← THE CONSERVATION FUND A NONPROFIT CORPORATION

Form 990 for tax year 2024

Filed by THE CONSERVATION FUND A NONPROFIT CORPORATION.

Totals

Total revenue: $373,233,308
Total expenses: $356,216,753
Contributions and grants received: $123,503,860
Grants paid: $52,790,311
Program service revenue: $245,196,100
Investment income: $4,528,349
Other revenue: $4,999
Total assets, end of year: $919,448,710
Total liabilities, end of year: $438,408,775
Net assets or fund balances, end of year: $481,039,935
Program services expenses (Part IX): $342,906,581
Management and general expenses: $6,928,496
Fundraising expenses: $6,381,676
Program service expenses (Part III): $342,906,581

Program services were 96.3% of total expenses calculated — Part IX's program-services column over total expenses, both as filed.

Line items

Every line the filer filed in Parts VIII, IX and X, as filed and in filed order. Blank columns are left out, and the lines are not forced to add up to the totals above.

Revenue

Part VIII, the statement of revenue.

1a · Federated campaigns

$50,486
1e · Government grants (contributions)

$17,954,248
1f · All other contributions, gifts and grants

$105,499,126
1g · Noncash contributions included above

$31,478,448
2a · Program service revenue: CONS. LAND SALES

total $211,443,698 · related or exempt $211,443,698
2b · Program service revenue: MITIGATION REVENUE

total $8,942,488 · related or exempt $8,942,488
2c · Program service revenue: RESOURCES SALES

total $8,869,647 · related or exempt $8,869,647
2d · Program service revenue: CARBON SALES

total $7,880,400 · related or exempt $7,880,400
2e · Program service revenue: CONTRACT FEES

total $6,431,631 · related or exempt $6,431,631
2f · All other program service revenue

total $1,628,236 · related or exempt $1,628,236
3 · Investment income

total $4,077,117 · excluded $4,077,117
5 · Royalties

total $4,999 · excluded $4,999
7a · Gross sales of assets other than inventory

securities $1,366,361 · other assets $239,083
7b · Less cost or other basis and sales expenses

securities $1,154,212 · other assets $0
7c · Gain or loss

securities $212,149 · other assets $239,083
7d · Net gain or loss

total $451,232 · excluded $451,232

Functional expenses

Part IX, the statement of functional expenses.

1 · Grants to domestic organizations and governments

total $52,490,311 · program services $52,490,311
2 · Grants to domestic individuals

total $300,000 · program services $300,000
5 · Compensation of officers, directors and key employees

total $4,138,630 · program services $2,504,113 · management and general $1,266,681 · fundraising $367,836
7 · Other salaries and wages

total $25,105,747 · program services $19,075,777 · management and general $2,826,881 · fundraising $3,203,089
8 · Pension plan contributions

total $1,685,886 · program services $1,277,810 · management and general $190,511 · fundraising $217,565
9 · Other employee benefits

total $1,691,665 · program services $678,683 · management and general $480,930 · fundraising $532,052
10 · Payroll taxes

total $1,599,165 · program services $1,222,467 · management and general $171,602 · fundraising $205,096
11a · Fees: management

total $360,403 · program services $360,403
11b · Fees: legal

total $496,710 · program services $366,243 · management and general $128,058 · fundraising $2,409
11c · Fees: accounting

total $296,926 · program services $113,983 · management and general $164,076 · fundraising $18,867
11d · Fees: lobbying

total $371,097 · program services $290,961 · management and general $41,710 · fundraising $38,426
11e · Fees: professional fundraising services

total $30,000 · fundraising $30,000
11f · Fees: investment management

total $29,648 · management and general $29,648
11g · Fees: other

total $11,723,121 · program services $11,003,174 · management and general $336,059 · fundraising $383,888
12 · Advertising and promotion

total $437,788 · program services $192,024 · management and general $34,282 · fundraising $211,482
13 · Office expenses

total $2,195,016 · program services $1,855,409 · management and general $154,687 · fundraising $184,920
14 · Information technology

total $992,760 · program services $559,540 · management and general $253,998 · fundraising $179,222
16 · Occupancy

total $5,195,069 · program services $4,844,575 · management and general $179,760 · fundraising $170,734
17 · Travel

total $1,247,192 · program services $883,974 · management and general $165,506 · fundraising $197,712
19 · Conferences, conventions and meetings

total $896,297 · program services $640,058 · management and general $152,398 · fundraising $103,841
20 · Interest

total $9,786,833 · program services $9,786,833
22 · Depreciation, depletion and amortization

total $374,997 · program services $293,357 · management and general $42,493 · fundraising $39,147
23 · Insurance

total $1,046,331 · program services $791,343 · management and general $132,719 · fundraising $122,269
24a · Other expenses: BV CONSERVATION LAND

total $195,318,695 · program services $195,318,695
24b · Other expenses: PROVISION FOR EASEMENT

total $29,288,000 · program services $29,288,000
24c · Other expenses: ACQ & HOLDING COSTS

total $4,882,023 · program services $4,782,442 · management and general $51,831 · fundraising $47,750
24e · All other expenses

total $4,236,443 · program services $3,986,406 · management and general $124,666 · fundraising $125,371

Balance sheet

Part X, book values.

