Dear Reader,

Right now, Renewing the Countryside and the communities we serve are facing an unprecedented challenge. The ongoing federal funding freeze has placed critical programs on hold, creating deep uncertainty for farmers, food systems, and communities across the country. 

At this moment, RTC is awaiting more than $350,000 in federal funding reimbursement for work we've already completed.

So today, we ask for your immediate, emergency support, as the uncertainty ahead is unlike anything we’ve faced before.

While we are hopeful these funds will eventually be released, the delay is straining our ability to continue the vital work we’re known for.

While we are actively working to adapt, identify new sources of funding, and/or secure bridge-funding, the reality is that this disruption will result in needing to pause several of RTC’s key programs. 

What does this delay of funds mean for RTC’s work?

• Without the release of these federal grant reimbursements, we are forced to significantly scale back our work within the next month—including staff furloughs and a pause on providing critical resources and support to farmers when they need it most.
• RTC’s Go Farm Connect program, which helped connect 484 farmers to crucial cost-share, financial, and conservation resources in 2024, has had to pause the majority of its work until funding is restored.
• The newly launched Minnesota Women in Conservation program—already reaching over 1,500 women farmers, landowners, renters, and beginning farmers in its first six months—would be forced to pause operations. 
• The Farmland Access program—which has been crucial in assisting beginning farmers find affordable land—will pause, leaving over 50 farmers without the one-on-one support they’ve been receiving.

How You Can Help

• Donate Today – Your support will ensure our work continues. Click here to make an immediate, emergency donation to RTC. Consider becoming a monthly, recurring donor, which provides reliable, steady support to sustain RTC’s work year-round.
• Advocate – Contact your representatives and urge them to unfreeze funding for farmers, local foods work, conservation, and more. Find your representatives here, and check out these sample scripts for emails and phone calls. 
• Share – Help us spread the word. Forward this email to your network or share our social media posts. If you have a story about the federal funding freeze, click here to share with us.

Because of supporters like you, we’ve stayed resilient and adaptable in our work for over 20 years. Your continued, increased, or renewed support will help us navigate this unprecedented moment and protect the progress we’ve made serving farmers, food systems, and broader communities.

We appreciate all you do for Renewing the Countryside and the broader work being done. Thank you for standing with us in this critical moment.

With immense gratitude, 

Jan Joannides, Executive Director and the RTC Team

P.S.  We know we are not the only ones experiencing this challenge. Many of you are experiencing the effects of the federal funding freeze firsthand. If you are not in a place to support RTC’s work, and/or need assistance, please reach out to any RTC staff member. We will assist in whatever way we can. We’re in this together.