The Commissioners of Chester County is excited to announce the Conservancy Acquisition Grants.
Donor Name: Commissioners of Chester County
State: Pennsylvania
County: Chester County (PA)
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 02/28/2025
Size of the Grant: Not Available
Grant Duration: 3 Years
Details:
Grant Period
The contract length is three (3) years from the date the grant is awarded.
Eligible Projects
- Fee simple acquisition of privately owned land that provides significant public benefit.
- Acquisition of conservation easements that provide significant public benefit.
- Farmland Preservation Projects: Fee simple purchases of agricultural land or the acquisition of conservation easements on agricultural land if the project meets the following criteria:
- Minimum 15 net acres of farmland (must net out a minimum of 2 acres around existing residences and support structures as well as access to these areas and any other excluded areas.)
- Minimum 50% of the parcel in agricultural use.
- Parcels with less than 15 net acres of farmland with at least 50% of the parcel in agricultural use will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
- Acquisition of right-of-way easements for public recreational use (i.e. trails.)
- Fee simple acquisition of eased or restricted property, if ownership will significantly increase public access and recreational opportunities on the property.
- Fee simple acquisition of land owned by non-County governmental agencies, if ownership will significantly increase public access and recreational opportunities on the property.
- Transaction costs associated with eligible projects involving the full donation of land or easement to the nonprofit, up to the limits established by this program. To be eligible, the project must conform to all Preservation Partnership Grant requirements and the County must retain a legal interest in the land or easement.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible applicants are nonprofit land conservation and preservation organizations that:
- have a primary purpose of conservation and preservation of open space, parklands, or natural areas for public benefit;
- are tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986;
- are registered with the Bureau of Charitable Organizations within the Pennsylvania Department of State;
- are pre-qualified by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) as eligible to receive Land Trust acquisition grants;
- and have been in existence for at least 5 consecutive years.
For more information, visit Commissioners of Chester County.
