Wynn Rosser

Wynn Rosser

President and CEO, T.L.L. Temple Foundation

Wynn Rosser joined the Lufkin, Texas based T.L.L. Temple Foundation as President and CEO on September 1, 2016. He previously served almost 10 years as the chief executive of Greater Texas Foundation. Prior to Greater Texas Foundation, Rosser worked 14 years at Texas A&M University in faculty, staff, and senior administrative roles. He is known for his commitment to cross sector partnerships and to improving life outcomes–especially for low income and rural residents–and for his regional approach to grantmaking and philanthropic leadership. Rosser is past chair of the Grantmakers for Education Board of Directors and is an alumnus of the Texas Lyceum. An advocate for Texas public education, Rosser is chair of the Texas Education Grantmakers Advocacy Consortium (TEGAC). He is a lecturer in the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University. Rosser earned an associate degree from Kilgore College and baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral degrees from Texas A&M University. The Rossers live outside the city limits and are from multigenerational rural Texas families. Wynn and Manda are raising three children on a small farm with more than 50 animals from a variety of species.

Contributions

Rural Funders Peer Network: Rural Libraries as Community Hubs

Posted on February 9, 2024 by Erin Borla, Wynn Rosser

Rural libraries are more than repositories of books. They are community anchors that are hubs of learning, connection and cultural enrichment. These libraries provide an array of services that cater to people of all ages, backgrounds and socioeconomic status. Young families, school kids and seniors alike are able to access information, educational support, and cultural enrichment, all in safe and inclusive spaces. [1] Libraries in… Read More

Rural Funders Peer Network: Connecting with Peers to Share Successes and Opportunities

Posted on December 14, 2023 by Erin Borla, Wynn Rosser

Use this opportunity to share experiences of best practices for working in rural areas, discuss tactics and strategies, and connect with funding and partnering opportunities to leverage your investments and increase impact. This conversation will focus on successes and opportunities. Please come prepared to share! Some questions to consider: What initiatives are you attempting? What are you funding? What is… Read More

Rural Places as an Equity Strategy

Posted on December 1, 2023 by Michelle Lemming, Erin Borla, Wynn Rosser

Two farmers in a field looking at soy crop at sunset
Designed for family philanthropies that work in or are curious about rural areas, this session will offer insights to supporting rural communities. Learn how an equity strategy should include rural areas, and explore the unique challenges and successes of investing in and working with these communities. Attendees will gain knowledge in the similarities between urban and rural funding, including the… Read More

The Black Belt Community Foundation: Taking a Multi-Faceted Approach to Rural Funding

Posted on August 23, 2023 by Felecia Lucky, Erin Borla, Wynn Rosser

The Black Belt Community Foundation (BBCF) utilizes a variety of funding sources and partnerships to pursue its philanthropic mission and to provide services to its rural region and rural constituents. BBCF President Felecia Lucky will discuss how the community foundation aggregates resources from individuals and other grant programs to fund their work. She will also share broader implications for private philanthropy’s engagement with rural… Read More

Rural Funders Peer Network: Connecting with Peers to Share Successes and Opportunities

Posted on May 23, 2023 by Erin Borla, Wynn Rosser

Use this opportunity to share experiences of best practices for working in rural areas, discuss tactics and strategies, and connect with funding and partnering opportunities to leverage your investments and increase impact. This conversation will focus on successes and opportunities. Please come prepared to share! Some questions to consider: What initiatives are you attempting? What are you funding? What is happening… Read More

Rural Funders Peer Network: Workforce Development in Rural Communities

Posted on November 28, 2022 by Katie Hughes, Gretchen Schmidt, PhD, Dr. Ben Stafford, Erin Borla, Wynn Rosser

In rural communities, where populations are more dispersed and farther from major job centers, labor markets face different challenges than those in urban areas. Currently labor shortages in healthcare and education are particularly acute in rural areas. But investment in workforce development tailored to rural communities can significantly improve this situation. Join us for a conversation to learn about best… Read More

Rural Funders Peer Network: Rural Capacity Building–The Rural Partners Network

Posted on November 28, 2022 by Christine Sorensen, Lee A. Jones, Erin Borla, Wynn Rosser

The Rural Partners Network (RPN) is a government program where a number of federal agencies collaborate together with rural communities to find resources and funding to create jobs, build infrastructure, and support long-term economic stability. RPN has created community networks in several states to help federal agencies develop improved service delivery models, program processes, and funding priorities for the benefit… Read More

Rural Funders Peer Network Topical Call & Networking

Posted on April 26, 2022 by Erin Borla, Wynn Rosser

Join your peers to network and discuss topics of concern for philanthropic families who are place-based rural funders. As NCFP launches the Rural Funders Peer Network, we are pleased to offer this collaborative space for family funders working in rural areas to create connections and share strategies and stories with others across the country. This event will provide an opportunity… Read More

Rural Funders Salon

Posted on September 10, 2021 by Erin Borla, Wynn Rosser

Family foundations and other funders and donors focused on serving rural communities face special challenges—lack of infrastructure, lack of partners, and often lack of urgency from state and federal government entities. NCFP is pleased to offer this collaborative space for family foundations and other funders with a rural focus seeking to create connections and share strategies and stories with others… Read More

Rural Funders Salon

Posted on June 23, 2021 by Erin Borla, Wynn Rosser

Registration is now closed. Family foundations and other funders and donors focused on serving rural communities face special challenges—lack of infrastructure, lack of partners, and often lack of urgency from state and federal government entities. As detailed in NCFP’s 2018 report, Pride of Place, family foundations are traditionally among the most place-based of all funders, with deep and lasting connections… Read More