RAFI-USA - Building a Lasting Foundation

What's New - Join our Brick Donation Opportunity

Bricks and RAFI-USA ~ A Common Purpose

Clay bricks, made of the earth, have been used throughout time to build permanency. Bricks create sturdy foundations and resilient structures and are an excellent choice for builders who want to weather the assaults of time - builders such as the Rural Advancement Foundation International-USA. RAFI-USA has been in existence for many years, working to promote the community, equity, and sustainability of family farmers and rural communities. Each of RAFI-USA's programs, like bricks in a building, creates lasting support and a solid basis from which to meet the future.

Building a Permanent Foundation

In 1997 RAFI-USA embarked on a project to construct a permanent home from which to serve the community. The building project began with the purchase of land in Pittsboro, North Carolina, on which stood a farmhouse from the 1830s. Although the farmhouse was not sound enough to be renovated, over 70% of the house was recovered and recycled, and much of this material was used in the new facility. RAFI's office building and conference center has been recognized as one of the best examples of a "green" building in the region and serves as a successful example of sustainability.

Putting the Last Bricks in Place

Some of the 2,500 weathered bricks from the deconstructed farmhouse are already part of RAFI's green building. The rest will become brick walls on the property. By contributing $150 or more to RAFI-USA you can help build a foundation for healthy rural communities, support sustainability, and make a lasting personal tribute. Your donation in honor of someone who has been important in your life will be memorialized by a plaque showing your name and the honoree's name. Plaques will be placed at the sites where the recycled bricks are used, testaments to your lasting support for a healthy earth.

Send a check for $150 per brick to:

RAFI-USA
PO Box 640
Pittsboro, NC 27312

If you choose to honor someone with this gift, please list:
"In Memory of" or "In Honor of" with an address where we can send the acknowledgment.

If you have questions, wish to donate by credit card or make other payment arrangements,
please contact Nancy Simons (njs@rafiusa.org) or call 919-542-1396.

Gifts are tax-deductible. Please make checks payable to RAFI-USA.