Session Description: Anchor institutions are rooted in their local communities by mission, invested capital, or relationships to local residents. While this definition has historically pointed to universities and hospitals, the meaning of “anchor institutions” is expanding to include entities such as arts and culture venues, libraries, museums, schools, financial institutions, and municipal governments. Anchor institutions are powerful economic engines in rural communities as sources of jobs, procurement contracts, capital investments, and drivers of local identity. This conversation will build from a dialogue that started at WPN’s 2023 Statewide Conference on Philanthropy and will focus on how funders can promote strong economic ties between anchor institutions and local communities. This will be a round-robin style discussion. We encourage you to bring examples from your own communities about the role funders can play in partnering with and strengthening anchor institutions in communities across the state.

Audience: This event is open to all current WPN members.

RSVP: Please use this link to RSVP. You'll be able to add call-in details to your personal calendar once you RSVP.

Questions: For questions about this event or any other WPN program related activities please don’t hesitate to contact Kristi Anderson - Director, Programs and Research - at kanderson@wiphilanthropy.org.