Forage Center to Close December 31

July 20, 2026

Dear Friend and Supporter:

After 11 years, the Forage Center will cease operations on December 31. This was not a decision easily reached. Since 2015, we have offered a range of learning experiences for students and professionals advancing humanitarian and peacebuilding practice and careers.

Our signature program has been our Coastal Promise Simulation in Western Maryland. We have also hosted online webinars, seminars (International Peacebuilding and Humanitarian Seminar), and virtual conversations  (Forage Center Conversations). Our most recent major effort was the Peacebuilding and Humanitarianism: At a Crossroads program held April 23 and 24. Our Paul Forage Fellows Program has benefited young graduate students seeking career opportunities and wanting to continue to support the Forage Center.

However, there is a season for everything. While we continue to make a meaningful impact with those participating in our programs as well as with the humanitarian and peacebuilding academic and practitioner communities, our board felt this was the best time to end this chapter of our work. 

While our doors are closing, we intend to honor the legacy of our founder by establishing the Paul C. Forage Endowment at the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution at George Mason University. This will constitute an annually awarded scholarship to a graduate student with a strong interest in the humanitarian sector. This effort will continue his legacy. As planned now, the scholarship will be awarded starting in the fall 2027. 

To that end, we are launching a campaign to raise funds for the endowment fund and invite alumni  and supporters to contribute. Any amount is appreciated, and all gifts of $50 or more will receive a small gift of appreciation. If you are an alum, recall how the experience changed you, allowed you to make connections, form new friendships, and built your confidence for working in the field. Here is a chance to keep that opportunity alive for other students. Click  here to donate by October 1, 2026.

We have appreciated the opportunity to support the peacebuilding and  humanitarian sectors. We are thankful to The Biosophical Institute, Phase Foundation, United Service Foundation, and JDS Fishing Foundation for their financial support over the years.  We are also grateful to have partnered with the Choudhary Family, St. John’s Lutheran Church, and various Garrett County, Maryland businesses.

Since 2015, we have been building capacity for professionals and students dedicated to aiding populations impacted by war, conflict, natural disasters, and global health crises. We believe we have made a difference, and those who have participated in our programs continue to do good around the world.  To read more about our origin and history, go here.

Thank you all for being part of our journey and work.

We wish you the best,

David J. Smith, J.D., M.S.

President

Forage Center for Peacebuilding and Humanitarian Education, Inc.