Danforth Center Launches Future Forward Campaign to Tackle Hunger, Environment, and Regional Growth
ST. LOUIS, MO., April 10, 2025 - The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center today announced the public launch of Future Forward, a bold $165 million comprehensive campaign that will harness the power of plant science to confront some of the most urgent challenges of our time—global hunger, environmental degradation and economic opportunity.
The initiatives that this campaign supports are some of the most ambitious in the Center’s history. They will support breakthrough research, fuel regional innovation and expand access to food and sustainable farming practices across the globe. Future Forward is not just an investment in science—it’s a commitment to a better, more prosperous future.
“The Danforth Center is uniquely positioned and motivated to address some of humanity’s greatest challenges,” said Jim Carrington, PhD, president and CEO of the Danforth Center. “Through Future Forward, we are growing our capacity to help feed the world, sustain our environment, and grow opportunities in our region and beyond.”
Driving Solutions at the Intersection of Science and Society
Through Future Forward, the Danforth Center will:
- Feed People: Advance resilient, nutritious, high-yield crops through cutting-edge research and biotechnology.
- Sustain the Earth: Reduce agriculture’s environmental impact by developing crops that store more carbon, require fewer inputs, and regenerate soil health.
- Grow Our Community: Catalyze job creation and economic development through agtech innovation, start-up support, and expanded STEM education.
- Continue to Lead: Invest in top scientific talent, facilities, and the next generation of visionary researchers.
“This campaign reflects our strong belief in science that makes people’s lives better,” said John McDonnell, retired chairman, McDonnell Douglas Corporation, and Future Forward campaign chair. “The Danforth Center is creating the future of agriculture—and real-world impact that benefits farmers, families and communities everywhere.”
The Center’s groundbreaking work is already transforming the agricultural landscape, and Future Forward will ensure it continues to do so for decades to come. The campaign will fuel research initiatives and crop delivery, fund key positions and capital projects, expand fellowships and training programs and support community-based partnerships like the JJK FAN Innovation Center at the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation in East St. Louis.
A Call to Action
The Danforth Center invites individuals, organizations, and community partners to join this transformational effort through philanthropy, advocacy and engagement.
“Future Forward is more than a campaign—it’s a movement,” said Tom Bander, vice president of development at the Danforth Center. “We believe the future is something we build together, and we welcome all who want to join us in this journey.”
The campaign announcement is made on April 10 in celebration of the birthday of the late. Dr. William H. Danforth, the visionary founding chair of the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center whose legacy continues to guide our mission.
To learn more about the campaign or how to get involved, visit the campaign site campaign.danforthcenter.org or view the Future Forward video below:
ABOUT THE DONALD DANFORTH PLANT SCIENCE CENTER
Founded in 1998, the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center is a nonprofit research institute with a mission to improve the human condition through plant science. The Center’s research, education, and outreach efforts focus on food security and environmental sustainability, positioning the St. Louis region as a global leader in plant science. The Center is supported by funding from organizations such as the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Department of Agriculture, The Gates Foundation and the generosity of individuals, corporation and foundation donors. For more information, visit danforthcenter.org.
For more information contact:
Karla Roeber, Vice President, Public and Government Affairs, kroeber@danforthcenter.org