Our Mission

Building sustainable rural communities through a keen focus on place, teachers, and philanthropy.

Celebrating 10 Years of Rural Schools Collaborative

As we celebrate Rural Schools Collaborative’s 10th anniversary in 2025, we are filled with gratitude for the journey alongside rural educators, students, and advocates. What began as a desire to support rural schools has grown into a national movement, with impact far beyond what we ever could have imagined. At the root of it all are partnerships, collaboration, and a shared unconditional belief in the possibility of rural places.

In 2021, RSC’s founding director, Gary Funk, passed the torch to new leadership. His family created a $50,000 endowment for RSC, signaling a belief that our impact would continue into an unknown future.

In 2024, our Board of Directors made a commitment to match the Funk’s endowment in advance of our 10 Year Anniversary. Through a special campaign honoring our Founding Board members, we exceeded the goal of $100,000 in endowment, affirming yet again that RSC is here to stay.

Thank you to all who have been a part of the first decade of RSC. We are thrilled to celebrate with you!

Rural Schools Collaborative Timeline

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Who We Are

Rural Schools Collaborative maintains a small, dedicated team to support our Regional Hub Network programs and partnerships.

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RSC Programs

As a collaborative network, the many partners of Rural Schools Collaborative make possible our diverse programs dedicated to building strong and sustainable rural communities.

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Theory of Change

Every rural community needs well-resourced schools, talented educators, peers to support them, and a positive outlook for the future.

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Regional Hub Network

Our Regional Hub partners provide RSC with a flexible and cost-effective organizational infrastructure. They are vehicles for authentic place-centered learning, teacher support, and shared reflection.