The Tropical Forest Conservation Act (TFCA) was enacted in 1998 to offer eligible developing countries options to relieve certain official debt owed the U.S. Government while at the same time generating funds in local currency to support tropical forest conservation activities. In addition to forest conservation and debt relief, TFCA is intended to strengthen civil society by creating local foundations to support small grants to NGOs and local communities. The program also offers a unique opportunity for public-private partnerships and the majority of TFCA agreements to date have included funds raised by U.S.-based NGOs.