A message from the cedar Tree foundation Board and Staff

The Cedar Tree Foundation has been a committed funder of positive environmental change for more than twenty years. Over the last decade we have implemented a strategic Board decision to increase spending rather than preserve the endowment to address the current landscape of environmental challenges with the resources needed for urgent, scalable solutions. The Cedar Tree Foundation’s spend down trajectory is now on the horizon with final grants in the core programs of Children’s Environmental Health, Regenerative Grazing and Civic Engagement going out by 2027 and programs wrapping up by 2028. The Foundation’s post-doc fellowship in conservation biology, the David H. Smith Fellowship Program, will be transferred out of Cedar Tree with an endowment and will continue operations into the future. Other grant programs may continue into 2030 with the Foundation closing sometime thereafter.

Since its founding, Cedar Tree has focused its resources and energy on transformative initiatives, particularly in regenerative grazing, children’s environmental health, sustainable agriculture, and environmental justice. Each step of the way, we have been privileged to work alongside and support incredible grantees and communities dedicated to building a more sustainable, equitable world. Together, we strived to uplift voices within these communities and to place their stories and experiences at the heart of our mission. 

To the more than 400 grantees and our extended network of partners and advocates, we owe our deepest gratitude. Your work, vision, and resilience have been the Foundation's true legacy. It is because of you that Cedar Tree was able to create lasting impact across the United States, and we are profoundly grateful for your dedication, trust, and collaboration. We also extend our heartfelt appreciation to our staff and Board (current and past), whose commitment has been the backbone of our efforts. 

Over the next 5 years the Cedar Tree Foundation will focus on supporting and promoting current grantees and sharing lessons learned from our almost three decades of environmental grantmaking as a resource for other funders. Cedar Tree’s website will be a primary vehicle to shine a spotlight on our grantees and grantmaking efforts, but we will also strive to provide information through other means such as articles and convenings. During the next few years, Cedar Tree staff will be listening to current grantees to learn how best to support them beyond grantmaking dollars as we wind down operations. 

As Cedar Tree closes, we do so with pride in what we have achieved together and with a sense of hope for the future. Environmental solutions are urgently needed, and while Cedar Tree’s chapter may be ending, we are confident that the work will continue and that our grantees and partners will carry forward the mission to create an environmentally healthier, more just and sustainable planet. 

Thank you for being part of this journey with us. 

With gratitude, 

The Cedar Tree Foundation Board and Staff