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The 2023 Center for Rural Affairs calendar hangs on a wall in my kitchen. It’s much-loved, holding on by a thread—actually two staples—and is ready for its looming retirement. I glance at the calendar every day before I head to the office, so you might assume I’m familiar with the current date. You’d be wrong. It’s a surprise every morning. I’m in denial like everybody else this time of year. How are there only a couple weeks left in December?!
This morning, following my habitual calendar-fueled jaw drop, I got to work and began reflecting on this past year. And about what makes the Center special.
From behind my desk, I pulled out a stack of survey responses we received from supporters to hear what you have to say.
- We “think outside the box.”
- We “make microfinancing WORK!”
- We’re “the only organization that advocates for all things rural.”
- We “foster a diverse, locally based economy.”
- And we’re “strong advocates for ranchers, farmers, and local businesses in small towns.”
What else makes us special? YOU. You are part of the Center’s big, beautiful community of supporters, hailing from all around the country—from places like Long Pine, Londonderry, Lincoln, and Lindsborg. Everyone contributes in one way or another. You read our newsletters, share your experiences, call your representatives. You make donations, attend our classes, tell your friends.
And today, before any more time slips away from us, you have one more opportunity to do something special. Will you make a year-end gift to strengthen our advocacy efforts, diversify our lending services, and develop creative partnerships to build a brighter rural future?
We’re overwhelmed with gratitude that supporters like you helped us reach our ambitious $50,000 fundraising goal before the end of the month. But don’t worry, we’re still matching gifts! Thanks to a second match gift of $10,000 from a few very generous souls, the doubling continues. We need your help to take full advantage of this dollar-for-dollar match by making a gift today.
Thank you for all you do! I hope you think of me when you, too, replace your Center wall calendar with the shiny new edition.
P.S. We’re proud to have such a caring, interested, and interesting group of people sharing our vision for a resilient and thriving rural future. You can keep the Center standing out as the leader in building our shared rural tomorrow by making a matched gift at cfra.org/give.
P.P.S. What’s missing from the list above? Write me at erins@cfra.org to let me know what you think makes the Center special.
Feature photo: Our momentous 50th anniversary inspired a few donors to match the first $50,000 of donations this season. We’ve surpassed our goal! Donations continue to be matched thanks to a second $10,000 match gift. Please make your gift today to double your impact.