2 · Savings and temporary cash investments

beginning of year $124,777,003 · end of year $158,373,499
3 · Pledges and grants receivable

beginning of year $16,092,228 · end of year $10,132,145
4 · Accounts receivable

beginning of year $6,334,481 · end of year $3,232,362
9 · Prepaid expenses and deferred charges

beginning of year $5,241,372 · end of year $3,651,115
10a · Land, buildings and equipment: cost or other basis

$6,706,816
10b · Land, buildings and equipment: accumulated depreciation

$3,310,994
10c · Land, buildings and equipment, net

beginning of year $2,556,437 · end of year $3,395,822
11 · Investments: publicly traded securities

beginning of year $16,626,203 · end of year $18,828,359
12 · Investments: other securities

beginning of year $13,070,193 · end of year $13,309,774
13 · Investments: program-related

beginning of year $20,387,658 · end of year $6,550,574
15 · Other assets

beginning of year $669,167,366 · end of year $701,975,060
17 · Accounts payable and accrued expenses

beginning of year $26,182,577 · end of year $18,451,841
19 · Deferred revenue

beginning of year $91,363,817 · end of year $106,945,083
23 · Secured mortgages and notes payable

beginning of year $21,126,114 · end of year $19,656,598
24 · Unsecured notes and loans payable

beginning of year $263,717,044 · end of year $284,579,236
25 · Other liabilities

beginning of year $10,625,391 · end of year $8,776,017
27 · Net assets without donor restrictions

beginning of year $225,986,309 · end of year $225,746,246
28 · Net assets with donor restrictions

beginning of year $235,251,689 · end of year $255,293,689

Mission and programs · 2024

Mission

THE CONSERVATION FUND IS IN THE BUSINESS OF CONSERVATION, CREATING INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS THAT DRIVE NATURE-BASED ACTION FOR CLIMATE PROTECTION, SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIES AND VIBRANT COMMUNITIES.

