MONTE VISTA — Once every four years, a stunning event takes place where Colorado funders and grantmakers trek to the San Luis Valley for the Rural Philanthropy Days (RPD) conference, a three-day event that creates the opportunity for rural nonprofits to connect with foundations and funding sources in order to build nonprofit capacity, foster and grow relationships and fuel regional collaboration that leads to increased grant dollars being awarded to rural communities like those found in the San Luis Valley.
This year, the Community Resource Center, who organizes and oversees the RPD events, anticipates more than 75 funders and grantmakers will come to the Valley. The conference, which runs from Sept. 11 to Sept. 13, will be held at the Ski-Hi Complex in Monte Vista with evening receptions in downtown Alamosa.
It’s difficult to overestimate how valuable this event is for those in the nonprofit sector, not only because of the extraordinary opportunity to connect with new and different funding resources but also for nonprofit professionals, grantmakers, community leaders, distinguished speakers, and elected officials to exchange knowledge and establish meaningful relationships across their professional networks in the region.
The conference also offers professional development, educational opportunities, and relevant panel discussions pertaining to the promises and obstacles of operating a nonprofit in the San Luis Valley region.
Featured events include facilitated tours in the San Luis Valley, a regional town hall, a panel discussion highlighting actional change told through lived experiences, networking receptions, and capacity building sessions on the economic impact of nonprofits, building effective coalitions, and intersectionality in the nonprofit sector.
During the San Luis Valley Nonprofit Community Fair on September 11, regional nonprofits and local governments will have the opportunity to host a table where their peers, statewide leaders, and funders can approach them to connect and learn more about their work. Through this session, funders and nonprofit organizations have the opportunity to develop a mutual understanding of one another in a relaxed environment.
"Rural Philanthropy Days (RPD) conferences stand as flagship events in rural Colorado”, says CRC Co-Board Chair, Leslie Baldwin. “These conferences are born out of collaboration with community leaders, fostering dialogue and tackling key topics shaped by their firsthand experiences. This platform allows nonprofit professionals to engage directly with statewide funders, partake in professional development opportunities, and connect with fellow community leaders from across the region. Whether aiming to lay the groundwork for new initiatives or amplify existing efforts, RPD offers a vital space for networking and growth."
Jason Medina, Executive Director of the Community Foundation of the San Luis Valley notes that "Rural Philanthropy Days are the perfect opportunity for urban nonprofit funders to gain a deeper understanding of rural challenges and opportunities, build relationships with local leaders and communities, and address the unique needs of rural nonprofits. This allows funders to build more inclusive and effective funding strategies, to make more sustainable and meaningful impact, and to promote greater equity in their investments in rural work."
“This conference is so important because of its lasting impact,” said event Co-Chair, Karla Shriver. “Participants learn new skills, network with other non-profit leaders, governmental staff, business leaders and potential funders from all over the state. You can draw a direct line from the impact of this conference to increased support for non-profits and individuals living in the San Luis Valley.”
Registration is currently open and those who are interested should go to https://crcamerica.org/programs/rural-engagement/regional-websites/san-luis-valley/2024-slv-rpd-workshops-and-speakers/
