About USBF

Since its inception in 1990, when the Baltic nations stood on the brink of independence from the Soviet Union, the foundation has served as a catalyst for constructive change and critical development. It has been a key educational resource for U.S. and Baltic policy-makers. It has introduced new American audiences to the Baltics through a series of public affairs programs. It has helped nurture and strengthen the growth of democracy and free-markets in the Baltics in their difficult transitions from illegally annexed states (a.k.a. “Soviet republics”) to free nations.
       
Over the years more than 4,000 American supporters have helped USBF raise more than nine million dollars for programs to build key national institutions in the Baltics, including municipal governments, independent media, schools of public administration, and civil society organizations.  They have contributed substantially to the rapid ascent of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania into the family of democratic Western nations, nations that now belong to the European Union as well as the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). 

Leading professionals and experienced policy-makers, including five former U.S. Ambassadors to the Baltics, direct the activities of the Foundation.  USBF maintains a professional office in Washington, DC.

The Foundation is uniquely suited to play an important role in U.S.-Baltics relations, because USBF: