Resourceful Communities is a program within the Conservation Fund that works to uplift and support rural nonprofits – of which many operate in areas of great natural resource value.
They operate under the goal of a Triple Bottom Line: environmental stewardship, community economic development, and social justice. Their network of more than 500 grassroots and community organizations has done creative and innovative work to preserve natural resources, create 2,200 jobs, and advance a $12 to $1 return on investment.
Their work to support those efforts comes in several forms. They connect groups with helpful resources and provide small grants. They also provide technical assistance and capacity-building Assistance to organizations one-on-one, or at our workshops and convenings. Their Grassroots Convening in October was attended by 150 community partners representing town governments, nonprofits, schools, churches, and more.
Much of their strength lies not in their individual expertise, but in their network. Their relationships with their partners allows Resourceful Communities to make connections between groups. They often arrange Peer Learning Visits, where groups can learn from each other to develop new programs or solve problems. Their work focuses on developing natural, capital, and human assets in equitable community partnerships. Through this approach, they net sustainable and integrated improvements.