Vermont Land Trust - Freeman Foundation

The Freeman Foundation: Changing Lives and Strengthening Vermont Communities

Since 1993, the Freeman Foundation, in collaboration with the Vermont Land Trust, has committed over $65 million to land conservation in Vermont. In addition, it has invested nearly $10 million in historic preservation projects through the Preservation Trust of Vermont. As a result, hundreds of thousands of acres of land—including 281 working farms—have been protected from development, and hundreds of historic structures have been rehabilitated. More than 90 percent of Vermont's communities have benefited from at least one Freeman-funded project.

A Brief History of the Freeman Foundation in Vermont
The Freeman family traces its Vermont heritage back to the late 1700s, when the first Freemans moved north from Massachusetts and settled in Essex. Mansfield Freeman, who created the Foundation spent many of his later years at a family home in Greensboro, Vermont. As a young man in 1919, he accepted a teaching position at Tsinghua University in Beijing. He and his wife Mary would remain in China for the next 22 years. In 1923, Mansfield partnered with C. V. Starr to manage a successful international insurance company, eventually called the American International Group (AIG). Mansfield remained with AIG until he retired in 1960.

In 1978, Mansfield created a trust that upon his death would fund one of the most influential philanthropic organizations in the country. Its mission is to bridge the gap between western and eastern worlds; more specifically, to promote positive intercultural relationships, educational opportunities and economic exchanges aimed to "lessen the danger of such frictions and disagreements as lead to war." Thanks to his years in Greensboro, Mansfield also provided a stipulation for "the preservation and protection of Vermont's forests, farmlands, waterways, and natural resources." Shortly after Mansfield's death in 1993, the Freeman Foundation was fully funded to fulfill his vision.

The Freeman Foundation Today
Over the past 15 years, the Foundation has funded hundreds of educational, cultural, conservation and other projects around the world, with an increasing focus on Asia. In Vermont, the Freeman Foundation has concentrated its philanthropic work on land conservation and historic preservation projects. Its grants have also supported public library improvements, state literacy programs, and scholarships for Vermont students pursuing careers in nursing and medicine. Some 10-15 Vermont students are able to attend Middlebury College each year, thanks to Freeman scholarships.

Much of this success is due to Mansfield Freeman's original vision. His grandson Graeme, who is the Foundation’s Executive Director, characterized Mansfield as a "warm and generous human being. . .an intellectual who always challenged us," Mansfield was dedicated to the idea that the elimination of misunderstanding promotes the truest understanding. He had faith in friendship between nations and earnest hopes for a less violent world.

Today, the Freemans maintain the family legacy. Mansfield’s son Houghton, also known as Buck, and his wife, Doreen, take a personal interest in Foundation projects. As chair of the board and board member, respectively, Buck and Doreen play an integral part of maintaining the vision of the Foundation. In addition to reviewing proposals and grant reports, the Freemans are very proactive with the day-to-day function of the Foundation and visit many of the grant recipients through the course of the year.

Many people see land conservation and historic preservation as simply maintaining open space and old buildings. In fact, these projects have changed the lives of families and communities. They have invigorated farms, helped launch new businesses, created affordable housing, revitalized libraries, churches and community centers, and helped foster a renewed sense of community. Virtually every project has helped build a stronger community.

The Vermont Land Trust is profoundly grateful to the Freeman Foundation’s commitment to Vermont and the spirit of partnership in which it has undertaken its mission.