What happens when the foundation ceases to exist?

A foundation is the most enduring organizational construct currently known. Neither companies, nor states, nor national parks are designed to last as long. This makes foundations the only entities that are oriented toward the lifespan of the ecosystems we protect. Foundations are established as independent legal entities, which allows them to exist independently of political constructs. They are also independent of individuals and cannot be inherited, as they do not belong to anyone alone. A foundation always belongs to the community of people who are committed to its purpose at any given time. Even if the founding organization no longer exists, the foundation continues to exist as an independent legal entity.

In addition, foundations are established with a clear purpose and a charter. This defines the mission and the use of financial resources. Even if the organizations around them change, the core purpose of the foundation remains the same. As a result, foundations often continue to exist for several generations, unlike organizations that are heavily dependent on individuals.

In addition, foundations often work with financial endowment capital that is invested and preserved for the long term. This creates a financial basis that remains stable even in the event of changes in the donation situation or other uncertainties. If Wilderness International were to cease to exist for any reason, legal mechanisms would ensure that the foundation would continue to operate in accordance with its statutes or that its funds would be transferred to a comparable organization with very similar goals and purposes in accordance with its foundation's purpose. This other organization would then have the responsibility to care for and preserve the rainforest areas in the same spirit in the long term. 

We are very aware of this risk and are continuously building up reserves so that this scenario will never arise. Last but not least, we have such a great community that we are confident we will receive a lot of support even in difficult times.