Flint Rising Conservation Assistance Fund

Empowering landowners to protect greenspace for generations to come.

Flint Rising is a community-driven conservation initiative focused on balancing growth and greenspace protection across Fayette and Coweta counties. Through collaboration, strategic conservation, and responsible development, the initiative works to strengthen ecological resilience while helping ensure the natural landscapes that define the region continue to thrive for future generations.


As growth pressures continue across the region, Flint Rising was created to help ensure conservation opportunities remain accessible for local landowners seeking to protect the landscapes they cherish.

THis FUND BRIDGES THE GAP

The Flint Rising Conservation Assistance Fund helps landowners move from conservation interest to conservation action by reducing the financial and logistical barriers associated with permanent land protection.


Eligible support may include:

  • Assistance with due diligence expenses
  • Cost-share or matching support for conservation-related costs
  • Prioritization of high-value habitats, greenspaces, and watershed protection areas
  • A more accessible pathway to permanent conservation


Eligible projects:

  • Align with SCT’s conservation criteria
  • Score highly through the project evaluation process
  • Demonstrate long-term conservation value and stewardship potential
APPLY TODAY (COMING SOON)

tHE CHALLENGEs

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

LEGAL

Complex legal agreements and permanent conservation commitments


UNCERTAINTY
Uncertainty around conservation priorities and financial incentives

CONFIDENCE
Lack of guidance and clarity when pursuing permanent conservation tools like easements

THE SOLUTIONS

ASSISTANCE
Financial assistance for eligible due diligence expenses

IMPACT
Prioritization of high-value conservation areas and habitats

PARTNERSHIP
Guidance from an experienced land trust throughout the conservation process

STEWARDSHIP
Support for the long-term stewardship of protected property

HOW IT WORKS

  • 1. LANDOWNER APPLICATION

    Our rural southeastern lands are under increasing pressure from changing land uses, creating a need to protect priority natural spaces in perpetuity. Landowners are encouraged to review program eligibility and begin the application process. Please complete as much of the application as possible to help us evaluate your project.

  • 2. SCT REVIEW & EVALUATION

    SCT’s Conservation & Stewardship team evaluates projects based on conservation value, regional priorities, and program criteria.

  • 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

    Approved projects may receive cost-share assistance, matching support, or funding for eligible conservation expenses.

  • 5. CONSERVATION EASEMENT CLOSING (RECORDING THE CE)

    Work with experienced land trust staff and your legal and financial advisors to complete and record a permanent conservation easement tailored to your property. This process typically takes 6–12 months to complete.

Is My Property a Good Fit?

Projects are best suited for landowners in Fayette or Coweta County interested in permanent conservation and long-term land stewardship. Staff review will prioritize properties with strong conservation value, including forested land, waterways, and natural habitat areas.

you may qualify if...

✔ Located in Fayette or Coweta County

✔ Contains conservation or habitat value

✔ Interested in permanent land protection

✔ Seeking assistance with conservation-related costs

THANK YOU TO OUR FOUNDING FUNDING PARTNER

The Flint Rising Conservation Assistance Fund is proudly supported by Georgia Power, whose investment is helping expand permanent conservation opportunities across Fayette and Coweta counties.

the flint rising initiative

Powered by Partnership. Rooted in Conservation. Focused on the Future.

PURPOSE

Flint Rising is a five-year initiative to guide a community-driven effort to balance development and conservation within the Fayette and Coweta region of Georgia. It establishes 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.


VISION STATEMENT

A thriving Fayette and Coweta area where community-driven conservation, responsible development, and ecological resilience rise together.


MISSION STATEMENT

To bring the community together to elevate nature by promoting balanced growth, encouraging conservation, restoring ecosystems, and empowering collaboration across the Fayette-Coweta area.

iinterested in supporting flint rising?

Additional contributions help expand conservation opportunities, reduce barriers for landowners, and protect more greenspace for future generations.