West Sacramento, Calif. — Rural Community Assistance Corporation is pleased to announce this week that it has received a $250,000 Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation Rebuilding Better Grant. RCAC will use the funds to launch a pilot advocacy program with Native American entrepreneurs in New Mexico.
RCAC will invite the entrepreneurs to join a cohort of their peers and other stakeholders to learn how to effectively advocate for themselves, while educating legislators about the challenges and barriers to success that they face The pilot project aligns with one of six strategic directions the RCAC Board of Directors approved earlier this year: Collaborate with grassroots and Indigenous-led organizations that provide infrastructure, housing, lending and other essential services in Indigenous communities.
“This is a unique and critical opportunity for RCAC to deepen its collaboration with New Mexico’s Indigenous communities through leveraging our experience with their deep knowledge and understanding of policy driven grassroots issues and challenges faced by entrepreneurs. Using their authentic voices to address longstanding inequities is powerful and essential,” said Suzanne Anarde, RCAC’s Chief Executive Officer.
“It’s important for entrepreneurs to have a voice in policy discussions that affect the communities they live and work in. We’re excited about these projects because these organizations work closely with the entrepreneurs in their communities and understand what it takes to engage entrepreneurs in conversations with policymakers at all levels,” said Jennifer Kelly, program officer in Entrepreneurship at the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation.
About the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation
The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation is a private, nonpartisan foundation based in Kansas City, Missouri, that seeks to build inclusive prosperity through a prepared workforce and entrepreneur-focused economic development. The Foundation uses its $3 billion in assets to change conditions, address root causes, and breakdown systemic barriers so that all people—regardless of race, gender, or geography—have the opportunity to achieve economic stability, mobility, and prosperity. For more information, visit www.kauffman.org and connect with us at www.twitter.com/kauffmanfdn
About RCAC
Founded in 1978, RCAC provides training, technical and financial resources and advocacy so rural communities can achieve their goals and visions. RCAC serves rural communities in 13 western states and western Pacific islands. Services are available to communities with populations of fewer than 50,000, other nonprofit groups, Tribal organizations, farmworkers, colonias and other specific populations. RCAC staff provides direct services in program areas including affordable housing, environmental services, economic development and lending. About RCAC
Media contact:
Julia Helmreich, director
Communications, Development & Events
(916) 447-9832 ext.
jhelmreich@rcac.org
