Venango, Clarion, & Forest Counties, PA – Bridge Builders Community Foundations, in partnership with the Center for Rural Ministry at Grove City College, is launching the application for the Center for Rural Ministry Rural Impact Fund on Friday, August 29, 2025. The program will provide targeted grant funding to Christian congregations serving rural and small-town communities, with the goal of equipping them to meet pressing needs and deepen their role as trusted community anchors.
The Rural Impact Fund is rooted in the belief that churches in rural areas are uniquely positioned to foster connection, provide essential services, and bring people together—especially in places where civic resources and infrastructure are limited.
“This initiative is about more than funding—it’s about strengthening the social fabric of rural communities by supporting the churches and supporting the special role they play in our communities,” said Trenton Moulin, President & CEO of Bridge Builders Community Foundations. “We want to give congregations the tools they need to serve their community in deeper and impactful ways.”
Dr. Charlie Cotherman, Executive Director of the Center for Rural Ministry at Grove City College, added, “In rural communities and small towns, churches often function as anchor institutions that connect and serve a wide array of individuals and community organizations. We believe that this new partnership between the Center for Rural Ministry and Bridgebuilders Community Foundation will further enable this important work in local congregations.”
Through this collaboration, Bridge Builders Community Foundation and the Center for Rural Ministry aim to inspire innovative approaches to community outreach, foster partnerships between churches and local organizations, and highlight the important role these congregations play in strengthening rural communities now and into the future.
Applications for the Rural Impact Fund will be available beginning August 29.