The White Tree Fund (TWTF) was inspired by a painting done by world-renowned artist Ted Nasmith. This painting, commissioned for the 2004 edition of The Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien, was of the White Tree of the Kings of Gondor. In Tolkien’s world of Middle-earth, this White Tree of the Kings represented the hope and healing of a people, and had a long lineage of light and renewal.

Renewal. Healing. Enduring hope. This is the vision of The White Tree Fund – an affiliation of Tolkien and “Lord of the Rings” communities around the world. TWTF began as an idea, a hope that Tolkien communities could unite to provide assistance to the areas devastated by the earthquake and tsunamis of December 26 th, 2004. A core group was formed, aid agencies contacted, and a website established within a two-week period of the initial idea. The feedback to this effort thus far establishes the willingness of many Tolkien communities to participate in charitable efforts collectively and encourages the Fund to go forward with a structured approach.

We are an incorporated non-profit organization supporting charities engaged in the following areas through organizing fund- and awareness-raising drives and events within communities dedicated to exploring fantasy and mythology through study, literature, art, music and film:

* to support issues of human health and medical concerns through crisis response or other humanitarian programs;
* to support literacy initiatives and programs assisting children and adults; and
* to support environmental initiatives relevant to deforestation crises.