Bluebird farm

Bluebird Farm in North Carolina, a ShadeFund entrepreneur. Photo courtesy Bluebird Farm.

By providing capital and expertise to conservationists, community leaders and businesses nationwide, we make it possible to swiftly protect special places and to operate sustainably.   

Revolving Capital

One key to our success is our “revolving capital” model. Our conservation real estate specializes in supplying bridge capital, or loans, to help our partners save America’s special outdoor places. By repeatedly revolving the same dollars into new conservation projects, we’ve helped conserve million 7 million acres, across more than 2,000 projects in all 50 states. Based on our effectiveness, we’re ranked among the top 1% of charities nationwide. Find out more about our Revolving Capital model. 

Land Trust Financing

We provide bridge financing and real estate expertise to land trusts across America. Through our Land Trust Loan Program, we’ve provided more than 160 loans to more than 100 local land trusts and nonprofits, allowing them to protect over 100,000 acres nationwide—including dozens of farms, natural areas, and historic sites, as well as battlefields, state parks and more. 

Thanks to key supporters, we’re also able to offer dedicated loan funds in select geographies:

Green Business Lending

America is full of entrepreneurs ready to make their mark. We put that ambition to work for conservation by supporting emerging and small businesses that use natural resources sustainably in select geographies and markets. Find out if our Natural Capital Investment Fund or our ShadeFund can help your business.

Grant Programs

We offer grants in two regions to foster local conservation goals:

Our Conservation Strategy

 From Our Partners:

“The Conservation Fund was absolutely critical to the Crystal River project. We borrowed $2.1 million while we waited for federal funding for the last 59 acres to come through. With our annual budget of just $600,000, a purchase costing more than $4.8 million was a huge risk. We could never have borrowed so much money from a bank.” — Susan Price, Chief Financial Officer, Leelanau Conservancy, Michigan. Land Trust Loan Program.

"NCIF provided expansion funding for FLS Energy at an early stage of our company’s development. Without that capital we would never have been able to accomplish all that we have, and we continue to rely on the advice and perspective of the NCIF staff." — Hardy LeGwin, Founding Partner and Chairman, FLS Energy. NCIF Loan Recipient.