Grants for Rural Development in Decline

Although foundation giving increased yearly from 2004 to 2008, rural communities have not been the beneficiaries. According to the online database through the Foundation Center, the amount of grants allotted to rural development fell from $92.7 million in 2004 to $89.5 million in 2008, even though the annual grants made by foundations increased 43.3 percent during that period. This trend is important since rural areas are often underserved and foundations seek to assist such markets. As this trend becomes more public, more voices are speaking up, including one member of the Senate Finance Committee who has asked that institutional philanthropy double its support to rural areas. The article provides specific funding information for large foundations across the country. Read more.

SOURCE: Daily Yonder, 2/23/11