Family foundations have always been a force in rural communities. Two major factors influence this consistent presence: First, the wealth of many philanthropic families was developed and generated in rural environments, in industries like timber, mining, agriculture and manufacturing. Second, family foundations and individual donors often maintain a presence in rural communities that extends across generations. Many of these legacy family funders are in their third and fourth generations, with younger family members maintaining close ties to the rural aspects of philanthropic investment.

As rural communities shift and change over time, family funders need to adapt strategies to reflect both community change and the evolution of family philanthropic interests. Join us for this session to hear how family foundations and donors are currently doing this in collaboration with rural communities. 

Speakers

Erin Borla, Executive Director and Trustee, Roundhouse Foundation

Erin Borla (she/her) is an Oregonian — born and raised in Central Oregon and the granddaughter of Oregon’s own tough mother, Gert Boyle of Columbia Sportswear. For nearly 20 years, she has worked with and for nonprofit organizations that support rural communities with innovative economic strategies. Her dedication to supporting rural spaces through listening, collaborating and open and honest sharing of ideas helps her elevate community partners throughout her work.
 

Erin has served organizations such as OSU-Cascades, Sisters Park & Recreation District, Central Oregon Regional Solutions Committee, Oregon 4-H Foundation, OSU Extension Service in Deschutes County and others. She has been a trustee for the Roundhouse Foundation of Sisters, Oregon since 2014 and stepped in as the organization's first executive director in early 2020 at a time of rapid growth for the Foundation. 

Erin holds a bachelor’s degree in agricultural sciences from Oregon State University and a master of tourism administration degree from George Washington University. She is pursuing her professional certificate in Tribal relations at Portland State University’s Mark O. Hatfield School of Government and was just selected as a Fellow for the National Center for Family Philanthropy. 
 

Patricia Kelly Leo, Executive Director, The Florence M. Muller Foundation and Emil Muller Foundation

Patricia has 25 years of philanthropic experience. She joined The Florence M. Muller Foundation in 2018 as the foundation’s first executive director and became the executive director for the Emil Muller Foundation in 2019. The foundations serve six counties in New York’s Finger Lakes Region including cities that rank high in childhood poverty and surrounding rural areas known for their dairy and crop farms, apple orchards, vineyards and wineries along the shores of the region’s Finger Lakes.

 

Stephanie Schlecht, Executive Director, Schlecht Family Foundation

Stephanie Schlecht is the executive director of the Schlecht Family Foundation. As the name suggests, she is the daughter of its founders, who own Duluth Trading Company. The foundation made its first grants in 2017, and until 2022 focused exclusively on Dane County, Wisconsin. Within that geography, the foundation has three grantmaking programs: Meaningful Work, Connections to Nature and Education for Life and Work. Guided by its values - Grit, Growth and Breaking New Ground – the foundation is expanding its work into rural areas of Wisconsin starting in 2023.

Prior to starting the foundation, Stephanie worked at organizations that span the social sector including: nonprofit (Mercy Corps), philanthropy (The David and Lucille Packard Foundation) and a founding B Corporation (Give Something Back). Currently, Stephanie sits on the boards of the Wisconsin Philanthropy Network and the Center for Community and Nonprofit Studies at the University of Wisconsin.

Stephanie grew up in Mt Horeb, Wisconsin but resides with her family in Charlottesville, VA. She holds a bachelor's degree from Indiana University and an MBA from Thunderbird School of Global Management.

 

Background

Philanthropy Northwest's Rural Funders group is an opportunity for rural funders from across the country to discuss topics and learn best practices alongside peers who serve rural communities.

Registration and Sponsorship

In 2023, the Rural Funders Group calls will be free to Philanthropy Northwest members and $50 for non-members. Members must log in to register and get the member rate. 

If the series is relevant to your work and you wish to underwrite or sponsor the eight-call series in 2023, please contact Lyn Hunter. We’d welcome your support.