How To Raise: Outside the Metro: Why Rural Donors Matter and How to Reach Them

Rural donors are often overlooked, yet they possess deep community ties, unique assets, and a strong sense of responsibility to future generations. This session explores how to identify and engage these often under-tapped philanthropists through culturally competent strategies that respect rural values and build lasting relationships. Topics will include land gifts from farmers and ranchers, contributions of mineral rights, livestock, and row crops, and how to navigate the advantages and challenges of geographic distance. Attendees will also learn how shifting internal cultural assumptions about rural communities can unlock transformational giving. Learning Objectives: Understand the philanthropic landscape of rural communities, including the role of non-cash assets such as land, livestock, and mineral rights. Identify common barriers and misconceptions that hinder effective rural donor engagement, including geographic isolation. Apply culturally competent strategies to cultivate and steward rural donors through major gifts, planned giving, and community-based campaigns.