Council on Foundations Partners with USDA
Memorandum of Understanding formalizes working relationship to improve economic opportunities for rural Americans.
Compiled by staff
Published: Aug 19, 2011
USDA has signed an agreement with the Council on Foundations to provide new sources of capital, new job opportunities, workforce investment strategies, and identification of additional resources that can be used to spur economic growth in rural America.
The Memorandum of Understanding sets forth a cooperative framework for creating new sources of rural wealth to improve the quality of life of rural Americans; identifying community assets that can be used to produce new economic opportunities; promoting new partnerships in workforce investment strategies; and developing innovative, effective and sustainable methods of collaborating to benefit rural communities.
"This partnership sets a path to greater economic opportunities for rural communities by ensuring a better use of resources," Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack said. "Under the Obama Administration, USDA is partnering with philanthropic organizations to effectively leverage funds to improve the quality of life and create jobs in rural America. Working together, the government and its partners will boost the effectiveness of efforts to create economic opportunity in communities and regions of our Nation that need support."
In his speech to philanthropists last month during the Council on Foundations Rural Philanthropy Conference in Kansas City, Mo, Secretary Vilsack called on philanthropic organizations to work with USDA to forge new partnerships to remove barriers to rural investment. Today's announcement furthers that goal.
"This memorandum represents two important initiatives of the Council on Foundations," said Steve Gunderson, the Council's president and CEO. "First, we're absolutely committed to growing philanthropy's role in creating better lives in rural America. And second, at this time of limited resources, public-private-philanthropic partnerships can help increase collaboration and impact. This partnership reflects both goals, and we look forward to working with Secretary Vilsack and his team to achieve these goals."
The MOU provides for a survey of existing programs and investments that further economic opportunities; linking of resources that are complementary; and coordination on common agendas and projects.
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