Late in 2022 at the MCF CEO Retreat, an idea took hold around rural and urban bridge building. MCF members began exploring how philanthropy can play a leadership role in uniting Minnesotans across difference, especially rural and urban geography, through shared learning and collective impact.
MCF member discussions led to the recommendation that MCF develop a project dubbed RUBI (Rural Urban Bridging Initiative), which we are ready to launch with a steering committee comprised of MCF members. Learn more about the project and find out how to express interest in joining the steering committee. Submissions to join the steering committee will be accepted through noon, March 31.
Possible outcomes of the Rural-Urban Bridging Initiative:
- Learning opportunities to strengthen philanthropy’s role in promoting urban/rural interdependence, including practice and evaluation tools
- Strategic connections to new institutional and community partnerships
- Data and guidance to inform and evaluate rural funding needs and strategies
- Resources for philanthropic thought leadership and awareness raising, including narrative change
- Opportunities for collective action, including legislative advocacy and pooled funds
- Optimizing philanthropy’s unique role as a convener and broker of non-partisan community building
The Rural-Urban Bridging Initiative is a collaborative project of Minnesota Council on Foundations members with MCF serving as the administrative hub and fiscal host.
