ACEF History

Wanting a way to support the vital work of the American Cheese Society and its mission*, a group of passionate cheese industry professionals banded together in 2008 and founded the American Cheese Education Foundation. Known as the ACE Foundation, we are a distinct 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting educational efforts to ensure that artisan cheesemaking remains a vibrant and thriving American industry.

We prioritize funding efforts dedicated to supporting cheese professionals, creating a public that is hungry for American artisan cheese, and ensuring that our industry is eliminating barriers and welcoming to all. Today, we are a separate entity from the American Cheese Society; however, we recognize that our goals and mission overlap. To that end, we are proud to support many ACS educational efforts.

Over the last four years, the ACE Foundation has given over $178,000 to education and research for the North American cheese industry - approximately $80k for Industry Surveys, $38k in Scholarships, $35k supporting webinars, and other important cheese industry support.

We appreciate our founders and their vision

Laurie Greenberg, Writer and Researcher

Michael Gingrich, Founder Uplands Cheese Company

Allison Hooper, founder of Vermont Creamery

David Gremmels, CEO of Rogue Creamery

Kurt Dammeier, founder of Beecher’s Handmade Cheese

Bob McSweeny, set up the initial Non-Profit Foundation which became ACEF