The Principles for Rural Philanthropic Engagement report published by United Philanthropy Network provides a comprehensive framework for how philanthropy can engage rural communities more effectively, equitably, and sustainably. It outlines ten principles emphasizing elevating local voices, building trust-based and reciprocal relationships, investing in locally controlled assets, measuring impact in ways appropriate to rural scale and context, and embedding rural respect and accountability within funder systems and culture. The report moves beyond theory by offering detailed case stories from foundations across the country that demonstrate these principles in action, highlighting long-term relationship building, co-creation with community leaders, and adaptive funding approaches. Among these examples, William Moore’s work with the Central Texas Health and Wellbeing Network is featured as a case illustration of how funders can build durable, community-centered networks that elevate local leadership, strengthen civic infrastructure, and align philanthropic strategy with rural realities.
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