Contact Congress about S. 618: United States Foundation for International Conservation Act of 2023
The bill would create a U.S.-backed nonprofit to fund conservation projects in other countries. Projects would need at least $2 from non-U.S.-government sources for every $1 from this program. The Foundation would have strict rules on local rights, corruption, sanctions, reporting, and audits.
Modern Action explains legislation in plain English, helps you choose whether to support, oppose, or ask for changes, and drafts a message tied to the bill, your stance, and the elected officials who can act on it.
United States Foundation for International Conservation Act of 2023 is a Senate bill in Congress.
Who this affects: This bill mainly affects people and groups involved in conservation projects outside the United States. It would matter most for local and Indigenous communities near protected areas, conservation nonprofits, eligible partner governments, private donors, and U.S. officials who oversee foreign assistance and reporting.
Why this matters: Many countries with important wildlife and ecosystems do not have steady money to protect them over time. This bill would try to bring U.S., private, and foreign money together for long-term conservation work. It could shape how projects share benefits with local people and Indigenous communities. Its real effect would depend on how well the Foundation raises outside money, chooses projects, and enforces its safeguards.
Key provisions in S. 618
- The Secretary of State must create the Foundation within 180 days after the bill becomes law. It must be a tax-exempt charitable nonprofit.
- The Foundation shuts down 10 years after it starts operating. Its Board must approve a closing plan, return unused U.S. funds to the Treasury, and give leftover private money to similar projects.
- The Board has 13 members. Five are senior U.S. officials or Senate-confirmed substitutes, and eight are appointed outsiders: four private donors and four independent experts. The bill also limits party imbalance and conflicts of interest.
- The Board must approve a three-year action plan and update it every year. The plan must cover priorities, how countries and projects are chosen, how results are checked, staffing, budget needs, and ways to bring in private money.
- A country can qualify only if it is a low-, lower-middle-, or upper-middle-income economy. It must also have important or threatened biodiversity, proof of conservation work, and eligibility for U.S. foreign assistance.
How Modern Action helps you take action on S. 618
You do not have to start with a blank letter. Modern Action turns the bill, your position, and the relevant congressional context into a message you can edit and send. The goal is to make contacting Congress clear, specific, and useful without forcing you to parse bill text or figure out the right office on your own.
Questions people ask about S. 618
- What is S. 618?
- The bill would create a U.S.-backed nonprofit to fund conservation projects in other countries. Projects would need at least $2 from non-U.S.-government sources for every $1 from this program. The Foundation would have strict rules on local rights, corruption, sanctions, reporting, and audits.
- How do I support or oppose S. 618?
- Choose support, oppose, or ask for changes on Modern Action. The action flow drafts the message for you and keeps the wording tied to this bill.
- Who should I contact about S. 618?
- Modern Action uses your location to route the action to the congressional offices relevant to the bill and your representation.
- Can Modern Action explain S. 618 before I act?
- Yes. Modern Action gives you a plain-English summary, current status, and action context before you send anything.
