Reinvesting in Agricultural Communities & Growing Innovation
Rural Advancement Foundation International
Presenters: Joe Schroeder& Jean Willoughby
Reinvesting in Agricultural Communities
“The Big Picture” ● Tobacco communities in
economic erosion
● National Ag Census trends -- not so good
● Philanthropic dollars -- going elsewhere
● Follow the resourceful ones
Tobacco Communities Reinvestment Fund
History | The MSA meant each state could figure out how to spend their settlement. RAFI helped create the infrastructure for redistributing funds to family farmers in NC.
Impact | 17 years. ~$6 million dollars. 500+ farmers. Incredible results and lasting impact on rural communities.
Demonstrated Potential as a Model Program | Micro-financiers, take note! Philanthropists, give us a call!
VIDEO: Happyland Farms in Central NC Check out the whole story at: http://vimeo.com/29158782
Growing Innovation
● Kickstarter campaign (Jan - Mar 2014)
● Online Library (Mar - Dec 2014)
● Interactive Map (Mar - Sept 2014)
● 1st Book Project (July - Aug 2014)
● 2nd Book Project (Sept 2014 - 2015)
Our Campaign
● Crowdfunding
● Powerful visuals and compelling stories
● Investment from diverse stakeholders
Mapping ProjectFollow our progress online: www.rafiusa.org/growing-innovation