April 23–24, 2026
Rural Philanthropy Summit: Celebrating Innovation was held April 23–24, 2026, at Missouri S&T in Rolla.
Presented by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks and Philanthropy Missouri, the event kicked off Thursday, April 23, with pre-conference activities and a welcome reception. The conference, hosted at Missouri S&T’s Havener Center on Friday, April 24, featurede a keynote address, breakout sessions and more.
Keynote Address
More than “Not Urban”: Measuring Value and Impact in Service of Rural Communities
Presented by Andy Mink, Director of Rural Initiatives at the Smithsonian Institution
The Smithsonian’s Rural Initiative collaborates with local stakeholders to address key priorities identified by rural communities as essential to their economic, educational, and cultural health. Based on the results of a national Rural Needs Sensing research project conducted in 2025, this work repositions the Smithsonian as a public service rather than a destination in Washington, D.C. This session will share key findings of the research while outlining exemplar programs and projects based in communities across the nation as a measurement of value and impact. We will discuss a clear pathway for the Smithsonian, communities, and philanthropists to work together in service of rural people and places.
