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Your donation protects healthy forests worldwide

Why Support FSC?

As the world’s most trusted sustainable forestry standard, FSC is a positive force for change that supports biodiversity, climate resilience, workers’ and Indigenous Peoples’ rights, and community livelihoods. But forests continue to come under pressure from deforestation, forest degradation, illegal logging, and the changing climate.

By fully enabling responsible forest stewardship, FSC addresses these challenges and more. You can support our work by donating here.

With your support, FSC will continue to support the responsible stewardship of forests worldwide that protect wildlife habitat, reduce carbon emissions, improve air and water quality, increase responsible trade, and protect vulnerable communities. A donation to FSC ensures that forests are managed in ways that are ecologically responsible, socially beneficial, and economically viable for generations to come.

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dense tree trunks in spring — FSC / Marius Čepulis

About FSC Investments and Partnerships

FSC Investments and Partnerships (FSC I&P) is a nonprofit organization based in Seattle, Washington, whose mission aligns with the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), the world’s leading and most trusted voluntary forest certification system. As a close partner of the FSC family, FSC I&P builds partnerships in coordination with the global Forest Stewardship Council network and others accelerating the protection of healthy and resilient forests.

FSC I&P takes a collaborative approach to finding common goals between programs and partners. Uniting around these shared objectives, we amplify responsible forest management efforts and catalyze innovative solutions. FSC I&P looks for the most significant opportunities that forests play in addressing social, environmental, and economic challenges.

Lake in Forest in Autumn — FSC / Milan Reška

What We Do

Technology & Innovation for Forest Stewardship

FSC I&P drives technological advancements that support responsible forest management. Through partnerships and collaboration with industry leaders like Esri, Google Earth Engine, the European Space Agency, Salesforce, and Docusign, we integrate cutting-edge solutions such as geospatial mapping, AI, and digital verification tools to enhance system integrity and sustainability efforts. The FSC Technology Consortium fosters collaboration between major technology firms and consultancies to develop solutions that address deforestation, biodiversity loss, and supply chain transparency.

Empowering Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities

We work alongside the FSC Indigenous Foundation and local community-led organizations to ensure forests remain sources of cultural and economic resilience. By securing funding and facilitating partnerships, FSC I&P supports Indigenous Peoples and smallholders in accessing FSC certification, benefiting from sustainable forestry practices, and gaining market recognition for their stewardship. This work strengthens social equity while reinforcing forest conservation at the landscape level.

Advancing Circular Economy Solutions

FSC I&P helps drive the transition to a circular economy by promoting forest-based materials as sustainable alternatives to fossil fuel-based and non-renewable products. We work with industry leaders to develop innovative uses for responsibly sourced wood in construction, packaging, and textiles while ensuring forests remain protected and resilient. By reducing waste and extending the lifecycle of forest products, we help decrease pressure on natural resources.

System Integrity & Supply Chain Verification

To ensure FSC certification remains credible and impactful, FSC I&P supports integrity measures such as advanced product traceability and data-driven risk assessments. Collaborations with wood supply chain organizations, including World Forest ID, enhance FSC’s ability to verify timber origins using forensic science and AI models. These innovations help combat fraud and ensure that FSC-certified products meet the highest environmental and social standards.

Strategic Partnerships & Fundraising

FSC I&P builds and maintains a vast network of external partnerships, securing financial and in-kind contributions to expand FSC’s global impact. We engage corporations, governments, and philanthropic organizations to align funding with key environmental and social initiatives. Our fundraising efforts directly support FSC’s mission, with millions raised annually to drive responsible forestry and climate action across the globe.

FSC Investments and Partnerships Senior Leadership

Mark Smith, Executive Director

Mark is the Executive Director of FSC I&P. He has nearly thirty years of nonprofit fundraising experience. His background includes building strong philanthropic giving programs for organizations in their startup phase and relaunching fundraising programs at established groups. Mark has served in executive fundraising positions for Greenpeace, FINCA, Empire State Pride Agenda, The Interfaith Alliance, and several successful for-profit entities.

Michele Gonzalez-Mendia, Deputy Director

Michele has been working in international development for over twenty-five years, including fifteen in the US. She’s a self-proclaimed generalist, with an interest in climate change and the impacts of it on vulnerable populations. She served as the Director for Partnerships and Resource Mobilization (Asia and Latin American regions) at Food for the Hungry, and also spent nearly 20 years with World Vision –as Marketing and Grants Acquisition and Management Lead, and as Latin America Regional Engagement Manager. She is originally from Guatemala.

Kate Silverman, Chief of Staff

Kate focuses on FSC I&P’s internal operations, as well as coordination and tracking across the global FSC organization. Her background includes directing a nonprofit focused on international Sport for Development & Peace and over ten years of experience in the student travel sector. Originally from New Jersey, Kate graduated from Amherst College in Massachusetts with Bachelor of Arts degrees in Psychology and Sociology.

Privacy Statement

FSC Investments and Partnerships (FSC I&P) is an independent, registered U.S. 501(c)(3) charity and was formed to bring together people, foundations, and corporations who share the vision and values of responsible forest management.

FSC Investments and Partnerships
P.O. Box 31831
Seattle, WA 98103
Phone: +1 (360) 797-9073

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