National Learning & Funding Partnership

Neighbor participates in national funding collaboratives that focus on strengthening civic life in rural communities.

Through partnership with Trust for Civic Life, we join a network of funders investing in locally led “Civic Hubs” across rural America.

In 2025 alone, the Trust awarded $9.9 million in grants, raised $19.48 million in new funds, and distributed 66 percent of funding to priority regions including the Black Belt, Central Appalachia, Tribal Lands, and the Southwest Border . The Trust has now awarded $19 million in total grants to rural communities .

Research released through the Trust shows that while national trust is declining, trust in local institutions remains strong, and action-based community efforts are more effective than dialogue alone in building belonging and agency .

These insights inform Neighbor’s own work. By participating in national partnerships, Neighbor both contributes to and learns from a broader movement committed to rural vitality.

Neighbors collaboration with Trust For Civic Life is an example of a grant that aligns with our collaboration & research and learning pillars. It falls into our Horizon grant making.