A few recent connections have me re-energized and re-focused on some truly amazing opportunities facing our rural communities, all through the power of philanthropy.
A blog post by a friend and colleague, Jeff Yost, President & CEO of the Nebraska Community Foundation, has me thinking about our similar work here in rural southwest Minnesota. The Nebraska Community Foundation led the charge on very important research about the Transfer of Wealth that is shaping the work of many community foundations serving rural areas throughout the country.
In a past blog post, I shared an overview of why the wealth transfer is so critical to our southwest Minnesota communities. Retaining wealth is vital to retaining the services we need and the quality of life we value. By keeping wealth local even through generational transfers, we make sure we’re keeping opportunities available for us and future generations looking to make our communities home.
And, earlier this week, I attended a conference hosted by the Lumina Foundation and was blown away by the connections and conversations. They have set a BIG audacious goal: By the year 2025, 60 percent of Americans have a high-quality postsecondary credential.
Minnesota Data provided by Lumina reminds us that 70 percent of Minnesota jobs will require postsecondary education by 2018. 2010 data tells us Minnesota is at 45.8 percent. Between now and 2018, Minnesota will need to fill 902,000 vacancies resulting from job creation, worker retirements and other factors. Of these job vacancies, 620,000 will require post secondary credentials.
The most incredible part about these opportunities is that we ALL play a part in them. Anyone can be a philanthropist, it doesn’t matter the amount you give. And, everyone has something to give back to their community—time volunteering, mentoring a new leader, running a business, supporting causes and organizations, promoting the great things happening there.
I can’t wait to see the impact as community foundations and our amazing rural community members continue working together!
