Land trust accreditation will initially be available to all U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations: that actively acquire or steward conservation land or conservation easements, that have been incorporated for at least two years, and that have completed at least two direct land or easement acquisition projects. (In a direct land or easement acquisition project the applicant organization is included in the chain of title on a fee parcel or is the grantee of a conservation easement.)

Two completed projects will provide the Commission with actual data to verify. The eligibility requirements clarify for applicants, funders and the public that it takes time for new organizations to create the systems needed to carry out the indicator practices and that there is no expectation that new organizations will earn accreditation right away.

Use the following checklist to see if your organization is eligible to apply for accreditation at this time.

Is My Organization Eligible?

• U.S.-based 501(c)(3) tax-exempt or quasi-governmental organization
• Incorporated for at least two years
• Focused on acquiring and/or stewarding conservation land or conservation easements
• Completed two direct land or easement acquisition projects
• Adopted Land Trust Standards and Practices (2004)
• Self-assessment against the full Land Trust Standards and Practices completed within the last three years