CONSERVATION REAL ESTATE ACTIVITIESTHE CONSERVATION FUND (TCF) WAS FOUNDED TO ADVANCE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND ECONOMIC VITALITY AS MUTUALLY REINFORCING STRATEGIES THAT MAKE THE NATION AND SOCIETY STRONGER. FOR MORE THAN 40 YEARS, TCF HAS BEEN BUYING AT-RISK LAND WITH HIGH CONSERVATION VALUE TO PROTECT IT FROM DEGRADATION, PUTTING PROTECTIONS IN PLACE TO ENSURE IT IS MANAGED FOR ENVIRONMENTAL, ECONOMIC AND HUMAN GAIN BEFORE TRANSFERRING IT TO LONG-TERM OWNERS. TOP RANKED FOR EFFICIENCY AND MISSION EFFECTIVENESS, TCF HAS CONSERVED OVER 9 MILLION ACRES ACROSS ALL 50 STATES WITH A TOTAL APPRAISED VALUE OF $8,961,981,014 AND INVOLVING OVER 4,070 REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS. THIS SUCCESSFUL TRACK RECORD IS BUILT ON TCF'S ABILITY TO PURCHASE PRIORITY NATURAL LANDS, ESSENTIAL CULTURAL AND HISTORIC SITES, AND WORKING LANDSCAPES LIKE FORESTS, FARMS, AND RANCHES TO PROVIDE TIME FOR PERMANENT CONSERVATION TO BE ACHIEVED. THIS CORE REAL ESTATE ACTIVITY INVOLVES THE ACQUISITION OF LAND AND INTERESTS IN LAND ON BEHALF OF FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT AGENCIES AS WELL AS PRIVATE AND OTHER CONSERVATION-MINDED NGO PARTNERS. TCF PURCHASES PROPERTIES DEEMED A PRIORITY BY ITS PARTNERS AND HOLDS THEM FOR INTERIM PERIODS, PROVIDING THE TIME NEEDED FOR ITS PARTNERS TO SECURE FUNDING TO ACQUIRE, STEWARD AND PERMANENTLY MANAGE THE LANDS. THIS MODEL ENSURES THAT FUNDING IS AVAILABLE IN TIME TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THE SELLER WHEN A HIGH-CONSERVATION-VALUE PROPERTY GOES UP FOR SALE.FUNDING FOR TCF'S REAL ESTATE ACQUISITIONS LARGELY COMES FROM ITS "REVOLVING FUND" OF CAPITAL, WHICH IS MADE UP OF CHARITABLE GIFTS, PROCEEDS FROM THE SALE OF DONATED SURPLUS LANDS THAT TCF HAS SOLD FOR CASH, AS WELL AS ACCUMULATED GAINS ON AND CAPITAL RETURNED FROM PAST REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS. SOURCES OF FUNDING FOR DISPOSITIONS TO PARTNERS INCLUDE FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT FUNDING PROGRAMS AND PHILANTHROPIC FUNDS FROM FOUNDATIONS, CORPORATIONS AND PRIVATE INDIVIDUALS. ONCE A PROPERTY HAS BEEN TRANSFERRED TO THE LONG-TERM HOLDER AND TCF RECOUPS ITS INVESTMENT, CAPITAL IS RETURNED TO THE REVOLVING FUND FOR USE IN OTHER REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS.AS AN EXPERT IN CONSERVATION REAL ESTATE, TCF ALSO PROVIDES NEGOTIATION EXPERTISE AND TRANSACTIONAL SUPPORT TO GOVERNMENT AGENCIES AND TO OTHER CONSERVATION ORGANIZATIONS TO DIRECTLY ACQUIRE CONSERVATION LAND, AS WELL AS BRIDGE FINANCING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO LAND TRUSTS AND OTHER ORGANIZATIONS TO PROTECT CRITICAL NATURAL RESOURCES IN THEIR COMMUNITIES. BY ADDRESSING AN UNMET NEED FOR BRIDGE FINANCING, THESE "CONSERVATION LOANS" HELP TCF'S PARTNERS EXPAND CONSERVATION IMPACT NATIONWIDE. AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2024, TCF'S CONSERVATION LOANS HAVE HELPED CONSERVE 166,852 ACRES THROUGH 420 LOANS IN 40 STATES. THE PORTFOLIO OF LOANS HAD A PRINCIPAL VALUE OF $6.5 MILLION AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2024.WORKING LANDS. KEEPING WORKING FORESTS AND FARMLAND INTACT AND IN PRODUCTION IS CRITICAL TO BOTH THE ENVIRONMENT AND ECONOMIC VITALITY. TCF APPLIES ITS UNIQUE CONSERVATION MODEL TO PURCHASE AT-RISK FORESTS AND FARMS AND PUTS PROTECTIONS IN PLACE TO ENSURE THESE LANDS ARE SUSTAINABLY MANAGED TO PRESERVE THEIR ENVIRONMENTAL AND ECONOMIC BENEFITS. TCF'S WORKING FOREST FUND PROGRAM IS COMMITTED TO CONSERVING LARGE INTACT FORESTS IN THE U.S. SO THEY REMAIN SUSTAINABLY MANAGED, PROVIDING GOOD LOCAL JOBS, AS WELL AS CLEAN WATER, CLEAN AIR, HABITAT FOR WILDLIFE AND OUTDOOR RECREATION, AND CLIMATE RESILIENCE BENEFITS. THE WORKING FOREST FUND HAS DEVELOPED A SUCCESSFUL MODEL TO ACQUIRE, SUSTAINABLY MANAGE AND PERMANENTLY PROTECT HIGH-CONSERVATION VALUE TIMBERLAND. CONSISTENT WITH TCF'S OTHER REAL ESTATE ACTIVITIES, THE WORKING FOREST FUND ACTS AS AN INTERIM OWNER OF THESE FOREST ASSETS TO FACILITATE PERMANENT PROTECTION THROUGH THE IMPLEMENTATION AND SALE OF CONSERVATION EASEMENTS AND DIRECT SALES OF THE PROPERTIES TO PUBLIC AGENCIES OR OTHER CONSERVATION BUYERS. THE WORKING FOREST FUND'S FOCUS IS ON LARGE FORESTS WITH THE HIGHEST CONSERVATION VALUE AND OFTEN THE HIGHEST RISK OF FRAGMENTATION WHEN SOLD ON THE OPEN MARKET. AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2024, TCF HAS DEPLOYED OVER $1 BILLION INTO 55 PROJECTS COVERING APPROXIMATELY 1,058,800 ACRES OF CRITICAL FORESTS IN THE U.S. APPROXIMATELY 705,600 ACRES HAVE BEEN TRANSFERRED INTO PERMANENT CONSERVATION AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2024. THE REMAINING ACRES ARE BEING SUSTAINABLY MANAGED BY TCF OR ITS PARTNERS AND ARE AWAITING PERMANENT PROTECTION THROUGH CONSERVATION EASEMENTS OR TRANSFERS TO PUBLIC AGENCIES OR OTHER CONSERVATION PARTNERS.TCF'S FARMS FUND WORKS TO SECURE FARMLAND ON THE EDGE OF MAJOR METRO AREAS AND MATCH THAT LAND TO FARMERS WHO LEASE AND STEWARD IT UNTIL AN AGRICULTURAL CONSERVATION EASEMENT CAN ENCUMBER THE PROPERTY, MAKING THE LAND MORE AFFORDABLE FOR THE FARMERS TO BUY. THIS PATHWAY TO AFFORDABLE LAND OWNERSHIP FOR THE NEXT GENERATION OF AMERICAN FARMERS HELPS MAKE COMMUNITIES HEALTHIER WITH ACCESS TO FRESH FOOD, CLEANER AIR AND WATER, AND IMPROVED CLIMATE RESILIENCE. THE FARMS FUND IS CURRENTLY ACTIVE IN THE ATLANTA, CHICAGO AND CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA METRO AREAS, WITH PLANS TO EXPAND INTO MULTIPLE ADDITIONAL REGIONS. AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2024, THE PROGRAM DEPLOYED $17,724,934 MILLION TO SECURE LAND FOR 23 FARM BUSINESSES THAT WILL HELP PERMANENTLY PROTECT 1,521 ACRES OF AT-RISK FARMLAND.MITIGATION SOLUTIONS. IN PARTNERSHIP WITH DEVELOPERS AND REGULATORY AGENCIES, TCF COMPLETES CONSERVATION ACQUISITIONS AND OTHER PROJECTS TO OFFSET THE IMPACTS ON NATURAL, CULTURAL AND HISTORIC RESOURCES FROM CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION OF ENERGY AND INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS AND PROVIDES ADVICE ON MITIGATION STRATEGIES BEFORE AND DURING INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT DEVELOPMENT. TCF DOES NOT ADVOCATE ON BEHALF OF INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS BUT SERVES AS A BRIDGE BETWEEN PROJECT DEVELOPERS AND REGULATORY AGENCIES TO HELP DEVELOP AND THEN IMPLEMENT MITIGATION PLANS. TCF'S MITIGATION ACTIVITIES PROVIDE PRIVATE CAPITAL TO ACHIEVE CONSERVATION PRIORITIES. SINCE TCF BEGAN PROVIDING MITIGATION SERVICES, MORE THAN $300 MILLION HAS BEEN RECEIVED TO ACQUIRE LAND AND INTERESTS IN LAND, TO COMPLETE RESTORATION, AND/OR TO TAKE OTHER ACTIONS TO MITIGATE IMPACTS TO RESOURCES. AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2024, TCF HAS DEPLOYED MORE THAN TWO-THIRDS OF THIS AMOUNT INTO MORE THAN 375 PROJECTS ACROSS THE COUNTRY, CONSERVING OR RESTORING OVER 411,600 ACRES.

