Your support right now makes a real and immediate difference, helping us sustain staff, prepare for the upcoming season, and ensure this beloved neighborhood gathering continues to thrive.

If we’re unable to raise additional funds soon, we may be forced to lay off staff during one of the most critical planning periods of the year. While the market may appear quiet from January through April, this is when the foundation for the entire season is built. Without support now, that momentum stalls, putting the 2026 market season at risk.

Two incredibly dedicated, hardworking, and visionary staff members are central to making the market possible. Much of their work takes place behind the scenes, especially during the winter and early spring, as they plan, secure funding, recruit vendors, build partnerships, and lay the groundwork for the upcoming season.

In 2025, several challenges converged at once. Long-standing grants we had relied on for years were no longer available. Rising costs and tariffs impacted vendors and reduced sponsorship support, and unexpected major repairs were needed for Cletus, our indispensable market truck. Together, these challenges created a short-term financial gap we are now working urgently to address.

We want to be clear: we are not standing still or relying on a single solution. We are actively pursuing multiple funding sources and long-term strategies, and we remain confident in the market’s future. This campaign is about bridging a critical gap and ensuring continuity as we prepare for the next season.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the Rocky Butte Farmers Market has always held a clear and intentional mission: to support new and emerging farmers and small businesses, and to keep high-quality local food accessible to our community. To honor that mission, we’ve eliminated barriers by keeping our vendor fees low, relying instead on grants, business sponsorships, and individual donations to sustain the market.

For nearly seven years, the Rocky Butte Farmers Market has been more than a place to shop. It has been a place to belong. What began as a small pop-up at the Dharma Rain Zen Center evolved into a weekly gathering on the Butte at Mannahouse, and later found a long-term home at Siskiyou, near Glenhaven Park. Along the way, children have grown up under Caitlyn’s creativity and care at the Kids Patch. Local musicians have found new audiences. Neighbors have gained access to fresh, hyper-local food right in their own backyard. Friendships have formed, small businesses have taken root, and Saturday mornings have become a time to nourish ourselves, not just with food, but with connection.

A community like this doesn’t happen by accident. It’s built, week by week, season by season, by farmers, vendors, staff, volunteers, board members, musicians, families, and neighbors who believe deeply in what makes this place possible. The Rocky Butte Farmers Market is run by neighbors, for neighbors. Our staff, board, volunteers, and supporters are the community. In a year that’s been hard for many Portlanders, investing in our local community is one meaningful way we can show up for one another.

With your help, we can move through this moment and come back stronger, bringing you the best Rocky Butte Farmers Market yet this summer.

Please give what you can today, and if you’re able, share this campaign with friends, family, and neighbors. Every contribution truly makes a difference. Don’t forget to ask your employer about donation matching as well!

Thank you for believing in this market, this neighborhood, and the power of community.