Mission
The RDP Learning Network is a diverse group of community foundations and philanthropic organizations learning from one another innovative strategies to improve rural development philanthropy (RDP) practice and outcomes. The Aspen Institute's Community Strategies Group (CSG) manages the Network, with primary support from The Ford Foundation.
The mission of the RDP Learning Network is twofold:
- to broaden and deepen the understanding and practice of RDP, especially in regions challenged by persistent poverty
- to advance RDP impact by increasing the field's capacity to use action-focused, structured peer learning and to access technical assistance
To accomplish these goals, CSG collects and disseminates RDP tools, stories and strategic lessons to the community foundation and community development fields; develops opportunities for peer-reflection and peer-advice on RDP strategy and practice; cultivates partnerships and interaction among a continually expanding circle of RDP practitioners; and pursues other ways to spark new and stronger RDP pursuits.
Four Learning Questions
All of this work is organized around four Learning Questions, focused on community foundations but not exclusive to them:
- How can community foundations use grantmaking and program activities to enhance the economic security of low-income rural families and communities?
- How can community foundations raise significant endowment funds from and for rural communities to support rural community and economic development?
- How can a community foundation build a region's awareness that its identity and economic and social well-being depend upon both its rural and metropolitan areas?
- How can community foundations effectively address management, structural and governance challenges to more fully serve their rural areas?
Rural Development Philanthropy Learning Learning Network
The Aspen Institute
One Dupont Circle NW
Suite 700Washington DC 20036
Ph. 202.736.5804Fx. 202.293.0525
rdpinfo@aspencsg.orgwww.aspencsg.org/rdp