Kaci Rae Christopher
Sisters
Summary
Throughout my career, I have built programs, partnerships, and learning experiences that help people develop stronger relationships with the land, their communities, and one another. With over 12 years of experience spanning environmental education, regenerative agriculture, philanthropy, and organizational development, I bring a collaborative approach to strengthening organizations, supporting rural communities, and advancing lasting environmental stewardship.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Development Manager
Oregon Farm Corps
Portland
06.2024 - Current
- Advance fundraising strategies that strengthen Oregon's regenerative agriculture community by expanding opportunities for beginning farmers and supporting the long-term sustainability of agricultural education programs.
- Lead fundraising efforts by developing foundation, corporate, and government grant proposals supporting farmer training, workforce development, and regenerative agriculture.
- Build relationships with foundations, funding partners, and community organizations while identifying opportunities aligned with organizational priorities and emerging community needs.
- Collaborate with leadership to develop funding strategies that expand equitable access to beginning farmer training and land stewardship programs.
- Guide grant development from prospect research through proposal submission and reporting, translating complex agricultural programs into compelling funding opportunities.
- Strengthen development operations through donor database management, prospect tracking, and strategic fundraising systems.
Consultant
Program Development & Grants
Sisters
07.2023 - Current
- Help nonprofit organizations strengthen programs, secure funding, and build lasting partnerships that advance environmental stewardship, education, and community well-being.
- Develop competitive grant proposals, letters of inquiry, reports, and fundraising materials that translate complex programs into compelling, fundable narratives.
- Guide organizations in refining program design, identifying measurable outcomes, and aligning initiatives with foundation priorities and community needs.
- Research funding opportunities and advise nonprofit leaders on institutional fundraising strategies, partnership opportunities, and long-term funding planning.
- Support organizations advancing environmental stewardship, regenerative agriculture, school gardens, youth leadership, food systems, mental health, civic engagement, and rural communities throughout Oregon and California.
- Selected clients include: School Garden Network, Seed to Table Oregon, Citizens4Community, and LazyZ Ranch.
Continuing Education Instructor
Central Oregon Community College
Bend
11.2022 - 03.2024
- Designed and taught community education courses on pollinator habitat, soil health, native plants, and water-wise landscaping.
- Connected ecological principles with practical stewardship strategies that participants could immediately apply in their homes, gardens, and communities.
- Developed an engaging curriculum that combined environmental research with hands-on learning and regionally relevant examples.
- Fostered meaningful discussion around biodiversity, climate resilience, and sustainable land management.
Agriculture/Arts Resident
Pine Meadow Ranch
Sisters
07.2023 - 07.2023
Sustainable Agriculture Educator
Seed to Table
Sisters
01.2021 - 05.2023
- Designed and led place-based environmental education that introduced students to regenerative agriculture, soil health, biodiversity, wildlife habitat, and climate resilience.
- Built partnerships with farmers, ranchers, conservation organizations, and public land managers to expand environmental learning beyond the classroom.
- Helped students understand the relationships between healthy soils, resilient ecosystems, productive farms, and thriving communities.
- Introduced students to local food systems, natural resource careers, and the people working to steward Oregon's landscapes.
Special Education Paraprofessional
Sisters High School
01.2020 - 01.2023
- Facilitated academic, social-emotional, and life skills development for students with disabilities, enhancing their overall educational experience.
- Assisted teachers in implementing individualized education plans for students.
- Supported students with special needs during classroom activities and transitions.
- Collaborated with educators to adapt learning materials for diverse learners.
Curriculum Writer
New Society Publishers
Bend
03.2018 - 11.2019
- Produced educational materials adopted by educators across North America, enhancing environmental education delivery.
- Authored and revised educational curriculum focused on gardening, ecology, restoration, and environmental literacy.
- Presented workshops and webinars, engaging educators and promoting outdoor learning practices in environmental education.
School Garden Coordinator & Environmental Educator
Springwater Environmental Sciences School
Oregon City
09.2012 - 06.2017
- Established a nationally recognized PreK–8 garden-based education program integrating environmental science, food systems, restoration, and outdoor learning.
- Cultivated partnerships with the local college, nonprofits, conservation organizations, and community volunteers to strengthen environmental education programming.
- Developed experiential learning opportunities that fostered curiosity, ecological literacy, and stewardship among students.
- Managed program budgets, grant reporting, public communications, and community engagement.
Farm Manager Intern
Food Waves || Converging Creeks Farm
Estacada
06.2012 - 09.2014
Farm Training Apprentice
Calypso Farm & Ecology Center
Fairbanks
05.2011 - 09.2011
Education
Master of Fine Arts - Creative Writing
Oregon State University-Cascades
Bachelor of Arts - English & Creative Writing
Seattle University
Skills
- Grant Writing & Fundraising
- Program Strategy & Implementation
- Program Evaluation
- Partnership & Coalition Building
- Community Outreach
- Rural Community Development
- Environmental Stewardship
- Environmental Education
- Regenerative Agriculture & Community Food Systems
Selected Publications
- The School Garden Curriculum: A K-8 Guide, New Society Publishers, 2019
- Soil Health Activities for K-12 & Cover Crops in the High Desert, Deschutes Soil & Water Conservation District
Leadership Service
Chair, Statewide Oregon Eco-School Network: Guided the launch of a statewide network for educators across Oregon who are initiating green school efforts on campuses.
Timeline
Development Manager
Oregon Farm Corps
06.2024 - Current
Consultant
Program Development & Grants
07.2023 - Current
Agriculture/Arts Resident
Pine Meadow Ranch
07.2023 - 07.2023
Continuing Education Instructor
Central Oregon Community College
11.2022 - 03.2024
Sustainable Agriculture Educator
Seed to Table
01.2021 - 05.2023
Special Education Paraprofessional
Sisters High School
01.2020 - 01.2023
Curriculum Writer
New Society Publishers
03.2018 - 11.2019
School Garden Coordinator & Environmental Educator
Springwater Environmental Sciences School
09.2012 - 06.2017
Farm Manager Intern
Food Waves || Converging Creeks Farm
06.2012 - 09.2014
Farm Training Apprentice
Calypso Farm & Ecology Center
05.2011 - 09.2011
Master of Fine Arts - Creative Writing
Oregon State University-Cascades
Bachelor of Arts - English & Creative Writing
Seattle University