News
New conservation finance tool for land trusts to acquire and protect natural and working lands
When a property—acre after acre of woodlands, streams, farmland, and wildlife habitat—goes on the market, it is frequently slated for development unless conservationists can quickly pull together the funds to purchase it. Because state or federal funding programs can take years to complete, land trusts frequently have to walk away from these golden opportunities due to a lack of immediate funding.
To address this challenge, the Connecticut Land Conservation Council (CLCC) has created The Forever Connecticut Fund, a $1.5 million bridge loan program designed to provide land trusts with the flexible capital they need to advance time-sensitive land conservation projects.
The urgency to equip land trusts with these tools has never been greater. With 85% of all private forestland currently owned by people over the age of 50, Connecticut is on the brink of its largest-ever change in land ownership. At the same time, the state has lost 120,000 acres of its largest and most ecologically significant forests to fragmentation over the last 30 years, and 23,000 acres of farmland in just 15 years. Essential wetlands have also suffered staggering losses of up to 65%.
“We’re thrilled to launch the Forever CT Fund loan program as a new tool to support land trusts working to conserve land across Connecticut,” says Amy Blaymore Paterson, CLCC’s Executive Director. “Paired with CLCC’s existing grant programs, it creates a powerful one-two punch: grants to close funding gaps and loans to bridge the timing of a project. Together, these tools help ensure land trusts can say ‘yes’ to conservation when it matters most.”
The Forever Connecticut Fund serves as a catalyst, providing eligible 501(c)3 nonprofit land trusts with an additional funding tool when traditional sources are not immediately available. Conservation capital can be used directly for the acquisition of natural and working lands, including fee simple and conservation easements.
“Connecticut’s forests, waters, and wildlife are feeling the impacts of climate change and development pressure, while traditional conservation funding becomes less reliable,” explains Bill Kraekel, Co-Chair of the Forever Connecticut Fund Campaign. “Land trusts are ready to step up, but they need the right tools to act quickly. The Forever CT Fund loan program helps ensure they can seize critical conservation opportunities when they arise.”
By recycling conservation capital over time, the bridge loan program maximizes the conservation impact of these financial investments. Beyond immediate financial assistance, the Forever Connecticut Fund strengthens organizations through a new capacity-building program. Participating land trusts will receive coaching from CLCC to help them boost their overall fundraising capacity.
Applications to the Forever Connecticut Fund are accepted on an invitation-only basis. If you have questions or your land trust is interested in applying to the Forever Connecticut Fund, contact Yaw O. Darko, Director, Grants and Programs, to start the conversation.