1. programming on
a blank slate:
a case on grant
making in rural
poverty
Candace Thomas, Olivia Evans &
Stephanie Gandolfo
2. About Robert Armstrong
Grant maker from India
Ford Foundation’s New York headquarters
Director of Rural Poverty & Resources
Had to define the contours of the program
3. Question 1
By what processes does Armstrong define his goals for the Rural
Poverty and Resources Program?
Goal: to bring awareness to rural poverty and issues
Thought of the name of the division & priorities
Spoke with people who were knowledgeable about the “frontier
topics”
Conducted his own research
Brought up statistics in conversation
Shared notes and ideas
Thought about what the project WAS and WAS NOT
5. Question 2
What are Armstrong’s goals for the Rural Poverty and Resources
Program?
Bring awareness to rural poverty
Make people knowledgeable about statistics of rural poverty compared
to urban poverty
To not associate the program with agricultural issues
6.
7. Question 3
Which of the four proposals that Armstrong is considering should he
fund, and why?
The Southern Water Project
Main focus: healthy water & boost the economy
Good reputation
Share similar goals with Armstrong and the Ford Foundation
8. Work Cited
http://www.loansandcredit.com/poverty-in-
america/
http://visualizingeconomics.com/2007/08/11/
united-states-poverty-map/