Rural by Design is made possible with a grant from the McGregor Fund. The McGregor Fund is a private foundation established in 1925 by gifts from Katherine and Tracy McGregor “to relieve the misfortunes and promote the well-being of mankind.” The foundation awards grants to organizations in the following areas: human services, education, health care, arts and culture, and public benefit.

Additional project funding is provided by the Ohio Humanities Council. The Ohio Humanities Council, established in 1972, is funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities and private contributions “to increase Ohioans’ appreciation and understanding of the humanities.” Based in Columbus but operating statewide, the Council promotes the humanities in Ohio through collaborations with cultural and educational institutions.