Support Iowa Valley RC&D on Great Give Day
When you support Iowa Valley RC&D on Great Give Day, you’re directly investing in Iowa’s food future and helping local farmers build resilience when they need it most.
Today is the Community Foundation of Johnson County’s Great Give Day!
You can support the work of the nonprofit sector in Johnson county by making a gift (or become a monthly donor!) to organizations throughout the area who are making a difference in our community.
Like many nonprofits nationwide, a significant portion of Iowa Valley RC&D's funding comes from federal grants. As government funding and social services become less reliable, the need for our services is growing rapidly. We're mobilizing to fill the gaps in our local food communities while remaining firmly committed to our farmer development programs.
Your support enables us to provide vital land access, education, and technical assistance to Iowa farmers, strengthening the viability and resilience of our local food system while also building up the next generation of small-scale farmers. Our programs empower 75 farmers annually through on-farm demonstrations, paid apprenticeships, fellowship opportunities, land, market, and equipment access, and specialized farmer coaching programs.
Introducing: The New Century Farm Fellowship
This year, Iowa Valley RC&D is preparing to launch our brand-new farmer development initiative, the New Century Farm Fellowship (NCFF). Up to five beginning farmers will be hired as professional staff, receiving an hourly wage and competitive employee benefits throughout the two-year program.
NCFF isn’t just another farm training program – it’s an investment in the future of agriculture in our region. We’ve designed this fellowship to build a network of skilled, passionate farmers who are not only equipped with the technical skills to farm successfully, but are also supported by a community network and other resources to help them establish and grow their businesses. By offering paid employment for two full years, the NCFF program aims to ensure that fellows can commit to their training without the financial stress that often comes with starting a new farm business.
Click here to learn more about the program, or reach out to kenna@ivrcd.org!
Why Your Support Matters Now
Despite our readiness and the critical need for this initiative, the ongoing uncertainties in federal funding have delayed the launch of NCFF. We remain committed to providing the full program experience we’ve designed for our fellows – without compromising on quality or cutting essential components.
This is where your support becomes crucial. Your contribution on Great Give Day will help us move forward with this important program despite federal funding uncertainties. With community backing, we can ensure that new and aspiring farmers receive the full benefit of our fellowship program without delays or reductions in scope.
When you support Iowa Valley RC&D on Great Give Day, you’re directly investing in Iowa’s food future and helping local farmers build resilience when they need it most.
More Ways to Support Iowa Valley RC&D
To become a monthly donor or to give a one-time donation, click here.
Buy merch from our Raygun shop!
For every item sold, 40% goes directly back into our program to help us grow more produce for our food pantry partners, help strengthen the food supply chain in our state, and support the next generation of farmers. Your support really can make a big difference on a local level.
You can also support our program through volunteering. Volunteers are welcome and needed on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 8 am to noon during the growing season. For more information, visit the volunteer page on our website.