The primary purpose of this directory is to identify for the grant-seeker some of the major national, regional, and local foundations that fund programs benefitting rural people. Included is an overview of other sources of private sector assistance such as churches and businesses that should also be considered. Several aids are provided to facilitate and enhance use of the directory. A key explains and clarifies the data categories used to present information on each foundation. Each of the 54 foundation profiles includes: its name, address, and telephone number; a contact person; a section on primary interests; recent (mainly 1977) financial data on assets; grants (total amount and number, as well as the range and types); whether an annual report is prepared and/or available; and a code designating the foundation as national, regional, or local. In the next section, insights are provided on the process of researching and approaching foundations for funding, and includes an annotated bibliography of foundation guides and references. In the final section, the foundations are indexed alphabetically, by geographic area of grantmaking, and by subject area of grantmaking interest (e.g., arts, agriculture, community development, education, health and health services, minority groups, research areas, women, and youth). (BR)