Graduate Research Papers

Availability

Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Abstract

While the social needs of rural America continues to grow, the philanthropic funding of these rural communities has not kept pace. This study looks at evidence that rural communities are not receiving the fair share of philanthropic funding despite these increasing needs and investigates the barriers faced by rural organizations that prevent the grant makers from focusing on the needs of rural America. Numerous authors of the literature reviewed support the importance of philanthropic funding for rural America to help fulfill the growing social needs.

This study examined the literature regarding the possible growth of rural philanthropy and how rural residents are working diligently to revive their communities affected by population changes, environmental pressures, economic demands, educational needs as well as the challenges of day-to-day life. A majority of the success ofthis growth seems to be linked to the developing regional and community foundation movement. The literature reveals several examples of how some rural communities have succeeded in attracting funding to their areas through the formations of community or regional foundations to deal with the challenges faced by rural America.

This research is of value to rural areas looking to better their communities by attracting a fairer share of philanthropic funding, however, a subsequent study is suggested to further understand what has worked and what has not worked when working to increase rural philanthropic funding. The literature reveals many opportunities for rural communities such as attracting urban grant makers and capitalizing on the intergenerational transfer of wealth that is expected to happen over the next several years. More research is needed for rural community members to gain insight into what would work for their area to ensure sufficient philanthropic support to keep their rural area viable into the future.

Year of Submission

2009

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Department

School of Health, Physical Education, and Leisure Services

First Advisor

Christopher Edginton

Comments

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Date Original

8-2009

Object Description

1 PDF (vii, 48 pages)

Language

en

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