The Revolving Fund: Providing Bridge Financing for Conservation

The Conservation Fund’s Revolving Fund provides ready capital to purchase top priority lands for conservation across the country, from coastal landscapes in the Great Lakes to wildlife habitat in the Rocky Mountains, from forestlands in Appalachia to river corridors in the Chesapeake Bay.

Unlike an endowment, 100 percent of every dollar invested in the Revolving Fund is used to acquire important  conservation lands. As public and private funds become available to replenish the fund, this capital is reinvested in other conservation purchases. On average, each dollar in the Revolving Fund is recycled three times in five years. All properties are purchased from willing sellers at or below fair market value.

Loans from the Revolving Fund are used to pay for options, land acquisitions, and conservation easements. In addition, The Conservation Fund uses its Revolving Fund to provide bridge financing to local organizations for their important land conservation priorities.

By providing bridge financing for time sensitive projects, the Fund gives land trusts the opportunity to raise money over a longer period. Such loans have helped local groups nationwide to protect more than 200,000 acres, including important areas in Greater Yellowstone, South Carolina’s Lowcountry, and the Great Lakes Basin.

Grants from foundations and trusts, corporate gifts of lands, and individual leadership gifts provide the primary sources of support for the Revolving Fund. Donors may contribute to the general Revolving Fund or establish a named fund with a special focus.