Beyond Funding: Rural Pathways’ Research and Impact Expertise
Photo by Kayley Spencer Photography
At Rural Pathways, we’re known for our work in funding and strategy, helping rural organizations secure grants and develop sustainable approaches to their missions. But there’s a third pillar of our work that we don’t talk about as much: impact.
This became clear to me (Staci) during a recent call with a regional leader who asked, “Who does your data analysis? Do you work with [external firm]?”
My response surprised them: “We do it all in-house. We’ve got you covered, with no need to outsource.”
Here’s what they didn’t know: Charity and I are both social scientists, which means we are trained researchers. I have a background in statistics, measurement, and program evaluation, while Charity is an ethnographer with a pedigree that includes a PhD from the University of Chicago and professional research experience at Rutgers. Our team of 11 affiliates brings diverse research experience across the full spectrum, from designing surveys and analyzing complex datasets to transforming findings into practical formats for sharing with stakeholders.
This conversation was a wake-up call. While our grant writing, funding strategy, and technical assistance work is well-documented, our research credentials and impact evaluation expertise may be less visible to our clients. Let me change that.
We Are Researchers First
Before Rural Pathways existed, Charity and I were academic researchers. Our training in social science research methods, data analysis, and program evaluation isn’t just background knowledge; it’s the foundation that informs everything we do. And we’ve built a team that shares this commitment to rigorous research.
Our affiliates bring expertise in evaluation and applied research. Whether you need survey design, quantitative analysis, qualitative interviews, mixed-methods approaches, or compelling data visualization, we have team members with specialized skills ready to dive in. This breadth of in-house expertise means we can handle complex, multi-faceted projects without outsourcing. This ensures consistency, quality, and cost-effectiveness for our clients.
Active in the Research Community
Our commitment to research extends beyond client work. We remain actively engaged in the academic research community, contributing to the scholarly conversation about education, rural development, and community-based solutions.
A recent example is my newly published article, “Exploring Open Pedagogy Principles: A Qualitative Study of Undergraduate Experiences,” in the Journal of Open, Flexible and Distance Learning. This qualitative study examined how 25 undergraduate students across the United States experienced open pedagogy principles in their coursework. Through surveys and interviews, we identified three key themes about authentic learning experiences: the importance of real audiences, the value of authentic connections over prescribed collaborations, and the need to rethink Creative Commons licensing education.
This research demonstrates our commitment to understanding how educational innovations actually work in practice—the same lens we bring to evaluating community programs and initiatives.
Impact: The Missing Piece of the Conversation
While clients readily understand our funding and strategy services, impact evaluation often gets less attention. Yet it’s arguably the most crucial piece of sustainable organizational development. Here’s why:
Without support, you may collect data that sits unused or miss the story behind the numbers.
With Rural Pathways, you get practical tools and tailored evaluation support to learn, adapt, and lead with insight.
Our Impact Services
Program Evaluation
We help you:
Track impact systematically
Strengthen what’s working
Communicate results effectively to funders and your community
Applied Research
Exploring a new program or big idea? We help you:
Understand your community’s needs through rigorous data collection
Co-create solutions that stick using participatory approaches
Make data-informed decisions that move your work forward
We specialize in participatory approaches, including Participatory Action Research (PAR), to ensure the people most impacted are central to the research process.
Flexible Capacity Support
Whether you’re just getting started or need help fine-tuning your approach, we provide practical support to fit your needs:
Guidance on collecting and interpreting data
Coaching to build in-house evaluation skills
Feedback on reports and data use strategies
A Complete Research Solution
What sets Rural Pathways apart is our ability to handle every aspect of your research and evaluation needs in-house. Our team can design culturally responsive surveys, conduct rigorous statistical analysis, facilitate focus groups, create compelling infographics, and translate complex findings into actionable recommendations for board presentations or funder reports.
This comprehensive approach means you work with one team from start to finish, ensuring your evaluation strategy aligns seamlessly with your funding goals and organizational strategy.
Moving Forward Together
Our three pillars—funding, strategy, and impact—work best when they’re integrated. The same research skills that help us write compelling grant proposals also ensure your evaluation data tells a powerful story. The strategic thinking that guides organizational planning also shapes how we design evaluation systems that actually get used.
Ready to explore how impact evaluation could strengthen your work?
Not sure where to start? Download our Impact Planning Guide, a practical resource to help you clarify what to measure and how.
Ready for a conversation? Schedule a Discovery Call to discuss your goals, challenges, and what's getting in the way. We'll develop a custom scope of work with transparent pricing and clear deliverables.
At Rural Pathways, we don't just help you secure funding or develop strategies; we help you understand what's working, communicate your value, and make informed decisions with the right data. Because rural communities deserve solutions that are well-funded, well-planned, and well-researched.
Citation: Anderson, Charity & Gilpin, Staci. (2025). Beyond Funding: Rural Pathways’ Research and Impact Expertise. Rural Pathways News.