Funding the Future
A New Program to Support Connecticut Land Trusts
Editor’s Note: I am excited to share the new Land Capital Grant (LCG) Program from the Connecticut Land Conservation Council (CLCC). This new statewide program for land trusts is a wonderful example of conservation in action, prioritizing funding for projects that contribute positively to biodiversity, climate resilience, water quality, and public access to nature. CLCC’s Executive Director Amy Blaymore Paterson generously gave her time to answer our questions about the program. - Marissa Latshaw
In a significant move to bolster land conservation efforts across Connecticut, the Connecticut Land Conservation Council (CLCC) recently announced the Land Capital Grant (LCG) Program. Launched at the start of 2025 with underwriting support from The Peter and Carmen Lucia Buck Foundation, this initiative aims to support land trusts by providing financial assistance for the swift acquisition of critical conservation lands and easements.
Addressing Funding Challenges
As in many states in New England, Connecticut’s land trusts have long identified the need for sourcing new funding as a primary challenge in land acquisition for conservation. CLCC’s Executive Director Amy Blaymore Paterson shared, “In CLCC’s 2023-24 Land Trust Census, land trusts identified fundraising and financing as their top challenges, particularly for acquisitions. This is no surprise: Connecticut’s public conservation funding, per capita, ranks near the bottom for any state in New England. Moreover, land trusts generally don’t have a stockpile of cash for immediate acquisitions, and state and federal funding programs take years to complete.”
The LCG Program is designed to bridge these funding gaps, accelerating the protection of conservation areas. This initiative builds upon CLCC’s successful track record with programs such as its Transaction Assistance Grant Program, Connecticut Conservation Partnership Program, and Climate Smart Land Stewardship Program.
“With limited funding, many land trusts must walk away from irreplaceable opportunities to protect natural lands and waters crucial to addressing the impacts of climate change, slowing biodiversity loss, and otherwise providing Connecticut communities with access to the many benefits of nature. As Connecticut’s only statewide land trust service provider, CLCC is thrilled to add the Land Capital Grant to our suite of financial assistance programs that will help land trusts pursue and complete more projects at a time when conservation has never been more critical,” said Paterson.
Program Priorities and Eligibility
The LCG Program prioritizes projects that:
demonstrate a strong commitment to conservation;
align with statewide land conservation goals;
have leveraged and/or exhausted other public and private funding sources; and
have a closing time frame of 12 months or less.
Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations with a mission dedicated to land conservation in Connecticut and be current members of CLCC. Projects must be located within the state, though multi-state projects may be considered if at least 50 percent of the land area is in Connecticut. The grant funds are designated solely for acquisition costs, with a minimum award of $50,000 and a maximum of $500,000 or 30 percent of the appraised value, whichever is less.
Johnson Farm is a 52-acre preserve in Washington, Connecticut, that is part of West Mountain Preserve. The farm is owned by the Steep Rock Association, a nonprofit land trust. Photo © Woody Campbell
Application Process and Timeline
Applications are accepted by invitation only, with submission deadlines on the first of every other month, starting March 1, 2025. Funding decisions are announced at the end of the review period, and projects must close within 12 months of the funding decision announcement. This rolling application process will continue until funds are fully expended. Learn more about the application process and upcoming deadlines by visiting CLCC’s Land Capital Grant Program.
Evaluation Criteria
Projects are evaluated based on several criteria:
Biodiversity and Habitat: percentage of project area with recognized biodiversity;
Connectivity: proximity to other conserved lands (identified through The Nature Conservancy’s Resilient Land Mapping Tool);
Climate Resilience: site resilience score (based on The Nature Conservancy’s Connected and Resilient Networks methodology);
Water Resources: contribution to local water quality; and
Public Access: presence and type of public access, with an emphasis on universal access features designed to be usable by the broadest range of visitors, including those with mobility limitations.
Supporting Land Trusts
The LCG Program is a testament to CLCC’s commitment to strengthening land conservation in Connecticut. By providing financial support and prioritizing projects that align with statewide conservation goals, the program ensures that critical lands are protected efficiently. This initiative not only addresses the immediate funding needs of land trusts but also contributes to the long-term sustainability and resilience of Connecticut’s natural landscapes.
“As Connecticut’s only statewide land trust service provider, CLCC is thrilled to add the Land Capital Grant to our suite of financial assistance programs that will help land trusts pursue and complete more projects at a time when conservation has never been more critical”
Paterson shared, “By giving land trusts another funding option through the LCG Program, we aim to assist them in accelerating the pace, scale, and quality of land conservation in communities all across the state. We strive to be strategic in our selection and award process, focusing on projects that address and enhance critical needs, including biodiversity and habitat, connectivity, climate resilience, water resources, and public access. Knowing land trusts as well as we do, we do not doubt that the projects they submit will be competitive and impactful.”
Land trusts interested in applying can contact Yaw Darko, CLCC’s Director of Grants and Programs, to discuss project details and determine eligibility. This proactive approach ensures that potential applicants receive guidance tailored to their specific project needs, enhancing the likelihood of successful conservation outcomes.
The launch of the LCG Program marks a significant milestone in Connecticut’s conservation efforts. By empowering land trusts with the necessary financial resources, CLCC is paving the way for protecting land that is essential for the future of Connecticut, New England, and beyond.
Marissa Latshaw works with mission-driven organizations to build empathetic and inclusive communication strategies that inspire action. She serves as publisher of From the Ground Up and co-coordinator of the Wildlands, Woodlands, Farmlands & Communities initiative, working with partners throughout New England to help bring a more holistic, integrated approach to land conservation. Marissa resides in Connecticut where she’s always up for a walk in nature on her own or with her family.