Introducing the Frontier Forward Collaborative – Clear Paths to Funding and Program Guidance Support for Remote Community Success
Navigating grant programs and finding funding can be complex and time consuming. Connecting and working with other organizations and small governments that share concerns, approaches and methods isn’t easy.
The Frontier Forward Collaborative team helps build collaborations between nonprofits, and county and city governments so remote communities can access competitive federal, state, and foundation funds, build resources to manage funds, and develop long-term strategies that connect Social Determinants of Health to community health and sustainable economic growth.
Because small communities have limited resources and often don’t have grant writers, economic development specialists, or community health positions that can act as liaisons with nonprofits and other small governments, their ability to access large federal and state community-wide grants is limited.
Additionally, many local program offices from the USDA to Health Departments have moved out of remote and rural communities into metropolitan areas. Small community service occurs at arms length, if at all.
Our community-centric approach addresses these disconnects with focus on relationships and the authentic cultures of small towns and remote areas. Founded with seed funding from Freeport McMoRan, this program continues to grow, and frequently supports NCFC Prevention and Wellness and Food Systems programs.
A long term goal is to create and support a cooperative network of frontier and rural community resources for greater impact and efficiencies locally, regionally and nationally.
Case study: Food Bank of Eastern New Mexico
The FFC team helped the Food Bank of Eastern New Mexico board and staff write a succession plan so the work will continue to move forward even as leadership changes. Already a successful nonprofit handling food insecurity across five different counties, we secured underwriting by the Anderson Foundation to help them get to the next level. Additional work around stakeholder engagement, advocacy and resource and leadership development was also done. Post consultation they have increased their reach and have upgraded much of their equipment.
How the Frontier Forward Collaborative can help
Specifically we:
- Simplify complicated funding processes, including stimulus fund acquisition.
- Improve community capacity to handle grant writing, program and project management
- Clarify and offer support in federal and state fund management
- Build collaborations across community resources including towns, counties, and cities with non-profits, community foundations, the United Way, Economic Development Corps., and others.
- Provide guidance around unique challenges and cultural considerations.
How can we help your community?
Get in touch with us and we can discover together how to make great things happen for your community.