Expenses $331,207,482 · Grants $47,906,961 · Revenue $242,647,954
OTHER CONSEVATION SERVICESTHE RESILIENT COMMUNITIES BUSINESS LINE COMPRISES A GROUP OF PROGRAMS DEDICATED TO ADVANCING TCF'S DUAL MISSION BY INTEGRATING CONSERVATION AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TO BUILD VIBRANT COMMUNITIES. THESE PROGRAMS FOCUS ON IMPACT AREAS SUCH AS URBAN CONSERVATION, RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, HERITAGE SITE PROTECTIONS, SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS, WATER QUALITY/SUPPLY PROTECTION AND ENHANCEMENT, AQUACULTURE, AND RESILIENCE. THIS PROGRAM AREA PROVIDES EXPERTISE TO COMMUNITIES ACROSS THE COUNTRY TO ACHIEVE THE MULTIPLE BENEFITS GAINED BY INVESTING IN CLEAN AIR, CLEAN WATER AND COMMUNITY LIVABILITY. TCF BRINGS TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND FLEXIBLE FUNDING TO PARTNERSHIPS IN RURAL COMMUNITIES WHERE WE WORK TO CONSERVE NATURAL ASSETS, HELPING STRENGTHEN JOB-CREATING AREAS THAT RELY ON AND SUSTAIN FORESTRY, AGRICULTURE, NATURE AND RECREATION. TCF'S URBAN CONSERVATION WORK ENHANCES URBAN SUSTAINABILITY AND LIVABILITY BY ADVANCING CREATION OF PARKS AND OTHER INITIATIVES.THE WORK OF THIS PROGRAM AREA ALSO INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES: FRESHWATER INSTITUTE. THE FRESHWATER INSTITUTE IS AN APPLIED RESEARCH FACILITY DEDICATED TO SUSTAINABLE WATER USE AND REUSE THROUGH THE DESIGN OF RECIRCULATING AQUACULTURE SYSTEMS. THIS PROGRAM WORKS WITH GOVERNMENT, INDUSTRY AND NONPROFITS TO DEMONSTRATE THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR A SUSTAINABLE DOMESTIC SEAFOOD SUPPLY BY PROVIDING SOLUTIONS TO ENABLE THE GROWTH OF ENVIRONMENTALLY RESPONSIBLE AQUACULTURE. THE INSTITUTE'S CORE COMPETENCIES IN AQUACULTURE RESEARCH, ENGINEERING AND CONSULTING, AQUATIC VETERINARY MEDICINE, AQUACULTURE HUSBANDRY AND PRODUCTION, INDUSTRY OUTREACH, AND WATER CHEMISTRY ANALYSIS ARE MOBILIZED TO SUSTAINABLY PRODUCE SALMON AND OTHER COLD-WATER SPECIES. RESOURCEFUL COMMUNITIES. RESOURCEFUL COMMUNITIES WORKS WITH GRASSROOTS AND COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS TO CREATE OPPORTUNITIES TO PRESERVE RURAL LANDSCAPES, STRENGTHEN LOCAL ECONOMIES, AND SUSTAIN COMMUNITIES' UNIQUE CULTURES. THE PROGRAM PROVIDES AN EFFECTIVE COMBINATION OF DIRECT TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE, SKILLS BUILDING AND NETWORK-BUILDING THAT SUPPORTS COMMUNITY OUTCOMES SUCH AS FOOD SECURITY, NATURE-BASED TOURISM DEVELOPMENT, YOUTH CONSERVATION PROGRAMS AND CULTURAL HERITAGE PRESERVATION.

