Horn Farm Happenings – November 27, 2020
Dear Friends of the Horn Farm,
It goes without saying that 2020 was a year like no other. We are discovering what we are truly made of as we learn to adapt to the changing circumstances of our time. And, like all businesses and non-profit organizations in York County and beyond, the Horn Farm Center is working hard to weather the storm.
When the farm closed to the public this spring, we necessarily postponed and canceled numerous programs, workshops, classes and special events. Despite these losses of income, the Horn Farm Center Board of Directors made the important decision to maintain operations as normally and safely as possible: tending our land, caring for our facilities, and employing our staff. And, as an essential producer and provider of local food, we continued to run our CSA and farm operations, which fed nearly 35 households as well as several communities in need through our partnership with Sprout of Hope. We also continued to maintain a safe space for community gardeners to nourish their families in the face of uncertainty.
And while the farm was much quieter than usual this year, our skillful staff adjusted quickly, continuing their work to create a regenerative farmscape by completing a new riparian buffer project funded by Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources (DCNR) Stream ReLeaf program. Through the support of DCNR and in partnership with Keystone 10 Million Trees, our small team planted over 6,000 trees on 6 acres of the western side of the farm, establishing a multi-functional riparian buffer that will produce agroforestry crops and protect the surrounding waterways such as the Kreutz Creek and the Susquehanna River.
At the Horn Farm Center, this past year has been profound. Now, more than ever, we are seeing the true value of our work, not only in our service to our community, but also our impact on the ecological health of our region.
Even in the midst of the global pandemic, the Horn Farm Center’s small but agile team was able to adapt, using difficult circumstances as an opportunity to usher in change and innovation. In just 4 short months, our dedicated board members evaluated the needs of the organization and facilitated a seamless transition of leadership, welcoming our new Executive Director and ensuring our stability.
Despite our triumphs this year, we are feeling the weight of this global crisis. We need your financial support to help weather the impact this pandemic has had on our operations and our ability to serve our community through our educational programming.
We know that our loyal supporters, like you, are examining their ability to continue to support the Horn Farm Center during this period of economic uncertainty caused by the pandemic. The recently passed Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Securities (CARES) Act, does have provisions to help citizens provide financial support to nonprofits. We have compiled some information from the CARES act to share with you, which could prove helpful in deciding how to continue supporting the institutions that you love.
As you may know, regulations that pertain to charitable giving are changing rapidly. Here are two highlights to bring to your attention:
As part of the CARES Act, households and individuals who do not itemize deductions on their tax returns are now eligible for an above-the-line deduction for cash donations of $300 or more in 2020.
For those of you who do itemize your tax deductions, because of the CARES Act, cash gifts to qualified charities, like the Horn Farm Center, in 2020 will be 100% deductible against your adjusted gross income.
Note that for 2020 only, the required minimum distribution (RMD) provision from any form of IRA is suspended. However, you can still make charitable gifts from your IRA account to your favorite charity directly from your IRA without any impact on your tax return. Work with your tax and financial advisors to contribute using your IRA in 2020.
In the face of this year’s challenges, we have discovered that we are much more resilient than we knew we once were. Our staff is creative and devoted to their work. They are nimble problem-solvers who are willing to go the extra mile to achieve our mission. Likewise, our dedicated board members have demonstrated the true meaning of service as they continue to volunteer their time and make sound decisions for our organization.
We are very excited about the future of the Horn Farm Center and hope that you are too. As a member of our community, your participation is vital. Together we can make a difference and transform the way we feed our communities and steward our land for generations to come.
If you are in a position to support the Horn Farm Center this year, please consider making a financial contribution either by check or online: visit our website to donate at hornfarmcenter.org/donate or become a patron of the Horn Farm at patreon.com/hornfarm
Sincerely,
Alexis Campbell
Executive Director
P.S. We understand if contributing to our organization is not feasible at this time. Your past support has helped make it possible to continue serving our community in creative ways, and we hope you will continue to discover the joys of stewarding the land at home regardless of your ability to donate.
The Horn Farm Center is supported by a community of dedicated volunteers, partner farmers, CSA members, community gardeners, program participants, local businesses, and long-time supporters.
Click here to learn more about how YOU have made an incredible impact with the Horn Farm!
Upcoming Events:
Saturday, December 5: The Living Landscape
January 20, 2021-October 9, 2021: Beekeeper Training Program (Registration Now Open)
March 2021: Land Steward Training Program (Application Deadline: January 31, 2021)
See you at the farm!
York County has moved into the green phase for dealing with COVID-19, so we are resuming some on farm classes with modifications. Classes will be held outside and are limited to 10 participants per class. If more than one class occurs on the same day, start times will be staggered to reduce the number of individuals arriving at the same time. Multiple hand sanitizer stations are available. We will adjust as needed as time passes and things change. Participants are required to bring a mask and wear when proper physical distancing cannot be maintained. Except for family members physical distancing of 6 feet must be maintained.
