About Us
Mission Statement
The Conservation Fund, working with public, private and nonprofit partners, protects America’s legacy of land and water resources through land acquisition, sustainable community and economic development, and leadership training, emphasizing the integration of economic and environmental goals.Conservation that Works for America
We practice conservation to achieve environmental and economic outcomes. Our trusted and get-it-done staff throughout the country create and implement innovative, practical ways to benefit the natural world and the well-being of Americans from every walk of life.At the Fund, we believe that conservation is an "all-hands on deck" proposition, in the words of a former Board Chair. Conservation takes many forms, and The Fund's programs interpret and practice conservation in a mutually-reinforcing way—working in concert to make sure the value of natural resources in America remain essential to our prosperity.
What Sets Us Apart
Our focus is on conservation and communities—creating as many pathways possible for people and organizations to protect their natural resources and save the places that matter most—properties with ecological, historic and/or cultural significance. We deliver conservation and economic vitality through strong partnerships with government, business and colleague organizations.We are willing to take risks. We are creative, entrepreneurial and have devoted three decades to re-defining conservation—inviting more Americans to participate in, and benefit from the multiple advantages offered by our solutions. Traditional methods of conservation are not keeping pace with ever-increasing demand for the benefits supplied to us by nature. Today we face climate change, inefficient systems for water and land use, damaging agricultural practices, as well as resistance to acknowledge the real value of the natural world on which we so heavily rely. Our programs re-imagine our short-term human systems to better align them with the longer-term cycles of nature.
We are independent and do not have a membership, and thus appreciate the dedicated support of a nationwide community of individuals and organizations who agree with our vision and approach. Working efficiently and effectively, the Fund invests over 95% of its annual spending directly into conservation programs.
With thirty consecutive years of growth, our record demonstrates that new ideas can work, especially when created and implemented with trusted, credible partners. The Conservation Fund has proven again and again that it can address the big challenges and achieve enduring change through purposeful conservation.
EQUITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
We are committed to valuing, respecting, and incorporating Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion among everyone at the Fund and among every individual, organization and community where we work. We seek to help everyone attain their fullest potential in pursuing the Fund's mission. The Fund will lead the way in implementing the principles of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in the workplace for its own employees. In addition, the Fund will extend the principles of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion to all sectors of society through its land and water conservation programs, economic development efforts and sustainable programs.
Accreditation Renewal Announcement
The Conservation Fund and our supporting organization, Sustainable Conservation, Inc., have achieved the standards of excellence in conservation for a second time and have been awarded renewed accreditation from the Land Trust Accreditation Commission. The Commission recognizes land conservation organizations that meet national standards for excellence in protecting important natural places and working land, uphold the public trust and ensure that conservation efforts are permanent.
We first received accreditation in August 2014. As one of over 400 accredited land trusts across America, the Fund provided extensive documentation and was subject to a comprehensive third-party evaluation prior to achieving this distinction. The Land Trust Accreditation Commission awarded renewed accreditation, signifying its confidence that The Conservation Fund’s lands will be protected forever.
