Melissa Levy presented an overview of the Ford Foundation’s Wealth Creation in Rural Communities initiative, which uses a systems approach to wealth creation, linking together the whole system of assets, producers and consumers in ways that benefit everyone and that build community wealth. Participants discussed the main tools of this approach - value chains and a wealth matrix with a focus on seven forms of wealth. The presentation included examples of work on the ground by grantees in our three regions, as well as the innovative structure of the initiative itself. The presentation included time for questions and answers as well as an exercise or two, allowing attendees to think about and share with each other how their work created outcomes and impacts on seven forms of wealth.
Thank you so much for your very well-received presentation. Your information and analysis of rural communities and needs were perfect. - Don Mathis, President and CEO, Community Action Partnership
