We Are America's Partner in Conservation

Across the country we work with our partners, to conserve land, train leaders and invest in conservation at home. From our headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, and our field offices across the country, we've saved land in all 50 states—nearly 7 million acres of wild havens, working lands, vibrant communities and more.

The Conservation Fund started in 1985 as a smart solution to an old problem: how to balance environmental and economic goals. For decades, environmentalists and business or development leaders had been at odds, with each group favoring its own use of the landscape. Conservationist Pat Noonan, former head of The Nature Conservancy, decided to found a small, savvy nonprofit organization that would bring economics and the environment together—providing a win for all of America.

That idea became the Fund—a business of conservation, staffed by a skilled team with real estate, finance, legal, investment and science expertise. Rather than pursue our own conservation agenda and membership, we partner with community, government and corporate organizations—fulfilling their conservation priorities. Everything we do has environmental and economic value, from protecting "working" forests and recreation destinations that provide local revenue to helping communities grow thoughtfully.

Today, with CEO Larry Selzer at the helm, we continue going strong. With a staff of 140, we have the highest program allocation and lowest fundraising costs in our field. We consistently earn top rankings for efficiency by review groups such as Charity Navigator and the American Institute of Philanthropy.

We invite you to learn about the places we protect.