Next Chapter
for Global Seed Savers
Announcing the Next Chapter for Global Seed Savers
After deep thought and intentional decision-making, we are excited to share a major step we are taking in the evolution of Global Seed Savers. On July 31st, 2026, we will formally transition our organization from a U.S.-based nonprofit to a locally led, community-driven organization based in the Philippines. This has been our goal since GSS was founded, and we are proud to share that we have built our Philippines operations to the point where the local team is now ready to assume responsibility for all operations.
For more details, please read the full press release by clicking the button below.
Seed Scoping Dialogue held in Manila this March 2026. From this event, the first ever Philippines Seed Sector Technical Working group has been formed.
Next Chapter Happy Hour
We hope you’ll join us at one of our upcoming events to mark this milestone. In Denver, a “Next Chapter Happy Hour” will take place on Wednesday, May 20th at Vine Street Pub, while gatherings in the Philippines will occur in Benguet and Cebu in June. To RSVP for the event in Denver on May 20th, please click the button below.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the organizational transition take place?
All GSS operations will transition to the Philippines (GSSP) effective July 31, 2026. Sherry and a small group of board members will remain available in the U.S. to oversee the final funding needs and governance matters through the end of 2026. By March of 2027 Global Seed Savers US will be legally shut down as a US 501(c)(3).
Why is the transition taking place?
As founder of Global Seed Savers, Sherry has always had a vision to fully move operations to the Philippines to be led by the farmers and the communities the organization serves. This is why we have been a registered and established independent Philippines NGO since 2017. Our shared work and mission will continue through this already in place local organization.
Why is Sherry leaving? What is her transition plan?
From day one it has been her vision to ensure a sustainable and locally driven Philippines NGO can lead the work. This moment has arrived! Sherry is transitioning out of her role at GSS, effective July 31 as the headquarters transitions to the Philippines. For more than 16 years, she has committed her time and energy to building a sustainable and mission-driven organization with incredible leaders, employees, partners, and donors. She will serve on the Philippines Board through the end of 2026 and remain an advisor and supporter of GSSP in this next exciting chapter.
What is the role of the Philippines team now?
Global Seed Savers’ Philippines team will continue implementing programs and leading relationship management of donors, foundations, and farmer community partners (as they already have been).
What is the new makeup of the board of directors?
The Philippines board of directors remains the same, and Sherry Manning, Founder and CEO will join the Philippines board through the end of 2026 to support this transition.
A small group of the US Board will remain in place through the end of 2026 to finalize the closure of the US organization.
Is GSS still working to secure grants and funding?
Yes, Global Seed Savers Philippines is actively seeking, and will continue to pursue, grants and funding. As of July, 2026 GSSP will lead all funding development. All current grant obligations to the US organization will be led and managed by Sherry and the small US Board remaining through the end of 2026.
Is GSS Philippines winding down key programs or cutting back key programs?
No, at this time the Philippines organization will maintain all current programming, initiatives, and communications. In fact, to take stock of the gains and impact, the GSSP board and staff will undergo a strategic planning session in June. The session will include Sherry as part of the transition phase. During this session the Philippines Team and Board will be building their plan for success as a fully independent NGO as part of this transition.
How will donations be managed to the Philippines following the U.S. shutdown?
GSS Philippines is establishing a donation platform that will be able to continue to receive global donations, and GSS U.S. intends to have that finalized and transition current monthly donors by the end of July 2026.
How does this transition impact the mission and vision of GSS?
This transition highlights the continued impact, mission and vision that has always been in place. From the start GSS aspired to be a locally lead and driven independent Philippines NGO and that moment has now arrived.
Under the leadership of Executive Director Hal Atienza and the Philippines board of directors, GSSP, as it always has, will continue to be shaped by the needs, knowledge, and aspirations of Filipino farmers and partner communities.
Our focus remains on building Filipino farmers’ and communities’ food and seed sovereignty.
How does this transition impact the 5-year goals of GSS to include leadership, funding, and community reach?
This transition has always been part of our vision as we firmly believe good development is in the hands of our team, partners, and community across the Philippines. We are thrilled to have helped uplift this movement and know it will continue to grow and evolve in new and exciting ways under full Philippines leadership.
What staffing implications does this transition involve?
Global Seed Savers is transitioning all operations to the Philippines to be more closely connected to the communities it serves. As of the end of May our part-time US Development Contractor will end their responsibilities. Sherry will remain in her role as Founder and CEO through the full shutdown of the US organization and also serve on the Philippines Board through the end of 2026 to support the transition.
Is this transition really necessary?
Yes. Over many years, Global Seed Savers has been focused on building up the foundation and partnerships for the Philippines organization. The U.S. entity is closing and passing full operations to the Philippines organization. The mission and vision of our organization don’t change.
Donor-Specific Questions
Will there be changes to my day-to-day contacts?
Funds will continue to support our mission work in the Philippines. As Philippines Executive Director, Hal will oversee development for the organization.
We are working to finalize a platform that will allow donations to GSSP to still be tax-deductible in the U.S. and hope to have this set up prior to the end of July 2026. The US organization will be able to receive tax-deductible donations through the end of 2026.
Will there be changes in donor and supporter communications?
The Philippines Team and Organization will continue to send newsletters and share updates about the transition and Philippines operations moving forward. These updates will be coming directly from where the work is taking place. Donors and supporters should expect to receive the same consistency of communications from the Philippines Team.
What happens to the GSS website and social media accounts currently managed by the U.S. entity?
The Philippines Organization will acquire and continue to manage the current GSS website and active social media accounts.
Does this transition change any of GSS' strategic objectives?
No, on the contrary. This program is an international success story, creating a pathway to sustainability for GSS in the Philippines. The vision and mission remain the same, and our strategic objectives become even more focused as we deliver from one entity.