Partners for Rural Impact

Grants can be transformative in rural places, but they’re not “free money.” They take strategy and work. Join us as Johna and Amanda kick off the Rural Grants Workbench, breaking down what grants are (and aren’t) and previewing what’s ahead. 🔗 Register: ow.ly/WGFa50YPw6m

Reflecting on #RuralSummit26, we’re grateful for the ideas, energy and connection shared in Buffalo. Rural leaders came together to exchange insights, lift up what’s working and build momentum for young people to have both roots and wings. See you in Omaha in 2027.

CEF Member Highlight: This week, @PartnersRural hosted their annual Rural Summit in Buffalo, NY. The Summit brought together nearly 700 rural advocates from across the country to share expertise and make meaningful connections. Please consider joining PRI in Omaha next year!

What happens when people from rural communities come together with a shared purpose? #RuralSummit26 showed us. Ideas were shared, partnerships grew and new possibilities took shape. More than a moment. It’s a movement, for rural, with rural. Thanks for being part of it!

Belonging isn’t just a feeling. It’s a foundation for opportunity. At #RuralSummit26, Tamarack Institute leaders explored how belonging connects to education and economic mobility, and how communities can build it through design, shared leadership and youth-centered spaces.

“Your story is my story, just in a different place.” Young leaders from across the country shared stories, art and experiences at #RuralSummit26 hosted by PRI and the Tamarack Institute. Rural youth aren’t just the future of their communities. They’re shaping them right now.

Across dozens of breakout sessions today, #RuralSummit26 attendees shared practical strategies for strengthening partnerships and expanding opportunity for rural youth. Thrilled to see so much collaboration and idea-sharing happening across the Summit.

With the new 503A accounts for infants and children, complete one form and your baby could receive $1,000 in a long-term growth account that could grow into $6,000 or more by the time they turn 18. Our 4-minute video explains how it works: youtu.be/0qiSCcKQc1A

We’re unveiling a new logo and brand for Partners for Rural Impact, connecting our roots in Appalachia with a growing movement to support rural communities nationwide. Built on the belief that demographics should not define destiny. For Rural, With Rural. #RuralImpact

In Letcher County Public Schools, a bold, student-centered approach is paying off. Chronic absenteeism dropped from 61% to 33%, showing what’s possible when rural communities lead. Proud to amplify this bright spot. Read the story: partnersrural.org/connecting-wit…

PRI President and CEO Dreama Gentry will join national leaders Mar. 5 at @hgse’s Askwith Forum, College Access Starts at Birth: Lessons from Rural America, for a conversation on higher ed and access for rural youth. Register for free in person or virtual: calendar.gse.harvard.edu/en/36YmkP6/g/5…

Now’s the time to lock in your spot. Early bird pricing for #RuralSummit26 is available through Feb. 14! Join rural leaders from across North America to learn and connect. April 12-15 | Buffalo, NY Register: cvent.me/0Bwlm9 Hosted by PRI and the Tamarack Institute.

Starting in 2026, a new tax-advantaged investment option will help children build long-term financial security, expanding access to wealth-building tools and helping level the playing field for families historically left out of long-term financial systems: partnersrural.org/an-opportunity…

The Rural Summit turns connection into a movement. Learn alongside rural leaders who understand the rural experience and leave with new tools and relationships to take back home. 📅 April 12-15 📍 Buffalo, NY 🔗 Register now: cvent.me/0Bwlm9 #RuralSummit26

We’re proud to partner with @NationSwell and others who know the complexity of rural life and the barriers to philanthropic funding. Rural communities are rich in leadership and potential but remain underinvested. Lasting impact starts with partnership. nationswell.com/investing-in-r…

Every Rural Summit is built on the voices & solutions of rural communities. Join us April 12-15 in Buffalo for inspiring talks, interactive sessions & connections that strengthen cradle-to-career pathways. 🔗 Register: cvent.me/0Bwlm9 #RuralSummit26 #RuralEducation

We’re proud to contribute to the Rural Insights Hub, a Center on Rural Innovation initiative giving rural leaders and communities the data they need to strengthen education, make informed decisions, and create lasting impact. Learn more: ruralinnovation.us/blog/cisco-fue…

We’re excited to announce our first #RuralSummit26 speaker: Lisa M. Lawson, president & CEO of @AECFNews! Lawson will reframe adolescence as a powerful time of growth and show how we can better support young people on the path to adulthood. Register: cvent.me/0Bwlm9

From all of us at PRI, we wish you a joyful and peaceful holiday season! May this time be filled with rest, connection, and moments that matter with family, friends, and community. Wishing you warmth and happiness throughout the holidays and into the new year.