Message from Cathy Lehman

The Harder Foundation has long held a commitment to conservation in the Pacific Northwest that supports biodiversity and public lands, particularly in the face of global climate change. We strive for a long-term mindset necessary to stay the course over time, as these issues take decades – generations maybe – to truly hit the goal. And we endeavor to build trusting, genuine relationships with our nonprofit partners in the field, so that we can be the most proactive and supportive funding partner possible.

As I enter my 2nd full year as Senior Program Officer with The Harder Foundation, I find myself reflecting more each day on that long-term nature of our work, and the importance of those relationships, which are at the true core of what we do and why we do it. If these last couple years have taught us anything as funders, it’s a reminder that when all else falls away, the amazing people doing the work from Anchorage to Aberdeen, Bozeman to Bend, day in and day out… YOU are what make it possible to continue forward. THANK YOU.

I’m so grateful to be in this role, supporting the solutions our many talented and necessary partner organizations are implementing across Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Alaska. And I’m very excited to be able to get out even more in 2022 to see the results of your innovations and impact in the field. Please drop me a line and say hi! Invite me to your event, or to a site visit, or just for coffee. I would love to connect.

The challenges in front of us can feel daunting, but the opportunities are truly endless. Thank you for making our shared work possible.

Cathy