Recoverable Grants to Advance Conservation

Recoverable grants support urgent land conservation projects across the country, recycling from one project to the next and maximizing impact for nature, climate, and communities.

What is a recoverable grant?

A recoverable grant is a charitable contribution that allows a donor to recover funds and recycle them into new philanthropic giving opportunities.

TCF utilizes recoverable grants to acquire lands with high-conservation value. When those lands are sold to permanent conservation partners, the proceeds are reinvested into new projects, ensuring recoverable grants will continue to support multiple initiatives. Each dollar contributed through a recoverable grant is expected to generate a threefold impact over the grant period.

At the end of the grant period, the funds are returned to the foundation or DAF on a discretionary basis for future charitable purposes.

What are the recoverable grant terms and benefits?

• 5-year grant period and $100,000 minimum grant contribution
• Discretionary annual interim payments to grantors up to 3% of grant amount
• Intention of TCF to return full grant backed by our proven track record
• Income tax deductions may be generated through contributing to a DAF or foundation
• Additional tax benefits may be possible through the contribution of appreciated assets

I have a donor-advised fund — how do I make a recoverable grant to The Conservation Fund?

The Conservation Fund is pre-approved to receive recoverable grants from major DAF custodians. You can notify TCF of your intentions or meet with your financial advisor to recommend a recoverable grant. TCF offers donors a letter of intent for discretionary returns of the original grant amount and additional discretionary interim payments.

Why is TCF utilizing recoverable grants?

TCF is rapidly expanding its land protection efforts and is seeking motivated recoverable grant donors to accelerate conservation of places that matter most. By leveraging innovative funding mechanisms, including recoverable grants, TCF ensures that conservation efforts not only scale to protect natural landscapes, but also contribute to local economies and community well-being.