St. Marks Wildlife Refuge | Photo: George Wilson Archives

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my donation tax deductible? Do we receive information on the land or easement purchase our donation was used to protect?

Atira Conservation is a registered tax-exempt nonprofit private foundation 501(c)3 in the U.S. (EIN 87-2103234) and donations are tax deductible to fullest extent of the law for U.S. donors. Donors will receive a receipt for tax purposes, as well as information on the land or easement purchase your donation helped to secure.

Can I donate stocks, give through a donor-advised fund, my IRA or donate to Atira Conservation through my estate plan?

We’d be happy to talk with you about the donation option that fits your goals and needs. Please email us directly at Info@AtiraConservation.com.

Is there a minimum amount for a donation?

There is $5 minimum donation… every dollar received brings us closer to protecting more land!

What percentage of each donation goes toward a land or easement purchase?

100% of your donation is allocated to the project costs of a land or easement purchase.

How much financial compensation do the founders of Atira Conservation receive?

The founders of Atira Conservation receive no compensation for their time and efforts to secure lands for permanent conservation.

How do we know our money is going to a worthy land purchase?

Atira Conservation only supports projects with committed perpetual protection and stewardship. We review each transaction to ensure the target property meets our land conservation priorities, the associated costs are reasonable and prudent and we have ensured that the collaboratirve partners have the long-term viability needed to manage lands in perpetuity.

How does Atira Conservation find meaningful land and easement purchases?

We network with local land conservation organizations across the United States to find specific properties needing additional funding for protection. Potential projects are brought to us for consideration from colleagues working either with or for these land conservation organizations.  Other projects are found through various outreach and solicitation efforts.

Is there a geographic limitation to where Atira Conservation will fund projects?

Atira Conservation will fund projects within the United States and its territories.

Does Atira Conservation protect land with aquatic habitat?

Yes, we protect aquatic habitat, so long as it is associated with the land or easement purchase.

What is the process for funding projects?

We network with local land trusts and other conservation organizations across the United States to find specific properties in need of additional funding for protection.  We also solicit property purchase ideas from local land trusts and other conservation organizations, as well as private landowners, including donors who support Atira Conservation. For initial funding consideration, any land or easement purchase must be targeted for permanent protection and committed perpetual stewardship. We then evaluate whether the property aligns with our priorities. Once a property meets our criteria, we begin working with local land conservation organizations to assist with funding for the easement or land purchase. (Learn more about becoming an Atira Conservation partner here.)

Is there a minimum size for a land or easement purchase?

There is no minimum size for a land or easement purchase, as long as priority factors — including the ecological value of the habitat, location, and historical/cultural significance — are appropriately addressed. (Learn more about these factors here and here.)

Can I donate land to Atira Conservation for permanent protection?

You can donate land for permanent protection and potentially receive a tax benefit.  Atira Conservation will work with a local land conservation organization to explore the possibility for that organization to hold title and manage the property in perpetuity. Atira Conservation does not hold title to lands or conservation easements.

Does Atira Conservation own property once it is purchased?

No, Atira Conservation will not own property once it is put in permanent protection.  Fee simple land purchases will be held with a local land conservation organization and managed in perpetuity.  Land easements will be overseen by a land conservation organization to ensure all terms of the land easement are maintained.

Are land and easement properties maintained in perpetuity?

Atira Conservation works with local land conservation organizations to ensure all land and easement purchases are protected and managed in perpetuity.

If I have an idea for a land purchase or easement how should I proceed?

Email us at info@atiraconservation.com and tell us about your idea.  Include as much information about the property as possible such as location, property size, photos, a map, current ownership, value of the property, etc.

What can I do to help with land conservation if I cannot give financial support?

There are numerous ways you can support land conservation in your community.  Please
consider:

  • Spreading the word about Atira Conservation to your family, friends and
    colleagues;
  • Joining our mailing list and following us on social media;
  • Helping us find natural spaces that need protecting;
  • Considering your property as a conservation easement donation;
  • Remembering us in your estate planning;
  • Volunteering with a land trust or land conservation organization in your own community. The Land Trust Alliance offers a searchable database here.