Expenses $11,699,099 · Grants $4,883,350 · Revenue $2,548,146

As filed on the 2024 return. The filer continues this part on Schedule O, which is not shown here.

Listed in Part VII

Daniel TishmanDANIEL TISHMAN

CHAIR

Total calculated

$0

Hours/week

2
Paul E HagenPAUL E HAGEN

VICE CHAIR

Total calculated

$0

Hours/week

2
Julie G BarkerJULIE G BARKER

DIRECTOR

Total calculated

$0

Hours/week

2
Gregory A BeardGREGORY A BEARD

DIRECTOR

Total calculated

$0

Hours/week

2
David P BozemanDAVID P BOZEMAN

DIRECTOR

Total calculated

$0

Hours/week

2
Ingrid C BurkeINGRID C BURKE

DIRECTOR

Total calculated

$0

Hours/week

2
Todd C CarterTODD C CARTER

DIRECTOR

Total calculated

$0

Hours/week

2
J Storey CharbonnetJ STOREY CHARBONNET

DIRECTOR

Total calculated

$0

Hours/week

2
Charles A CheringtonCHARLES A CHERINGTON

DIRECTOR

Total calculated

$0

Hours/week

2
Kimberlee R CornettKIMBERLEE R CORNETT

DIRECTOR

Total calculated

$0

Hours/week

2
Luis A De La GarzaLUIS A DE LA GARZA

DIRECTOR

Total calculated

$0

Hours/week

2
Jennifer L HernandezJENNIFER L HERNANDEZ

DIRECTOR

Total calculated

$0

Hours/week

2
G Wilson HughesG WILSON HUGHES

DIRECTOR (UNTIL 9/19/24)

Total calculated

$0

Hours/week

2
Shameek KonarSHAMEEK KONAR

DIRECTOR

Total calculated

$0

Hours/week

2
Jill L Long ThompsonJILL L LONG THOMPSON

DIRECTOR

Total calculated

$0

Hours/week

2
Thruston B Morton IIITHRUSTON B MORTON III

DIRECTOR

Total calculated

$0

Hours/week

2
Kevyn D OrrKEVYN D ORR

DIRECTOR

Total calculated

$0

Hours/week

2
C Porter Schutt IIIC PORTER SCHUTT III

DIRECTOR (UNTIL 9/19/24)

