RPD® General Information
The Rural Philanthropy Days (RPD)® program provides a powerful opportunity for the state’s most influential funders, government representatives, business leaders and local nonprofit organizations to strengthen partnerships and better meet the needs of Colorado’s rural communities. Our results have continued to reflect success by providing increased access to resources, skill building opportunities for important local projects, and cultivating relationships on a regional scale.
Program Overview
Rural Philanthropy Days (RPD)® is a statewide program promoting excellence in Colorado’s rural communities by providing nonprofit leaders access to the resources they need to make an impact.
Based on pre-existing geographical partnerships, we have strategically divided Colorado’s 52 rural counties into 8 rural regions. Each of the regions has differing characteristics, identities, and needs that separate them from one another.
Each year, we work in collaboration with local community leaders and nonprofit professionals from two of the eight regions to plan and execute their own conference. Individuals who participate in the program are able to increase the effectiveness of their missions, build meaningful collaborations, and achieve fundraising goals.
When a region is not planning a conference, these same community leaders and nonprofit professionals help identify high quality trainings to meet their community’s needs. We expanded our program to include the regional Listening Tour and additional conference programming, which aims to engage funders, government officials, community leaders, and nonprofits in collectively identifying and addressing regional community needs.
Why Should I Attend a RPD® Conference?
RPD® program offerings are open to anyone who would like to be involved in philanthropic efforts to improve Colorado’s rural communities. Nonprofit professionals, government agencies, volunteers, board members, foundation staff, elected officials, and other community-minded individuals will benefit from participation.
RPD® workshops teach the skills necessary to work in a community or nonprofit organization, such as fundraising, financial management, volunteer management, board development, strategic planning, and leadership skills. The program relies on a strong and talented pool of the state’s leading experts to instruct its courses.
Five Reasons to Get Involved with RPD®!
- Attend quality workshops and improve your skills as a nonprofit professional;
- Network with other nonprofits in your region and begin new collaborations;
- Present to funders that you would otherwise not have the opportunity to meet, and increase your funding;
- Meet nonprofit professionals who have had the same challenges as you and learn how to overcome them through shared experience;
- Reinvigorate your passion for your role.
Statewide Funding Impact
Explore grants to rural Colorado
Grantseekers can use the Statewide Funding Impact Map to discover the number and dollar amount of grants awarded by region, by county, or by foundation. This project allows you to explore funding patterns in your region. Grantmakers can research giving levels across the state. We hope this new addition will provide valuable information to grantseekers and grantmakers across the state of Colorado.
Highlights from 2019
-
630 attendees between the two conferences
-
93% of grantseekers reported that RPD® increased their personal & organizational capacity
-
96% of funders felt that the roundtables established a relationship between grantmakers and grantseekers
-
90% of RPD participants attended a Funder Roundtable Session
-
97% of funders agreed that as a result of RPD® they have a better understands of the assets and collaborations in the region
-
Over $118,000 economic impact between the communities that hosted the conferences
Rural Voices
Check out these articles about issues affecting rural communities, written by those who live and work throughout the state.
