Description

The Rural Funder Network and SWMO Funder Network will join forces for a series of site visits to explore innovative ways communities in Barry and Taney Counties are addressing local needs. 

At this meeting, you will have the opportunity to:

✅ Continue cultivating relationships among your regular Network(s) and have the opportunity to meet new funders interested in rural Missouri and/or southwest Missouri.

✅ Advance your Network(s)’ learning and action commitments as well as inform plans for 2026.

✅ Engage in experiential learning in Barry and Taney Counties through site visits and conversations with local leaders and community members in Shell Knob and Branson. 

SCHEDULE

All times are tentative and will be confirmed with registrants via email. Specific locations will also be shared with registrants directly.

Monday, November 3

12:45PM: Arrive in Shell Knob, MO

1:00 - 2:00PM, Shell Knob, MO: Our time together begins in Shell Knob, established in 1835 as a trading post and home to 1,254 today. Shell Knob remains unincorporated and straddles Barry and Stone Counties. 

2:00 - 3:30PM, travel time and break

3:30 - 5:00PM, Branson, MO: We will travel east to Branson, where we’ll see first hand a community collaborative effort that addresses housing, transportation, and quality jobs. 

5:15 - 7:00PM, Branson, MO: Our first day will conclude in a more relaxed setting with a delicious farm-to-table meal and special opportunity to hear from a community leader. 

Tuesday, November 4

8:30 - 10:15AM, Branson, MO: Networks will take time in the morning to briefly conduct a bit of business – checking in on shared learning and action efforts. We will also hear from Pam Yancey, the President & CEO of the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau, who will provide more insight to the role that tourism plays in shaping regional needs. 

10:15 - 10:30AM, travel time 

10:30 - 11:45AM, Branson, MO: We look forward to two site visits with nonprofits working to creatively meet the physical and mental health needs of the community. One is the first of its kind in Missouri! 

11:45AM - Noon, travel time

Noon - 1:30PM, Branson, MO: We will conclude with a working lunch that supports another local business, takes time for intentional shared debrief to make sense of our site visit experiences, and provides Networks time to plan for 2026.

Breakfast is on your own; lunch is included in registration.

ELIGIBILITY

PhilMO Members and any non-Member Missouri grantmaker/funder are welcome to register for this shared learning experience. Prior participation in the Rural or SWMO Funder Network is not required. PhilMO is able to provide complimentary registration to all participants through a generous United Philanthropy Forum grant.

*Grantmaker/funders include community foundations, private and family foundations, donor-advised funds, health conversion foundations, corporate foundations and giving programs, public religious charities, tax-supported funds, and federated or intermediary funds (e.g., United Way). 

LOGISTICS

Participants are responsible for their own travel (carpooling is encouraged!) and lodging. We invite all participants to honor the Rural Funder Network's commitment to invest not just our time but our resources in rural communities during PhilMO programs. 

TRAVEL

If you have the flexibility, take the scenic route. If you stop for a snack or to refuel in your travels, consider supporting a locally owned business. If you’d like to coordinate carpooling contact info@philmo.org for a list of registrants from your area.

LODGING

As an entertainment and tourism destination, Branson has no shortage of lodging options. We encourage you to seek out a locally owned option like The Ozarker Lodge (theozarkerlodge.com). Check back here or contact staff for possible group rates.

ACCESSIBILITY

Upon registration, you will be asked to share ways we may support your full participation in this program experience. If you have a last-minute need develop, please reach out. 

QUESTIONS

This program marks a transition for both the Rural and SWMO Funder Networks. Amy Wescott, the founding staff lead for both Networks, has transitioned out of her full-time role. She is continuing as a strategic consultant but no longer will lead Networks. We are delighted to share that Sarah Moody is joining the PhilMO team as a consultant. Two of her areas of focus will be working alongside Member-Advisors to lead the SWMO Funder Network and Rural Funder Network. Please direct questions her way at sarah@philmo.org. You may also reach the PhilMO team at info@philmo.org.