Gifts of Land

Outright Donation (Fee Simple Transfer)

An outright gift of land is one of the most direct ways to protect a property. By transferring ownership to ECF or another qualified conservation entity, the landowner ensures that the land can be cared for and protected over time.

This option may also provide charitable tax benefits, potential estate planning benefits, and relief from future property taxes and land management responsibilities.

Donation by Will (Bequest)

A landowner may choose to leave land to ECF through a will or estate plan. This allows the landowner to continue using and owning the property during their lifetime while ensuring that the land is protected in the future.

ECF encourages landowners to discuss this option in advance so that the organization can understand the property, the donor’s wishes, and the long-term stewardship needs.

Donation with Reserved Life Estate

In some cases, a landowner may donate land while reserving the right to continue using the property during their lifetime, or during the lifetime of designated family members.

This approach can protect the land permanently while allowing the donor to remain connected to the property.

Gifts of Other Property

Some donors choose to give property that may not have direct conservation value. In certain situations, ECF may be able to sell that property and use the proceeds to support land conservation, stewardship, or other mission-aligned work.

Sale of Land

Sale at Fair Market Value

A landowner may choose to sell land to ECF or another conservation buyer at fair market value. This option provides financial return to the seller while allowing the land to be considered for protection.

Because conservation organizations often rely on fundraising, grants, and community support, the ability to purchase land at full value may depend on available funding and project priorities.

Installment Sale

An installment sale allows the purchase price to be paid over time. This can give a conservation organization time to raise funds while allowing the landowner to spread payments across multiple years.

The terms of an installment sale are negotiated between the parties and should be reviewed by legal and financial advisors.

Bargain Sale

A bargain sale is part sale and part charitable gift. The landowner sells the property for less than fair market value, and the difference between the appraised value and the sale price may qualify as a charitable contribution.

This option can help landowners receive some financial return while making conservation possible.

Conservation Restrictions

A conservation restriction, sometimes called a conservation easement, is a legal agreement that protects the conservation value of a property while allowing the land to remain privately owned.

The landowner continues to own the property, but certain development rights are limited or removed. The restriction stays with the land, even if the property is sold in the future.

This option may be appropriate for landowners who want to preserve open space, habitat, water resources, scenic character, or other natural features while retaining ownership.

Options and Rights of First Refusal

Sometimes a landowner is interested in future conservation but is not ready to sell or donate immediately. In those cases, an option agreement or right of first refusal may be useful.

An option gives ECF the opportunity to purchase the property within a certain time period and under agreed-upon terms.

A right of first refusal gives ECF the opportunity to consider purchasing the property before it is sold to another buyer.

Start a Conversation

If you are a landowner, family member, attorney, or advisor interested in exploring conservation options, ECF welcomes the conversation.

A first discussion does not obligate you to make a decision. It simply helps identify the goals for the property, the conservation value of the land, and the options that may be available.