National Study Tour Lessons Learned
During the National Study Tour to Washington, D.C. participants answered three questions relevant to their visit to our nation’s capital. Below you will find the questions with some of the answers included.

If you wish to discuss this at greater length, please contact Linsley Matteson at lmatteson@winrock.org.

What did you learn (or do) this week that will help your organization or community?

Silas H. Hunt Community Development Center said, “It gave us a first-hand understanding and a second-hand appreciation of the immeasurable contributions Winrock is making (individually and collectively) to nonprofit organizations and rural cities across the Natural State”.

The contacts participants made with different grant sources were helpful and will likely provide avenues for future contact and assistance. This included the exposure of projects to different agencies and learning the grant process at each agency.

The contact and discussion with Senators and Representatives provided the opportunity to discuss participants’ local projects as well as have an open discussion on the needs and challenges in rural communities.

One participating organization noted that Winrock International is “waiting and ready to help” and assist in “starting in the right direction”.

Many learned that it’s necessary to have detailed plans before summiting a grant application.

Participants from Glenhaven Youth Ranch said, “In our view, funds used for this program were well spent.”


What lessons did you learn this week?

Phillips Community Developmental Center noted, “We learned that there are other small communities in Arkansas that ware struggling just as ours. If we keep in contact and share the experiences, we may be able to assist each other to grow or cry on each others shoulders".

Some participants said they learned of the importance of congressional staff as liaisons to Members and the need to build relationships with these staff members.

Other participants noted the importance of communication and collaboration between different groups was a key lesson learned.

The City of Smackover said the learned “more about Winrock International and how so many people benefit from this and other programs they sponsor”.


What priority actions are you going to do when you get home as a result of this trip?

Most participants said they were going to register at Grants.gov.

The City of Gould said they plan to hold a town meeting to get citizen input for better community relations and quality of life.

Along the same line New Zion Community Services Center in Helena-West Helena said they plan to have a community meeting and use the radio to “spread the good news about what’s available and encourage others to get involved”.

Many organizations said they intend to stay in contact with Winrock International to follow through on ideas expressed during the visit.

They also plan to maintain and enhance the relationship with Winrock and the Arkansas Congressional Delegation to assist and advise on future plans and growth.

Pictured: Nonprofit Improvement Program participants meet with Congressman Mike Ross in his Washington, D.C. office.