Rural communities across the U.S. are too often framed by what they lack — rather than by the deep assets, leadership, and innovation they already hold. Yet rural places face persistent gaps in philanthropic investment, infrastructure, and long-term capital, even as they are critical to the nation’s economic, cultural, and civic future

In this virtual convening, NationSwell, the Walton Family Foundation, and Delta Philanthropy Forum will explore what effective, community-centered rural investment actually looks like in practice. Drawing on insights from the Mississippi-Arkansas Delta — a region that reflects both the challenges and the promise of rural America — we’ll highlight how place-based strategies rooted in trust, listening, and long-term commitment can unlock opportunity.

Through dialogue with funders and community leaders, participants will examine how to align capital with local priorities, rethink scale in rural contexts, and invest in ways that strengthen workforce pathways, economic mobility, and community resilience. Attendees will leave with concrete principles and questions to guide smarter, more impactful rural investment — informed by real lessons from the Delta and beyond.

Speakers:

• Robert Burns, Director of the Home Region Program at the Walton Family Foundation
• Sherra Bennett, Equity Officer at the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation
• Justin Burch, President, Delta Compass