The BlackRock Foundation has announced a $1.5 million grant over two years to Partners for Rural Impact (PRI), a national organization focused on improving outcomes for children and youth in rural communities across the United States. This commitment aims to bolster economic mobility by enhancing PRI's ability to connect with rural leaders, secure funding, and build local capacity.
Rural areas face numerous challenges, such as high poverty rates, limited healthcare access, and shrinking economic opportunities. Despite 20% of Americans living in these regions, they receive only 7% of private philanthropic capital. The BlackRock Foundation's investment seeks to address this disparity.
"Place matters and rural residents across the nation are working to strengthen their rural places," said Dreama Gentry, CEO of Partners for Rural Impact. "With the grant, PRI can better support these rural leaders and practitioners."
PRI plans to expand its national movement by onboarding senior leaders and investing in internal systems. This will create pathways for private foundations to fund local initiatives. The funding will also support public-private solutions through matching micro-grants for state and federal funding.
Over the next two years, PRI aims to impact 1,500 rural practitioners by providing tools and training. It also intends to host regional summits as part of its role as a convener.
"At The BlackRock Foundation, we're committed to helping Americans achieve financial security," stated Claire Chamberlain, President of The BlackRock Foundation. "PRI's 'cradle to career' place-based approach deeply impressed us with its potential."
This initiative is part of The BlackRock Foundation's broader effort to enhance economic security by partnering with organizations that empower young Americans through education and career opportunities.
The BlackRock Foundation focuses on increasing economic security for low- to moderate-income households by promoting saving and investing habits. Partners for Rural Impact leads efforts to accelerate outcomes for 14 million children in rural America through leadership convening and funding activation.