Written by: Krystal Grimes, LPC
“We all do better when we all do better” - Paul Wellstone
Belonging is not something rural communities must seek permission to experience. It’s a human need that requires co-creation, connection and investment. For generations, rural communities, especially those traditionally excluded, have been on the margins of economic and social systems. Yet, these communities embody resilience, innovation, and a deep sense of shared history. It is here that philanthropy has a crucial role to play in not just funding initiatives but in cultivating a collective culture of belonging that centers these often-overlooked communities.
As a rural community leader, mental health professional, and nonprofit founder (HEAL Alliance), I have witnessed firsthand the power of belonging to drive social change. In my own journey, philanthropic support has been essential to realizing the dreams of my community. But it's not just about financial backing, it's about funders stepping into the work with a heart-centered approach, guided by curiosity and a willingness to unlearn traditional systems of exclusion. Following years of grassroots advocacy, learning, consulting and more, here are a few lessons that I have gleaned from my experiences.
Belonging Requires Inclusive Engagement: Belonging in rural communities is rooted in inclusive engagement. Philanthropy must move beyond the traditional approach of granting funds to 'approved' entities and look instead at how it can foster real connection. This requires funders to be present, to spend time in communities, not just as observers but as true partners. By doing so, philanthropy can support rural communities in a way that acknowledges their inherent value and capacity for self-determination.
Your permission is not needed to belong: What we need are allies who understand the intricacies of our shared histories, struggles, and potential. Philanthropy must become an internal champion for equity, seeking out diverse leaders who are already doing the work in rural spaces and supporting them in brave, bold ways. For too long, rural communities have been seen as recipients of charity, rather than as the engines of change they truly are. This may look like funding opportunities being guided by the observations of funding partners, versus funding driving the actions that happens in communities. Philanthropy can and must shift that narrative by trusting rural leaders to define their own futures.
Philanthropy Must Push for Racial Equity: Philanthropic institutions must lead by example when it comes to racial equity. With recent attempts to stop or diminish progress of DEI efforts, this action will take time, attention and care. This is not about checking a box or fulfilling a diversity quota—it’s about challenging the systems that perpetuate inequities in rural areas and beyond. Philanthropy has the power to influence and inspire, and it must do so by ensuring that grantees represent underrepresented founders and community leaders. This can be done by amplifying the voices of rural leaders who are working to dismantle structural inequities, whether in education, place, health, mental health or economic opportunity.
Universalism: At the core of this approach is a universalism paradigm; one that frames the need for funding as a necessity for all, not just a select few. By understanding who is in their networks and sharing that knowledge with grassroots leaders, funders can open doors that have long been closed to rural communities. This requires humility, the willingness to admit when they don’t know the answer, and the courage to trust rural leaders to solve their own problems, with the right resources.
Funding with Imagination and Curiosity: Imagination is a vital resource in rural communities. In my own experience, imagination, storytelling, and dreaming have been essential tools in healing and envisioning a future of equity. The best solutions come not from imposing outside/outdated models but from listening deeply to the stories and needs of community, moving strategies from an intellectual headspace and into one that is heart-centered. When funders approach their work with curiosity, they begin to understand the complexities of rural life. This requires funders to partner with rural leaders in more meaningful ways, supporting approaches that may not fit the conventional mold but are no less powerful in creating belonging and wellbeing.
A Call to Action for Philanthropy
Philanthropy has a unique opportunity and responsibility to be a force for good in rural communities. Without the courage of funders who were willing to see me and my community, change would have been harder to attain. But because they trusted our leadership, provided resources, and believed in the strength of our shared histories, we are now able to reclaim the stories told about us.
In rural communities, we are more alike than different. We need truth-tellers who are willing to stand with us as we unlearn the structures of oppression that have kept us divided for so long. Through reconciliation, collective memory and acknowledgment of historical trauma, we can begin to heal; individually and collectively.
Philanthropy must partner with rural communities in this journey—not as saviors, but as collaborators. While these lessons may feel like common sense to come, they require funders to be bold, to trust, and to act with the understanding that rural communities are not broken. We are rich with knowledge, strength, and the will to build a better future. We simply need philanthropy to stand with us, to see us, and to support us in the brave work of belonging.
This article was inspired by my work as a DEIB Consultant in rural Texas and recent trip to Oakland, California where i gained a wealth of knowledge at the Othering and Belonging conference hosted by UC Berkeley and the Othering and Belonging Institute.
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