How to Fund Narrative Ecosystems

The article How to Fund Narrative Ecosystems underscores how philanthropy can more effectively strengthen movements by investing in long-term, collective narrative infrastructure rather than isolated projects. It highlights the importance of centering relationships, ecosystem approaches, and practitioner expertise to build durable narrative power that advances justice and equity. This orientation mirrors the Aspen Community Strategies Group’s mission to elevate practitioner voices, facilitate peer learning, and drive systemic changes in philanthropic and public funding. Together, these efforts emphasize that sustainable prosperity in rural and Indigenous communities depends not only on economic investment but also on reshaping the stories that define opportunity and belonging.

Aspen Institute Community Strategies Group
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Building Capacity in Rural & Indigenous Communities

Insights and learnings from rural practitioners on how organizational capacity and technical assistance can be carefully and intentionally strengthened to grow economies, health, and livelihoods for each and every person in their regions.

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Volunteer places a 'Vote Here' sign outside a rural community center before polls open.
A Reminder To Reporters: If You’ve Seen One Rural Place … You’ve Seen One Rural Place

By shaping accurate narratives, we can drive fair and just investments and policies that honor the people and places at the heart of rural and Indigenous communities.

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Measuring Community Capacity Building Workbook

This is a workbook focuses on improving the ability of individuals, organizations, businesses, and government in their community to come together, learn, make well-reasoned decisions about the community’s present and future, and work together to carry out those decisions.

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Ten Books for Rethinking Rural and Indigenous Development

Stories shape how we understand people and places. This list highlights narratives and research on the systemic forces affecting rural and Indigenous communities.

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How Rural Development Hubs Can Strengthen Rural Health Transformation Program Implementation

Rural Development Hub leaders say new funding like RHTP works best when regions interpret it against existing priorities, coordinate it through existing partnerships, and adapt it to local context — rather than treating it as a distinct program.

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Ten Podcasts Focused on Rural Community and Economic Development

Check out our roundup of podcasts highlighting important issues about and to rural communities and Native nations.