ELF grantee partner @farmstandorg is celebrating a recent federal court order that restores $127 million in federal grants for 24 organizations and local governments. FarmStand, @earthjustice, Farmers Justice Center, and @southernenvironment represented the grantees under the USDA’s Increasing Land, Capital, and Market Access (LCM) Program, which distributes grants to provide down payment assistance, low-interest loans, technical guidance, beginning farmer training, equipment, and infrastructure. For over a year, the Trump Administration froze funding, withheld required approvals for project activities, failed to communicate with grantees, and terminated 49 of 50 projects designed to help young, beginning, and underserved producers struggling to survive. Thanks to FarmSTAND’s efforts, the grants can once again be used to support the next generation of farmers and build a fair and sustainable food system.

The Claneil Foundation hosted an Emerging Leaders Fund (ELF) reunion from June 22 - 24. ELF alumni gathered in community and engaged in meaningful conversations about addressing organizational challenges, facilitating personal transitions, and navigating the complicated political environment. One of the participants said that she appreciated, "The genuine connections, intentional rest/down time, and the opportunity to be in community with incredible ELF leaders.” Thank you for an incredible reunion!

Claneil Foundation Executive Director Mailee Walker joined ELF grantee partners @oscarkirschwang of @collegetogether, Donnell Butler of @joinprelude, Kim Eckel of Footbridge for Families, and Briane Cornish of finEQUITY for an informal dinner gathering in Lancaster, PA. Thank you to Donnell for being a fabulous hometown host.

Congrats to the 2026 Community Fund grantee partners who were selected for the Spring 2026 cycle focused on Hunger/Nutrition & Food System: @the.community.grocer @mahninmontco @kithsnonprofit @nwmac @feastofjustice @phillyorchards @fairamountfoodforest @ordinarieheroes @nhnonthemainline #MurphysGivingMarket Each grantee partner will receive $99,000 in general operating funds over three years and $11,000 for professional development/wellness. Get to know the grantee partners by visiting our website.

The Foundation’s Executive Director Mailee Walker joined Camille Acey from The Wind Down and former ELF grantee partner Katya Fels Smyth of @iu.philanthropy to lead a session at the Grantmakers for Effective Organizations’ national conference in Boston. Their session helped 75 attendees understand how foundations can support nonprofit closings and avoid funder approaches that can undermine organizations during the winddown process.