DEL NORTE— Online registration is open for the San Luis Valley Rural Philanthropy Days (SLV RPD) conference, which takes place Sept. 17-19 in Del Norte, showcasing the beautiful San Luis Valley. The theme of the event is “Rich History, Bright Future”- and there’s plenty of both in the SLV!

Representatives from San Luis Valley nonprofits will have an exclusive opportunity to connect with over 30 Colorado foundations during this unique three-day event. Nonprofit, government, business and community leaders from Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla, Mineral, Rio Grande, and Saguache counties are all invited to attend. The local organizers wish to create a memorable meeting experience for all.

For 28 years, local communities have worked to coordinate Rural Philanthropy Days (RPD) in partnership with the Community Resource Center, the Anschutz Family Foundation and statewide grantmakers. The RPD program provides a powerful opportunity for the state’s most influential funders and local grantseekers to strengthen partnerships to better meet the needs of rural Colorado communities. The conference results in increased access to resources, relationships and skill building opportunities for important local projects.

SLV RPD is expecting over 200 attendees for the September 2019 conference including representatives from private and government funders. The three-day event begins with a regional “Town Hall” discussion with funders, local governments, nonprofit representatives, business owners and community members to learn about challenges and successes in our region. The conference includes workshops and presentations and culminates in “Funder Roundtables,” at which nonprofit representatives discuss their projects and programs with grantors and receive immediate indication from funders about whether they would welcome a funding proposal for the project or organization.

2019 events, speakers and presentations highlights include:

Nonprofit Leadership and Skillbuilding

• Maximizing Colorado Gives Day; Developing a Salary Matrix; Focusing your Evaluation; Next-Level Marketing; Digital Tools for Nonprofits; Planning for Smooth Transitions in Executive Leadership; Executive Director Success and Sanity; and Staff and Volunteer Motivation.

Financial Management

• Impact Investing; Financial Statements; and How to Obtain Donations through State Income Tax Refunds

Development

• Grant Writing; Leveraging Funding through Planning and Collaboration; and Pre-Flight Checklist for Capital Campaigns.

Engaging Diverse Populations

• Changing our Narrative about Aging and Ageism; Census 2020; and LGBTQ Health in Colorado.

Nonprofits, grantseekers, funders and grantmakers are all encouraged to attend and be involved in this collaborative process.  Register online at SanLuisValleyRPD.org.

To see the complete schedule, register, review lodging options, fill out an application for a scholarship, and get updates visit SanLuisValleyRPD.org. Follow SanLuisValleyRPD.org or contact Kim Smoyer, RPD Event Coordinator, at [email protected]  or 710-530-1124 for more information.

Rural Philanthropy Days is a statewide program of Community Resource Center (CRC). CRC is a Colorado nonprofit that creates opportunities, tools and strategies to develop nonprofits and community groups to strengthen Colorado.