A presentation from RAFI for Cross Currents: Art + Agriculture

1. Reinvesting in Agricultural Communities
& Growing Innovation
Rural Advancement
Foundation International
Presenters: Joe Schroeder
& Jean Willoughby

2. Reinvesting in Agricultural Communities
“The Big Picture”
● Tobacco communities in
economic erosion
● National Ag Census trends --
not so good
● Philanthropic dollars --
going elsewhere
● Follow the resourceful ones

3. Tobacco Communities Reinvestment Fund
History | The MSA meant each state could figure out how to
spend their settlement. RAFI helped create the infrastructure for
redistributing funds to family farmers in NC.
Impact | 17 years. ~$6 million dollars. 500+ farmers. Incredible
results and lasting impact on rural communities.
Demonstrated Potential as a Model Program | Micro-financiers,
take note! Philanthropists, give us a call!

4. VIDEO: Happyland Farms in Central NC
Check out the whole story at: http://vimeo.com/29158782

5. Growing Innovation
● Kickstarter campaign (Jan - Mar 2014)
● Online Library (Mar - Dec 2014)
● Interactive Map (Mar - Sept 2014)
● 1st Book Project (July - Aug 2014)
● 2nd Book Project (Sept 2014 - 2015)

6. Our Campaign
● Crowdfunding
● Powerful visuals and
compelling stories
● Investment from
diverse stakeholders

7. Mapping Project
Follow our progress online: www.rafiusa.org/growing-innovation