Total calculated

$0

Hours/week

2
Jay F WagleyJAY F WAGLEY

DIRECTOR

Total calculated

$0

Hours/week

2
Richard W WagnerRICHARD W WAGNER

DIRECTOR

Total calculated

$0

Hours/week

2
James WhitehurstJAMES WHITEHURST

DIRECTOR

Total calculated

$0

Hours/week

2
Lawrence A SelzerLAWRENCE A SELZER

CEO & PRESIDENT

Total calculated

$836,713

From this org

$740,139

From related orgs

$0

Other

$96,574

Hours/week

36.5 + 1 related

Schedule J breakdown matched by us

Base

$494,555

Bonus

$244,000

Other

$1,584

Deferred

$59,500

Nontaxable benefits

$37,074

Filer's total

$836,713
John S GilbertJOHN S GILBERT

EVP & CFO

Total calculated

$522,331

From this org

$466,450

From related orgs

$0

Other

$55,881

Hours/week

36.5 + 1 related

Schedule J breakdown matched by us

Base

$314,867

Bonus

$150,000

Other

$1,583

Deferred

$32,263

Nontaxable benefits

$23,618

Filer's total

$522,331
Monica A GarrisonMONICA A GARRISON

SVP & TREASURER

Total calculated

$371,588

From this org

$308,170

From related orgs

$0

Other

$63,418

Hours/week

31.5 + 6 related

Schedule J breakdown matched by us

Base

$242,138

Bonus

$65,000

Other

$1,032

Deferred

$25,735

Nontaxable benefits

$37,683

Filer's total

$371,588
Margaret A McCantsMARGARET A MCCANTS

BOARD SEC & CON ACQ DIRECTOR

Total calculated

$191,015

From this org

$164,284

From related orgs

$0

Other

$26,731

Hours/week

37.5

Schedule J breakdown matched by us

Base

$137,925

Bonus

$26,000

Other

$359

Deferred

$13,952

Nontaxable benefits

$12,779

Filer's total

$191,015
Dean H CannonDEAN H CANNON

EVP & GENERAL COUNSEL

Total calculated

$509,985

From this org

$476,430

From related orgs

$0

Other

$33,555

Hours/week

36.5 + 1 related

Schedule J breakdown matched by us

Base

$323,381

Bonus

$150,000

Other

$3,049

Deferred

$32,263

Nontaxable benefits

$1,292

Filer's total

$509,985
Matthew S SextonMATTHEW S SEXTON

SVP CONSERVATION ACQUISITION

Total calculated

$381,853

From this org

$329,653

From related orgs

$0

Other

$52,200

Hours/week

37.5

Schedule J breakdown matched by us

Base

$256,101

Bonus

$73,000

Other

$552

Deferred

$26,753

Nontaxable benefits

$25,447

Filer's total

$381,853
Blaine T Phillips JrBLAINE T PHILLIPS JR

SVP CON ACQ (UNTIL 6/30/24)

