The Revolving Fund: Providing Bridge Financing for Conservation

Dollar for dollar, our Revolving Fund has protected more land than any other land conservation vehicle. Every $1 million invested in our Revolving Fund has conserved more than $25 million of land—that's a return on investment that cannot be matched.

We use our Revolving Fund to help our federal, state and local partners act quickly to save priority lands vulnerable to development or fragmentation. As immediate conservation opportunities arise, our conservation partners turn to us to quickly deploy the ready capital of our Revolving Fund.

Upon repayment, we “revolve” the money back into the fund. Every dollar in the Revolving Fund is used to buy land, and only land—no overhead, no administrative expenses. Imagine your donation helping to first protect a coastal wetland, then a wildlife corridor, and next a family ranch, multiplying your gift’s results. It's the gift that keeps on giving.

Christy Plumer is the director of Government Relations at the Fund. She works out of our headquarters in Arlington, Virginia. We asked her how saving land saves our economy:

Q: We all know land conservation benefits the environment. But can it
benefit our economy, too?

A: Absolutely. In fact, the Fund’s mission is to promote America’s environmental and economic development. We’ve been doing that for 25 years.

Q: How? Can you give us an example?

A: By saving parks, historic spots and other destinations, you attract tourists, who spend money on hotels, food and recreation while visiting. In 2007, for example, Alabama’s Little River Canyon National Park—which we’ve helped protect—supported an estimated 288 jobs in or near the park, generating over $14 million for local communities.

Q: How else does the Fund work to boost our economy?

A:Our team helps communities plan for growth, supports sustainable small business development and trains conservation leaders, among other efforts. We believe conservation is about people, as much as places.