Funding Rural

Over the past few years federal funds have increased to rural communities, but how are they actually getting to those communities? Tony Pipa, a Senior Fellow with the Brookings Institution in Washington DC, shares programs, leads the Reimagining Federal Rural Policy Initiative and hosts the Reimagine Rural podcast. In this episode, he demystifies the federal government and its reso

Belinda Brown has spent over 30 years providing leadership, developing programs, and facilitating community development in Indian Country. She has expertise in intergovernmental affairs coordination with Tribes, communities, and collaboratives. An enrolled member of the Pit River Tribe, Belinda’s varied experience links back to a consistent theme: supporting young people. Her cur

Margaret “Margi” Hoffman is a woman of action – not something commonly thought of when talking about Government officials – and yet she now serves as the Oregon State Director for Rural Development of the USDA. She is looking creatively at ways her role can support the state of Oregon and its rural communities to access capital from federal partners, even as small pilot pro

Barton Robison of Willamette Partnership tackles what he calls ‘weird projects’: those things that are hard to manage or hard to fund – because rural capacity is limited in city and county governments. With his lighthearted approach, Barton makes it seem easy. But in reality there are many ways grant processes can be improved, starting with happy hour.

Lesli Allison cut her teeth on a 50,000 acre ranch in Southeastern Colorado—a massive land management experience that taught her the importance of private lands and their role in the conservation conversation. On episode 8 of the Funding Rural podcast, Lesli shares how ranchers and farmers are leading the way on innovative climate and environmental projects, and the challenges of

Allen Smart has years of experience working with philanthropic families and health conversion foundations across the east coast and southeast. His reputation as a leader in rural philanthropy as a consultant is strong. Join Allen as he shares some of the lessons he learned throughout his tenure as a consultant – and how philanthropic organizations can make real impact building re

C’Ardiss “CC” Gardner Gleser is an advocate for social impact and racial justice work. In episode six, CC shares her experiences as a Black woman working in philanthropy after George Floyd's murder and she talks about the historical precedence of double standards in the workforce. She also covers her current work on reparations. CC and host Erin Borla got to know each oth

Zavier ‘Zavi’ Borja discusses his upbringing in rural Central Oregon as the son of a Mexican immigrant family — chasing agricultural work juxtaposed with his nonprofit experience in outdoor recreation. He shares his journey working with kids of color and how his past impacts his newest adventure, working for Oregon’s Governor.

Julie Garreau (enrolled member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe) embodies servant-leadership as the founder and executive director of the Cheyenne River Youth Project in Eagle Butte, SD. She talks about engaging young people – and how a grassroots organization needs investment to support community. Where many only hear stories of challenges and despair, Garreau elevates the stor

In a society that often places people into boxes based on one or two factors, Children’s Institute Leader, Kali Thorne Ladd, distinguishes herself as an advocate for children and families — and she reminds us to recognize the humanity in each other. C.I. is a good example of an organization who recognizes the throughlines discovered between rural and urban communities. By showi