Washington, D.C. – The American Forest Foundation (AFF) has been designated as the recipient of a $150 million endowment grant to promote sustainable forestry and to assist timber-reliant communities.

The grant was made under the terms of the recently signed Softwood Lumber Agreement (SLA) between the United States and Canada and announced by United States Trade Representative Susan C. Schwab. Other recipients include Habitat for Humanity [$100 million to support low-income housing] and a new Endowment [$200 million] which will address goals similar to AFF’s.  

The Foundation’s Board of Trustees met yesterday to set in motion a process to implement the terms of the grant.

“Naturally, we’re excited by this historic opportunity,” said Laurence Wiseman, president and CEO of the American Forest Foundation. “But our Trustees and staff are committed to operating as we always have – thoughtfully, deliberately, and in consultation with the many partners who have made our programs worthy of this recognition.”

During the coming months, AFF’s operating and advisory committees will begin to explore ways in which its forestry and education programs can be strengthened and expanded. “We’ll also solicit views from other organizations with missions similar to our own,” said Wiseman. “We plan to take a broad, but disciplined approach to identifying what program opportunities we might pursue.”

The American Forest Foundation (AFF) is a nonprofit education and conservation organization working for healthy forests, quality environmental education, and informed decision-making about our communities and our world.  Our vision is to be recognized for our commitment to sustainable forestry, quality environmental education, and wildlife habitat and watershed protection. The Foundation sponsors three programs, the American Tree Farm System, Forests for Watersheds & Wildlife and Project Learning Tree.

For more information contact Brigitte Johnson, APR, Director of Communications at 202.463.5163 or bjohnson@forestfoundation.org.