For many of us, the past few months have been filled with lots of change and uncertainty. This past Friday, we participated in the Nonprofit Association of Oregon’s Eastern Oregon Conference. It was an encouraging and uplifting experience bringing together nonprofit leaders, public servants, and philanthropic funders to share strategies and stories as we navigate and respond to shifts in policies and funding. I saw more than a few tears shed from stories that touched our hearts and made us feel seen and supported at a time when it’s easy to feel alone. 

I found myself reflecting on small moments that remind us of the impact of our work, like seeing a student majoring in Agricultural Entrepreneurship pitching his bold idea to use drones to vaccinate wildlife and livestock in remote areas and receiving immediate interest and encouragement from drone entrepreneurs and the Oregon UAS Accelerator in Pendleton. We also wrapped up our inaugural Rural Planning Program with the City of Joseph and our student interns told us that the hands-on experience and skills gained during their internships helped them thrive in their classes at EOU. It’s moments like this when talent, innovation, and ingenuity intersect that capture REV’s mission to foster vibrant rural communities.

At the Business Oregon Innovation Showcase in Portland, both the Oregon Frontier Innovation Hub and the Oregon UAS Accelerator were together again, proudly representing Eastern Oregon. Seeing our region at the table, in front of investors, founders, and collaborators, felt like a breakthrough.

This spring also brought hard news. In April, federal cuts to AmeriCorps resulted in the early termination of RARE (Resource Assistance for Rural Environments) Members across placement sites in Oregon. Kristen Kendall, a RARE member placed with REV since December, was instrumental in advancing REV and Union County’s initiative to increase access to childcare, supported by the Gates Foundation. Kristen’s placement and that of many others was terminated early. This loss will be deeply felt by rural communities across Oregon relying on programs like RARE to build capacity and momentum for resilient food systems, economic, and community development. 

Despite the challenges and uncertainty ahead, we remain grounded in our mission and deeply inspired by the resilience, creativity, and collaboration we witness across rural Oregon. From student entrepreneurs dreaming boldly to partners stepping up when it matters most, these moments remind us why we do this work. We see the seeds we’ve planted—through partnerships, mentorship, and innovation—are taking root. The path forward may not always be clear, but we’re not walking it alone. With our community behind us, we move ahead with hope, purpose, and the conviction that together, we are building something lasting and strong.

Grace Donovan
Executive Director