Rural communities can escape cycles of decline by investing in people-centered infrastructure—like child care and housing—to build long-term economic and social resilience.

Small nonprofits can strengthen donor retention by personalizing communications, offering diverse engagement opportunities, promptly expressing gratitude, demonstrating impact, and implementing recurring giving programs—ensuring long-term support and organizational stability.

Rural Pathways works extensively with rural childcare centers, but one key question remains for caregivers: How do you know when child care is no longer needed?

Rachel Phelps, an executive coach and Rural Pathways Affiliate, emphasizes that supporting Gen Z in the workplace requires adaptability, inclusivity, and clear communication.

Environmental scanning is a strategic tool that helps organizations—both businesses and nonprofits—analyze external factors, identify opportunities and threats, and make informed decisions to remain adaptable in a rapidly changing environment.

Grant expert and bestselling author Holly Rustick unpacks federal grant changes—banned words, executive orders, and funding shifts—in her latest blog, with a free Federal Grant Trigger Word Replacement Checklist to help nonprofits stay compliant and competitive.

At the 2025 Nonprofit Finance and Sustainability Conference, Rural Pathways led a panel on sustaining childcare nonprofits, exploring funding strategies and the critical connections between childcare, housing, and workforce sustainability.

Strong grant proposals require careful preparation, alignment with funder priorities, clear objectives, and a structured approach.

Join the Rural Pathways Research Panel to share your insights through surveys, focus groups, or interviews. Help shape the future of rural organizations and businesses!

Employer-supported child care boosts workforce productivity, economic growth, and employee retention while leveraging tax incentives to create a more competitive and family-friendly business environment.

Strategic planning and sustainable funding go hand in hand, providing organizations—whether nonprofit or for-profit—with a clear blueprint to align their goals, prioritize resources, and secure long-term financial stability.

Federal funding in 2025 will likely boost rural infrastructure, broadband, workforce development, and public safety, while cuts to block grants and environmental funding may require proactive engagement.

Solving the child care crisis isn’t just a political concern—it’s essential for building resilient workforces and fostering dynamic local economies.

Is Minnesota ready to take its foot off the gas when it comes to child care? With funding levels set to decline significantly after FY25, the long-term impact on child care access and affordability remains uncertain.

Business partnerships offer nonprofits more than just funding—they create opportunities for strategic growth, visibility, and long-term sustainability.

The Minnesota Legislature is currently reviewing child care budget proposals that impact families, providers, nonprofits, and workforce development. Speaking up can help ensure child care remains a top priority.

A SWOT analysis is planning tool that assesses an organization's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. It’s often a crucial first step in strategic planning.

We are thrilled to be part of the 2025 Nonprofit Finance & Sustainability Conference, hosted by the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits and Propel Nonprofits. Join us for our virtual session, “Sustaining Childcare Nonprofits: Strategies, Successes, and Lessons Learned,” on Thursday, February 27, from 1:30–2:30 PM CST.

Developed by Rural Pathways and funded by the Northland Foundation, the 2024 Getting Funding Ready Pilot enhanced the financial resilience of five nonprofit child care centers in Northeastern Minnesota by addressing operational and funding challenges through tailored capacity-building and strategic guidance.

The Mapleton Economic Development Authority (EDA) received a $175,120 DEED grant, written by Rural Pathways, to fund the Child Care House—an innovative prefabricated facility addressing the local child care shortage while supporting community growth and workforce development.