Land trust accreditation is a mark of distinction, showing that a land
trust meets high standards for land conservation. It sends a message
to landowners and supporters: “Invest in us. We are a strong,
effective organization you can trust to conserve your land trust
forever.” Accreditation demonstrates that a land trust has
successfully implemented Land Trust Standards and Practices.
Accredited land trusts range from all-volunteer organizations to
national groups and protect more than 75% of all land and easements
held by land trusts in America. Accreditation is a voluntary program
administered by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission. Accreditation
is a catalyst for improvement, which results in faster, better,
stronger conservation. The accreditation seal offers the assurance
that a land trust can keep the promise of perpetuity and that it is
worthy of the public trust. So, accreditation strengthens both
individual land trusts and America’s land conservation movement.
Benefits for Land Trusts An accredited land trust can approach
landowners and supporters with confidence, using the accreditation
seal to demonstrate the excellence of their work. Accreditation
benefits your land trust in many ways: Donors want to give to
effective, well-run organizations. Accreditation assures them that
your land trust is a good investment. Landowners want to know that a
land trust will be able to carry out their conservation vision.
Accreditation shows that you have what it takes. Funders often set
strict requirements for grant recipients — and two-thirds of
accredited land trusts say accreditation makes it easier to meet these
requirements. Almost all land trusts improve their policies and
programs as they apply for accreditation — with 96% of accredited
land trusts saying that the process made them stronger. A stronger
organization is less risky to insure. So accredited land trusts can
get discounts on insurance, among other perks. Learn more about the
benefits by visiting the Land Trust Accreditation Commission's
website. Achieving or Renewing Accreditation When is the right time
for accreditation? A first-time application takes a significant time
commitment, so you may want to research the process and then decide
how it fits into your strategic or long-term plans. Applying for
the first time? Go to the Land Trust Accreditation Commission’s
website to learn about the process for getting started. Time to renew?
Accreditation is awarded for a five-year term. When you need to renew,
the Commission will send a reminder at least a year in advance. Go to
the Commission’s website to learn about the renewal process. Need
support? Accreditation is demanding, but it’s worth it, and the
Alliance and the land trust community can help you reach that goal.
For resources to help you prepare for accreditation, go to The
Learning Center, and check out Pathways to Accreditation. It can also
be helpful to reach out to accredited land trusts in your area and
learn from their experience.
