Why is Small Town and Rural Philanthropy So Important?

Most of America's wealth is concentrated in urban areas. As a result, most of the country's charitable assets (like grantmaking foundations and larger nonprofit organizations) are located here, too. And, because people tend to give their charitable dollars in the communities where they live and work, it is unlikely that large amounts of charitable assets will move from urban areas to small towns and rural communities.

However, rural communities have their own assets with which to develop charitable funds. In fact, our research shows that the rural South is home to a large number of high-income earners and even millionaires. Even those who don't appear to be particularly wealthy may have an increased amount of disposable income and assets. In fact, assets like land, timber, mineral rights and farm equipment can all be used to create charitable gifts.

By pooling the gifts of all of a community's members - not just the wealthy - small town and rural commuities can build up significant charitable assets with which to improve their community's health and quality of life.