THE RURBAN FRINGE

On Collaborative Funding

Further to my thoughts on funders, I was delighted to learn several major grantmaking agencies and organizations from Alberta met this week to explore the possibility of working together in just such a way.
I assume collaboration and partnerships were the focus of discussion. 
There are challenges of bridging across different missions, grantmaking strategies and methods, as well as levels of engagement and [...]

On Funders

Funders fund their own mandate, not yours.  And therein lies the challenge.
While I’m working at a fortunate time … there are now more funding streams available to not-for-profit activities and projects than ever before … there are also some pretty tight strings attached to said funds, forcing many organizations to try and make a square peg [...]

The Impacts of Rural School Consolidation

Rural schools have always played an important role in their communities by providing both an education and fostering a community’s sense of identity.
Beyond their educational function, rural schools are used for sports.  Music and theatre.  Community events.  And are increasingly vital for the cultural and economic development of their communities.
Vibrant communities generally have schools; dying [...]

The Economic Impact of Community Pathways

Pathways are a vital component of a well-built and responsive community.  Not only do pathways and trail systems encourage alternate means of transportation, they also provide green space and can link neighbouring communities and businesses, contributing to economic stimulation of these areas.
By encouraging local governments to create thoughtful, well-planned pathways systems, residents and visitors will [...]

Everyone Must Row With the Oars He Has

Andy Nulman at Pow!  Right Between the Eyes! has posted one of the most accurate definitions of leadership I’ve seen in some time …
“Leadership is when you take full responsibility for things totally out of your control.”
And leadership skills will always be in demand.
Yet many rural and rurban communities lack the internal capacity to recruit [...]

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