Support for Rural Colorado Schools Survey - Opportunities for Philanthropy to Address District Needs

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by Mia

Report based on the Support for Rural Colorado Schools survey conducted in October 2021 by Bellwether Education Partners, focusing on rural Colorado charter schools and districts. The document analyzes urgent needs reported by 81 leaders, highlighting staffing shortages, mental health and emotional support, and academic support after disrupted instruction. It outlines key findings on awareness of philanthropic funding and partnership patterns, then recommends five actionable ways philanthropic funders can collaborate while minimizing grant burden and strengthening sustainability.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages51

Reading Time2 h 9 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Survey Data and Analysis

Recommendations for Philanthropic Organizations

Conclusion

Appendix A: Methodology

Appendix B: Regional Profiles

Endnotes

Acknowledgments About the Authors

REVISED FEBRUARY 2022 Support for Rural Colorado Schools Survey Opportunities for Philanthropy to Address District Needs Katrina Boone, Paul Beach, and Juliet Squire Table of Contents Click on each title Introduction Survey Data and Recommendations for Philanthropic Organizations Conclusion Appendix A: Methodology Appendix B: Regional Profiles Endnotes Acknowledgments About the Authors About Bellwether Education below to jump directly to the corresponding section. Analysis Partners 4 6 24 29 30 32 47 49 50 50 Introduction hether in the western region of the state or the plains of the northeast corner, Wehgorool uannddhdiasstrcioclinueadetoEsffittsundtoer tunde frsteaetndoftCheonloreeoo’s ruf Crolaolcrahdaor’er school communities early in the COVID-19 pandemic surfaced challenges with providing internet access, digital devices, and personal protective equipment, and meeting the basic needs of low-income families hit hard by the economic impacts ofthe pandemic.1 Since then, vaccines have rolled out, many schools have reopened for in-person learning, and the federal government has directed $190 billion in relief to support schools and students in recovery. Asthe pandemic has shifted from an acute crisis to a persistent and destructive threat, the needs and challenges facing rural Colorado communities have evolved. Unfortunately, these needs are no less profound. In a constantly changing landscape, the perspective of local charter school and district leaders is essential to understanding and supporting on-the-ground needs. But it’s hard to discern leaders’ perspectives through standard reporting requirements or anecdotal media accounts. To shed light on the needs facing students and schools in rural Colorado, Bellwether Education Partners conducted the Support for Rural Colorado Schools survey in October 2021. We asked rural charter school and district leaders in Colorado to tell us about the most urgent challenges they face and the kinds of support they’d find most useful. We also sought to understand how philanthropic funders in Colorado could best support them at a time when schools have access to an abundance of public relief dollars but limited time and capacity to envision or implement their use. [ 4 ] Bellwether Education Partners This report shares new data about the needs of students and schools in rural Colorado and the challenges and opportunities for collaboration among rural leaders and philanthropic funders. It also recommends five ways philanthropic funders in Colorado can best support rural students and schools in the months and years ahead: 1 Bring funding, networks, and creative solutions to address urgent staffing needs and shortages. 2 Keep grant application processes and reporting requirements at a minimum. 3 Stay flexible in grantmaking priorities to provide support across the myriad challenges rural communities are facing. 4 Support rural charter schools and districts in navigating the sustainability of their efforts, whether funded by philanthropic or public dollars. 5 Provide non-monetary support, including opportunities to connect and collaborate with those who are outside the school or district but equally dedicated to supporting the success of rural students. Sidebar 1 Key Findings From the Support for Rural Colorado Schools Survey • Rural Colorado charter school and district leaders most often cited addressing staffing needs and shortages, providing mental health or emotional support services for students and/or families, and providing academic support for students to address the impact of interrupted instruction as their most urgent needs. • Overall, more than six in 10 charter school and district leaders reported that addressing staffing needs or shortages is among their three most urgent needs; 34% cited it as their most urgent need. • While most charter school and district leaders said they plan to use public fund

FAQs

What survey data does the report use?

The report uses responses from 81 rural charter school and district leaders collected in October 2021 across districts, charter schools, and eight geographic regions.

What urgent needs are most frequently cited by rural leaders?

Leaders most often cite staffing needs and shortages, mental health or emotional support services for students and families, and academic support to address impacts of interrupted instruction.

How can philanthropic funders best support rural schools and districts?

The report recommends five approaches: funding and networks for staffing, minimizing grant paperwork, staying flexible with priorities, supporting sustainability for both public and philanthropic efforts, and providing non-monetary connections and collaboration.

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by Mia