Flint Rising Conservation Assistance Fund

A community greenspace initiative helping landowners overcome financial barriers to permanent land conservation.

The vision for Flint River Rising Initiative is to encourage the thriving communities of the Fayette and Coweta area to make community-driven conservation, responsible development, and ecological resilience rise together. Flint Rising is a long-term initiative aimed at establishing shared goals, actionable strategies, and measurable outcomes to ensure that growth in the region elevates rather than diminishes the natural systems that sustain local communities. The initiative will expand to additional counties in the Flint River corridor as the initiative gains momentum.

tHE CHALLENGE

COST
High cost of surveys, title work, and appraisals.

LEGAL
Legal and closing costs for conservation easements.


UNCERTAINTY
Uncertainty around incentives and tax benefits.

PERMANENCE
Complexity of permanent (in perpetuity) agreements.

THE SOLUTION

FUNDING
Funding for eligible due diligence costs.

MATCH
Cost-share or matching assistance.

STEWARDSHIP
Support for stewardship contributions.

PRIORITY
Prioritization of high-value conservation areas.

THE FUND BRIDGES THE GAP

It provides:
  • Financial assistance for eligible project costs
  • Cost-share or matching support for conservation expenses
  • Support for high-priority habitats and watersheds
  • Streamlined pathway to permanent conservation
Eligible projects are those that:
  • Meet SCT conservation criteria
  • Score highly on the program evaluation scorecard
APPLY TODAY (COMING SOON)

HOW IT WORKS

  • 1. LANDOWNER SUBMITS APPLICATION

    Our rural southeastern lands are under threat of conversion by many new land uses, placing a huge focus on conserving and protecting working farms and forests into perpetuity. We will work with you on the terms of a conservation easement to allow for farmland with prime agricultural soils to stay in production and continue sustainably.

  • 2. SCT REVIEW & EVALUATION

    Our team can work with you to protect land that has been in your family for generations so that future generations may enjoy it. Our landowners have many motivations for permanently conserving their property, and many want to protect their family tracts now to secure their legacy in an uncertain future.

  • 3. EXECUTIVE REVIEW & BOARD APPROVAL

    Following evaluation by SCT’s President & CEO, the SCT Board of Directors reviews recommendations and votes on funding approval.

  • 4. FUNDING AWARDED

    Cost-share, match, or full support for eligible expenses.

DOWNLOAD THE FLINT RISING INITIATIVE STRATEGIC PLAN

Fee Simple Property Donations

Interested in transferring ownership of your land entirely? Unlike donating a conservation easement, which keeps the property under your continued ownership, you may prefer to donate your land outright to the Southern Conservation Trust. We accept donations of fee simple property with clear title and protect thousands of acres of greenspace, wildlife habitat, streams, and wetlands this way.

Leave Your Legacy with Planned Giving

Not ready to donate your land yet? That's okay. Some landowners choose to remember SCT in their wills or arrange for a life estate. Explore planned giving options for your real estate or other assets.

LEARN MORE

Contact the Conservation Team

Because our team is often in the field, we may miss your call. To ensure we don’t miss your message, please email us or leave a detailed voicemail, and we’ll respond as soon as possible.