This week’s Leadership newsletter looks at happenings in rural America for a better understanding of how philanthropy can raise up communities that are often overlooked. First, to recoup a $45 million budget shortfall, West Virginia University has proposed massive cuts to the humanities. Students and faculty have fought back, but the impact of devaluing education continues to resonate throughout the region and beyond. Next, most foundations agree stakeholders should have a greater say in where grants are distributed. Yet few follow through. What can be done to change this? Then, from our Eradicating Rural Poverty: The Power of Cooperation series, rural America is often imagined as White, but rural poverty affects millions of people of color from Texas to the Mississippi Delta—and one coalition of CDFIs is seeking to address this. Finally, do you ever struggle to navigate the power and responsibility that comes with being a manager? Join Jakada Imani and Monna Wong of The Management Center live on October 26 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. (ET) for an essential review of strategies and techniques for effective management in a social change context.