Total calculated

$219,991

From this org

$212,261

From related orgs

$0

Other

$7,730

Hours/week

37.5

Schedule J breakdown matched by us

Base

$141,403

Bonus

$70,000

Other

$858

Deferred

$0

Nontaxable benefits

$7,730

Filer's total

$219,991
Mark W ElsbreeMARK W ELSBREE

SVP CONSERVATION ACQUISITION

Total calculated

$394,829

From this org

$329,313

From related orgs

$0

Other

$65,516

Hours/week

37.5

Schedule J breakdown matched by us

Base

$251,280

Bonus

$77,000

Other

$1,033

Deferred

$26,753

Nontaxable benefits

$38,763

Filer's total

$394,829
Evan H SmithEVAN H SMITH

SVP CONSERVATION VENTURES

Total calculated

$359,377

From this org

$320,060

From related orgs

$0

Other

$39,317

Hours/week

37.5

Schedule J breakdown matched by us

Base

$253,508

Bonus

$66,000

Other

$552

Deferred

$25,575

Nontaxable benefits

$13,742

Filer's total

$359,377
Christopher D BellCHRISTOPHER D BELL

DEPUTY GENERAL COUNSEL

Total calculated

$299,028

From this org

$274,399

From related orgs

$0

Other

$24,629

Hours/week

37.5

Schedule J breakdown matched by us

Base

$233,367

Bonus

$40,000

Other

$1,032

Deferred

$23,337

Nontaxable benefits

$1,292

Filer's total

$299,028
Erik J MeyersERIK J MEYERS

VP CLIMATE AND WATER SUSTAINABILITY

Total calculated

$308,781

From this org

$273,050

From related orgs

$0

Other

$35,731

Hours/week

37.5

Schedule J breakdown matched by us

Base

$231,506

Bonus

$36,600

Other

$4,944

Deferred

$23,247

Nontaxable benefits

$12,484

Filer's total

$308,781
Elizabeth PalmerELIZABETH PALMER

VP OF HUMAN RESOURCES

Total calculated

$354,263

From this org

$309,633

From related orgs

$0

Other

$44,630

Hours/week

37.5

Schedule J breakdown matched by us

Base

$248,600

Bonus

$60,000

Other

$1,033

Deferred

$25,383

Nontaxable benefits

$19,247

Filer's total

$354,263
Kelly M ReedKELLY M REED

SVP GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

Total calculated

$366,230

From this org

$327,445

From related orgs

$0

Other

$38,785

Hours/week

37.5

Schedule J breakdown matched by us

Base

$252,084

Bonus

$75,000

Other

$361

Deferred

$25,417

Nontaxable benefits

$13,368

Filer's total

$366,230
Brian J DanglerBRIAN J DANGLER

SVP & DIRECTOR OF WORKING FOREST FUND

Total calculated

$371,324

From this org

$308,194

From related orgs

$0

Other

$63,130

Hours/week

37.5

Schedule J breakdown matched by us

Base

$239,162

Bonus

$68,000

Other

$1,032

Deferred

$25,367

Nontaxable benefits

$37,763

Filer's total

$371,324

Compensation is as filed in Part VII: reportable pay from this organization and from related organizations, other compensation, and hours per week. The total, marked calculated, is our sum of the three dollar columns, with a blank column counted as $0; the form itself has no total. On a Form 990-EZ the columns are Part IV's instead, and on a Form 990-PF Part VIII's — compensation, contributions to benefit plans, and expense account — and the total sums those. A Schedule J breakdown is as filed: base pay, bonus, other, deferred compensation and nontaxable benefits from this organization, with any from related organizations beside each, and the filer's own total. It is shown with the Part VII listing of the same name on the same return. The form gives no key between the two, so that pairing is ours, and is marked matched by us.

Schedule J

Answered yes

3 · Compensation committee
3 · Independent compensation consultant
3 · Compensation survey or study
3 · Approval by the board or compensation committee
4b · Supplemental nonqualified retirement plan
7 · Other non-fixed payments

Answered no

4a · Severance or change-of-control payment
4c · Equity-based compensation arrangement
5a · Pay contingent on this organization's revenues
5b · Pay contingent on a related organization's revenues
6a · Pay contingent on this organization's net earnings
6b · Pay contingent on a related organization's net earnings
8 · Paid under the initial-contract exception

The filer's explanations (Part III)

PART I, LINE 4B: THE FUND MAINTAINS A NONQUALIFIED SUPPLEMENTAL RETIREMENT PLAN THAT CALLS FOR ACCRUING $25,000 PER YEAR FOR THE CEO OF THE ORGANIZATION. THE ANNUAL COST OF $25,000 IS RECOGNIZED IN THE ORGANIZATION'S FINANCIAL RECORDS EACH YEAR, BUT PURSUANT TO IRS RULES THE CONTRIBUTIONS ARE NOT COUNTED AS TAXABLE INCOME UNTIL THEY ARE DISTRIBUTED TO THE CEO. UNDER THE PLAN, ACCRUED AMOUNTS ARE TO BE DISTRIBUTED TO THE CEO IN SPECIFIED INTERVALS WHEN THE CEO REACHES CERTAIN AGES IF HE IS STILL EMPLOYED BY THE ORGANIZATION, OR UPON HIS DEATH OR PERMANENT DISABILITY, AND ARE FORFEITED IF THERE IS A TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT PRIOR TO A DISTRIBUTABLE EVENT. THE NEXT DISTRIBUTION IS EXPECTED IN THE YEAR ENDING 12/31/25.
PART I, LINE 7: ALL FUND EMPLOYEES, INCLUDING OFFICERS AND OTHER KEY EMPLOYEES, ARE ELIGIBLE FOR DISCRETIONARY BONUSES THAT ARE PAID ANNUALLY, USUALLY IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF THE FOLLOWING YEAR. BONUS AMOUNTS ARE BASED ON INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE AND THE OVERALL PERFORMANCE OF THE ORGANIZATION. THE AGGREGATE BONUS AMOUNT FOR OFFICERS IS REVIEWED BY THE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND THE OVERALL COMPENSATION OF THE CEO, INCLUDING THE BONUS AMOUNT, IS ESTABLISHED BY THE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE EACH YEAR.

Part I's answers as filed. A line not listed was left unanswered; on lines 1a and 3 that means the box was not checked.

