Inaugural Rural Philanthropy Day Brings Education and Networking to Non-Profits

On Nov. 4, 166 non-profit representatives and funders from across Texas gathered at Blinn College in Schulenburg for the inaugural Rural Philanthropy Day hosted by the Fayette Community Foundation and the Stanzel Family Foundation.

Rural Philanthropy Day, a one-of-a-kind professional development event, was designed to build the capacity of our local nonprofits and strengthen their relationships with funders in our rural area. Nonprofit staff and board members alike came together in the morning to learn more about building internal capacities in various areas including governance, fundraising, operations, volunteers, grant writing, and marketing. Funders from all over the state, including foundations, corporations, banks, and individuals participated in the afternoon roundtable sessions at On Pointe Studios in Schulenburg. This opportunity allowed funders to learn from local nonprofits and discuss solutions to the unique challenges facing our rural communities.

When asked about the importance of this type of event, Cheryl Pekar, Executive Director of Stanzel Family Foundation and Event Co-Chair, said “Rural Philanthropy Day (RPD) gives communities access to resources, new opportunities for collaboration, and education to build capacity in order to more effectively respond to social challenges. It also allows grantmakers to expand their visibility across the region, familiarize themselves with rural communities, and ultimately make more informed decisions in their philanthropic giving. The highlight of RPD is to connect and learn – RPD offers both grantmakers and grant-seekers an opportunity to discuss their common interests, form stronger partnerships, and better meet the needs of rural communities.”

Of the 166 individual participants, 73 nonprofit organizations and 30 funding organizations were represented. Attendees joined from a large geographical span, with the furthest nonprofit traveling from as far as Roscoe, Texas, 374 miles away. Honorary Event Co-Chair and Fayette County Chief of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, Craig Moreau, expanded on the impact of the day saying, “RPD helps us better understand our neighbors and minister to the needs of our neighbors. We are all more prosperous when we work collaboratively to build capacity as a team. The tremendous leadership of the RPD participants is self-evident.”

Reenie Collins, Co-Chair of the event and Fayette Community Foundation board member summarized the day saying, “The work of all the RPD participants as nonprofit leaders, board members, and funders in our communities are what makes our small Texas towns such vibrant and caring communities. We hope everyone left the event with a renewed sense of purpose and passion as well as a wealth of knowledge and resources that will help their organizations better serve their mission.”

The Fayette Community Foundation and Stanzel Family Foundation would like to thank all who supported and participated in the day. Without the help of so many, the event would not have been as successful and impactful for our rural region. If you or your organization would like to sponsor or participate in Rural Philanthropy Day 2023, please contact Susannah Mikulin at susannah@ faycofoundation.com.