The Rural Philanthropy Summit: Celebrating Innovation, presented by Philanthropy Missouri and the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, will feature rural experts and seasoned practitioners on the power of storytelling, collaboration, and other timely topics.
The fourth-annual Summit will kick off on Thursday, April 23 with an evening welcome social. The Summit will open on Friday, April 24 with a keynote speaker followed by two rounds of breakout sessions. The day's agenda will also include a plenary panel discussion and plenty of built-in time to connect with like-minded funders and rural partners.*
*Please note: Agenda, including breakout offerings, is subject to change.
Please review the breakout sessions. When registering, indicate your top two sessions.
More than "Not Urban": Measuring Value and Impact in Service of Rural Communities
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, DC. 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.
Andy Mink, Director of Rural Initiatives
Smithsonian Institution
Andrew T. Mink (Andy) has served as the founding director of the Smithsonian’s Rural Initiative since 2023. He provides leadership in shaping and growing the initiative in order to establish the programmatic and operational infrastructure necessary to execute pan-institutional collaborations that expand the reach of the Smithsonian’s resources, expertise, and programming.
He joined the Office of the Undersecretary of Education after successful years as the vice president of education at the National Humanities Center (NHC). Mink began his career in higher education in 2001 as the director of education and outreach with the Virginia Center for Digital History at the University of Virginia. He later served as the executive director of LEARN NC in the Peabody School of Education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
After earning degrees in history from the University of Virginia and the University of South Carolina, he taught in a public middle school in rural central Virginia for 10 years. Mink has been named National K–12 Educator of the Year by the National Society of Experiential Education and Outstanding Support for Geography Education by the National Council for Geography Education during his work as an educator. He is currently listed as a Distinguished Lecturer by the Organization of American Historians.
Finally, Mink is a dedicated service leader. He has served on numerous local, regional, and national Boards of Directors, including multiple terms on the National Council for the Social Studies, National Council for History Education, and North Carolina Outward Bound School. A native of rural eastern Virginia, his background and wide-ranging set of professional experiences inform his deep commitment to community-based partnerships.
We welcome any Funder who invests in Missouri to register for the Rural Philanthropy Summit, whether you are currently funding in rural Missouri or are interested in learning more. We also welcome Rural Partners, such as community action agencies, regional planning commissions, governmental agencies, chambers of commerce, community partnerships, regional associations, academic institutions, and other infrastructure organizations.
We kindly request that other types of nonprofit direct service organizations not register for this event.
If you have a question about your eligibility, please contact info@philmo.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
Breakout Session Descriptions
4/23/2026 Pre-Summit Social (All Registrants Welcome): 5:30-6:30 PM
4/23/2026 Affiliate Action Grants and Award Celebration (CFO Registrants Only): 6:30-7:00 PM
4/24/2026 Rural Summit (All Registrants Welcome): 7:45 AM-2:00 PM
Missouri S&T, Havener Center
Hotels Blocks Available (Rural Philanthropy Summit):
Comfort Suites Rolla | 573.677.4004 | 1650 Old Wire Outer Road, Rolla, MO 65401 | $119.99/night (Group #5208759)
Fairfield Inn | 573.426.4300 | 1670 Old Wire Outer Road, Rolla, MO 65401 | $145.00-$155.00/night
Last Day to Book: Sunday, March 1, 2026 | Book your group rate for Rural Philanthropy Summit
PhilMO Member: $75
CFO Affiliate/Board: $75
Missouri Funder: $150
National (Non-Missouri) Funder or PSO: $150
Rural Partner: $150
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