Conservancy Acquisition Grants

The Conservancy Acquisition Preservation Partnership Grant Program, Round 37, is a funding opportunity provided by Chester County, Pennsylvania, to support nonprofit land conservation and preservation organizations. The program is designed to assist in the acquisition of land or conservation easements that provide significant public benefits, including natural area preservation, farmland conservation, and recreational access. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt nonprofit organizations with a primary mission of conservation and preservation of open space, parklands, or natural areas. These organizations must be registered with the Pennsylvania Department of State’s Bureau of Charitable Organizations, pre-qualified by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), and must have been in existence for at least five consecutive years. The grant funds can be used for a variety of land acquisition projects, including fee simple purchases of privately owned land, conservation easement acquisitions, farmland preservation, right-of-way easements for public recreational use, and certain acquisitions of eased or restricted properties that increase public access. Eligible projects must align with Chester County’s policies and demonstrate a clear public benefit. The program also allows for reimbursement of specific transaction costs, such as appraisals, title insurance, surveys, consultant costs, and monitoring expenses associated with conservation easements. Additionally, organizations engaging in full donation projects may receive funding to cover transaction costs up to 33% of the appraised value. The program imposes several restrictions on project eligibility and funding use. Ineligible projects include those that do not align with Chester County’s policies, projects concluded before the grant award without an approved waiver, and parcels primarily composed of prime agricultural soils without public access. Other exclusions include term easements, property leases, structures of monetary value, contaminated parcels, and costs such as demolition, mortgage interest, and in-house staff expenses. If a nonprofit organization anticipates incurring costs before the grant is awarded, it must request a waiver for retroactivity at least four weeks before settlement. The funding structure includes specific financial limitations. Natural area preservation projects may receive up to 50% of the appraised land or easement value. Farmland preservation projects may receive funding up to the lesser of $5,000 per acre or 33% of the appraised value for fee simple purchases, and the lesser of $3,000 per acre or 33% of the appraised value for conservation easements. Additional funding may be available for transaction costs, with caps established for appraisals, title insurance, surveys, and consultant costs. Matching funds are required and can come from cash contributions, federal or state grants, or landowner donations. The grant application process follows a competitive review system, and awards are made at the discretion of the Chester County Commissioners. This is primarily a reimbursement-based grant, meaning funds are dispersed after project completion and submission of required documentation. However, in certain cases, funds may be provided before completion if necessary for real estate transactions. The contract term for awarded grants is three years, and specific land restrictions, such as conservation easements or covenants, must be recorded to ensure perpetual preservation. Applicants must also comply with appraisal requirements, provide environmental hazard reports if applicable, and install public acknowledgment signage at the project site. If a nonprofit intends to transfer any interest in land acquired with County funds, they must seek County approval and ensure that public access is maintained. The County retains rights over conservation easements and can enforce restrictions to ensure compliance with grant conditions.