The Equitable Rural Philanthropy Program works to heighten the awareness and capacity of philanthropic entities to engage in rural communities. Our primary goal is to increase philanthropic investment in addressing intersectional rural equity issues of race, place, and class as a mechanism for systems change.
The Local Partnerships for Public Funding Program develops and facilitates collaborations between statewide and community-based partners. Collectively leveraging their diverse strengths and skills, they work to ensure that federal funds are used to do the maximum good in their communities.
The Nonprofit Capacity Community provides coaching, resource tools, and support for nonprofit leaders to achieve greater impact and sustainability within their organizations and communities. It often serves as a liaison between larger funders and community-based organizations.
NCIDR is a collaborative of public, non-profit, and faith-based organizations. We amplify community voice and advocate for inclusive decision-making and equitable outcomes in planning for, recovering from, and making our communities more resilient to disasters. We started working together after Hurricane Matthew in 2016 as a way for statewide, mainstream organizations to be allies to community-based leaders.
MDC offers an internship to honor the late Dan Broun, a staff member who championed place-based strategies to improve outcomes for marginalized people in rural communities in the South.
Rural Forward identifies, strengthens, supports leaders to make rural counties healthier and thriving.
The Race Matters Institute works toward a more just and vibrant nation where every child, family and community thrives. For more than a decade, RMI has helped government units, nonprofits, community-based and regional organizations, philanthropies, and state and national networks become more race-informed and equity-focused in their work.
Oak Foundation and MDC partnered to launch the Oak-MDC Emerging Leaders Fellowship (ELF) to support young leaders interested in social change, offering them an opportunity for practical experience as they learn how philanthropy can promote equitable systems-change.
The Investing in Leaders of Color (ILOC) Fellowship is a one-year leadership- and capacity-building initiative to acknowledge and support the work of twelve leaders of color who serve communities of color throughout the Carolinas.
The Autry Fellowship is a two-year professional experience for early career professionals interested in equity-centered research and policy in the U.S. South.
MDC’s Equity Centered Philanthropy and Leadership practice seeks to support a relational, ethical, and collaborative process of people and institutions fostering positive change that addresses the systemic impact of racial equity at the intersections of economic, gender, and other types of equity.
Expand economic opportunity and help communities and states grow stronger through just tax policies and access strategies.
Strengthening the systems that connect people to the resources they need to build stability and opportunity across the South.
Building the partnerships and systems that create quality jobs and stronger workforce pathways.
Building the knowledge, protections, and strategies that help people navigate debt and build long-term financial well-being across the South.
In partnership with Oak Foundation, LENS-NC operates at the intersection of race, educational equity, and learning differences to advance stronger policy and practice by building a learning and action network across North Carolina.
MDC serves as the activating agency for the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust’s Great Expectations early childhood initiative, a $40 million, 10-year investment focused on ensuring children in Forsyth County enter kindergarten ready to learn and leave set for success in school and life–regardless of their race, location, or economic status.