Community Strategies Group

Rural Development Philanthropy
Learning Network

Rural Development Philanthropy (RDP) is the process and practice of creating locally controlled endowment and grantmaking programs to improve rural livelihoods, economies and community vitality. RDP intentionally engages a broad range of community institutions and individuals—especially those historically excluded from economic development, community and philanthropic endeavors. Community foundations and other community-based organizations that engage in Rural Development Philanthropy use convening, fundraising, grantmaking and other community building opportunities to develop resources (financial and otherwise) that strengthen rural places and families now and into the future. More