Reinvesting in Agricultural Communities & Growing Innovation

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