. It is widely acknowledged that access to healthcare, social and economic factors and living in supportive healthy communities improves health and well-being, however most rural communities – where 17% of the entire US population live – lack the necessary capacity and resources – both human and financial – to thrive.

Whose responsibility is it then to build a strong local health care and social service landscape when access is a monumental barrier? There are multiple roles to be played by individuals, providers, community leaders, businesses and organizations and philanthropic partners. Texas' rural geography is massive with more than 170 of the 254 counties designated as rural.  

What are Texas communities doing to strengthen the local healthcare system and build healthy communities? What are the creative strategies and resources that could be harnessed to change the narrative and set a path to a new vision of what it means to thrive in our rural communities?  

Join us to hear how communities are creating greater local capacity and strategic partnerships to address community health and well-being.

Panelists:  Dr. Jill Strube, City of Smithville; Janice Bruno, Smithville Whole Health Partnership; Angela Alaniz, former Associate Director, Texas A&M University's Center for Community Health Development; Dr. William Moore, Principal, Moore Strategy Group, former Vice-President of Programs, REACH Healthcare Foundation--will share the funder's perspective on working with rural communities on community change efforts.  
Moderator: Abena Asante, Senior Program Officer for Healthy People, St. David’s Foundation

3. HOW-TO RPD (2.0) - Rural Philanthropy Days: Step-by-Step

The inaugural RFSW gathering in May 2017 included a session outlining the Colorado model for Rural Philanthropy Days (RPD), which started in 1991 and now covers the entire state.  A group of funders organized the first Texas RPD event in West Texas in 2011 and mounted the fourth successful conference in June 2017.  The overarching goal of RPD is to bring more financial resources into rural areas, by connecting rural nonprofits with grantmakers and other funders, and teaching nonprofits how to deliver services and collaborate more effectively. 

Because of widespread interest by other regions in the RPD model, RFSW is offering a follow-up session, going beyond the basics, to help participants develop specific action plans to organize RPD-type events in their own communities.  Two of the organizers of the West Texas effort will walk participants through their planning process for West Texas RPD, with candid conversation about both “wins” and “whoops” along the way.

Speakers: Laurie L. Johnson, APR, Director of the Nonprofit Management Center of the Permian Basin, Midland, TX; Michelle D. Monse, President, Carl B. and Florence E. King Foundation, Dallas, TX

4. Strategic Planning Part 2

Dr. Cummins will lead a final session focused on activating our new, shared vision. Informed by learnings from earlier discussions, we will crystalize how RFSW members can partner to ensure that rural communities thrive in the years ahead.


Please Note:  This program is not intended to be an opportunity for solicitation of any kind, including solicitaion for business, fund management, or grants.  

Resources can be found in the attachments below.