The U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities, based in Greenville, South Carolina, has been pivotal in protecting the nation’s working forests since its establishment in 2006. Created from a $200 million fund as part of the Softwood Lumber Agreement between the U.S. and Canada, the endowment has awarded over $100 million in grants to promote sustainable management of forests across the country [127f75e8].
In November 2024, the endowment announced a new round of funding, allocating $6.5 million for projects that focus on enhancing forests, communities, and markets. Organizations interested in applying for these grants must submit their proposals by March 11, 2025 [127f75e8].
This initiative is particularly significant for South Carolina, where the wood and paper products industry contributes approximately $23 billion to the state’s economy, supporting around 2.5 million jobs and generating an impressive $128 billion in annual payroll [127f75e8].
The endowment's work not only aims to bolster the timber industry but also emphasizes the importance of sustainable forestry practices, ensuring that these vital resources are preserved for future generations [127f75e8].