Grants on this return

CITY OF ATLANTA

$5,000,000

CONSERVATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES;SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
MAINSPRING CONSERVATION TRUST INC

$2,030,227

CONSERVATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES;SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
LAND TRUST FOR LOUISIANA

$1,055,000

CONSERVATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES;SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF NORTH CENTRAL WISCONSIN

$1,000,000

CONSERVATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES;SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
STATE OF MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

$987,299

CONSERVATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES;SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
US NAVY

$986,299

CONSERVATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES;SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
CONGAREE LAND TRUST

$810,000

CONSERVATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES;SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
VA DEPT OF WILDLIFE RESOURCES

$714,500

CONSERVATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES;SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
PRESERVATION VIRGINIA

$568,590

CONSERVATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES;SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
STATE OF DELAWARE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTRO

$500,000

CONSERVATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES;SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

The 10 largest by cash amount. The API serves every itemized grant.

Related organizations on this return

Schedule R Part II: tax-exempt organizations related to the filer by control. It does not record shared board members or money.

SUSTAINABLE CONSERVATION INC

501(C)(3) · CONSERVATION REAL ESTATE OWNERSHIP · MD · controlled entity

Directly controlled by THE CONSERVATION FUND

Taxable family on this return

Schedule R Parts I, III and IV, as filed. These record ownership and control, not shared board members or money moved.

Disregarded entities

Part I: entities that legally are the filer and file no return of their own.

BLY HOLLOW LLC

CONSERVATION REAL ESTATE OWNERSHIP · DE · income $2,735,946 · assets $11,105,954

Directly controlled by THE CONSERVATION FUND
BRANDYWINE BEAVER VALLEY LLC

CONSERVATION REAL ESTATE OWNERSHIP · DE · income $0 · assets $0

Directly controlled by THE CONSERVATION FUND
CHADBOURNE FOREST LLC

CONSERVATION REAL ESTATE OWNERSHIP · DE · income $0 · assets $0

Directly controlled by THE CONSERVATION FUND
CLARION JUNCTION LLC

CONSERVATION REAL ESTATE OWNERSHIP · DE · income $57,866,807 · assets $89,441,013

Directly controlled by THE CONSERVATION FUND
GOTHAM WOODS LLC

CONSERVATION REAL ESTATE OWNERSHIP · DE · income $0 · assets $8,112,963

Directly controlled by THE CONSERVATION FUND
PELICAN RIVER FOREST LLC

CONSERVATION REAL ESTATE OWNERSHIP · DE · income $11,409,762 · assets $36,826,261

Directly controlled by THE CONSERVATION FUND
SHELTERWOOD HOLDINGS I LLC

CONSERVATION REAL ESTATE OWNERSHIP · DE · income $0 · assets $0

Directly controlled by THE CONSERVATION FUND
SHELTERWOOD HOLDINGS II LLC

CONSERVATION REAL ESTATE OWNERSHIP · DE · income $0 · assets $0

Directly controlled by THE CONSERVATION FUND
TCF SABINE RANCH HUNT CLUB LLC

OUTDOOR RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES · DE · income $0 · assets $0

Directly controlled by THE CONSERVATION FUND
WAPITI WOODS LLC

CONSERVATION REAL ESTATE OWNERSHIP · DE · income $0 · assets $0

Directly controlled by THE CONSERVATION FUND

Related partnerships

Part III: related organizations taxable as a partnership, with the filer's share.

WHITE PINE FOREST LLC

RELATED · CONSERVATION REAL ESTATE OWNERSHIP · DE · 75% owned · share of income $140,164 · share of assets $11,826,491 · general or managing partner

Directly controlled by THE CONSERVATION FUND
LUPINE FOREST LLC

RELATED · CONSERVATION REAL ESTATE OWNERSHIP · DE · 20% owned · share of income -$319,941 · share of assets $19,564,401 · general or managing partner

Directly controlled by THE CONSERVATION FUND
BARNARD FOREST LLC

RELATED · CONSERVATION REAL ESTATE OWNERSHIP · DE · 66.67% owned · share of income $3,824 · share of assets $6,830,482 · general or managing partner

Directly controlled by THE CONSERVATION FUND
HOBART STREAM LLC

RELATED · CONSERVATION REAL ESTATE OWNERSHIP · DE · 50% owned · share of income $35,166 · share of assets $2,447,233 · general or managing partner

Directly controlled by THE CONSERVATION FUND

Provenance

Return type: form_990
Tax year: 2024
Filed: 16 July 2025
IRS schema version: 2024v5.2
Source object: 202501979349300830

Check it against the return as filed: the GivingTuesday Data Lake hosts a public copy of the original XML.

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