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Natural Lands Trust Incorporated

Annual Giving
$1.9M
Grant Range
$1K - $0.0M
Decision Time
2mo

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $1,942,368 (2020 grants data)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available
  • Decision Time: 6-8 weeks
  • Grant Range: $1,000 - $15,000
  • Geographic Focus: Southeastern Pennsylvania

Contact Details

Overview

Natural Lands Trust Incorporated (EIN: 23-6272818) is a regional land conservation organization founded in 1953, headquartered in Media, Pennsylvania. While primarily operating as a land trust that owns and manages 43 nature preserves totaling over 23,000 acres, Natural Lands also serves as a grant administrator for two significant funding programs. The organization distributes approximately $1.9 million annually through these grant programs, supporting open space preservation, habitat restoration, and outdoor recreation projects throughout southeastern Pennsylvania. Their dual role as both a land conservation operator and grant administrator makes them unique in the regional conservation landscape, leveraging partnerships with PECO and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to expand conservation impact beyond their own preserves.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

PECO Green Region Open Space Program: Up to $10,000 per project

  • Administered on behalf of PECO Energy
  • Requires 50% cash match from applicants
  • Applications typically open annually
  • Since 2004, has awarded over $3.15 million for nearly 400 projects

Schuylkill Highlands Mini-Grant Program: $1,000 - $15,000

  • Funded by PA DCNR, administered by Natural Lands
  • Supports projects advancing Schuylkill Highlands Conservation Landscape goals
  • Open to municipalities and 501(c)(3) organizations

Priority Areas

  • Open space preservation and acquisition
  • Tree planting and reforestation projects
  • Trail development and connections
  • Park improvements and green infrastructure
  • Habitat restoration and watershed protection
  • Environmental education initiatives
  • Community garden development

What They Don't Fund

  • Projects outside designated service areas
  • Operating expenses or salaries
  • Projects without demonstrated community benefit
  • Equipment purchases without direct project connection
  • Projects on private property without public access

Governance and Leadership

President and CEO: Oliver Bass

  • Leads the organization's conservation mission and grant administration

Board Leadership: The organization is governed by a board of trustees committed to land conservation and community green space development in southeastern Pennsylvania.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

PECO Green Region Program:

  • Online application portal available at natlands.org
  • Applications typically open in early winter
  • Requires detailed project budget with 50% cash match documentation
  • Letter of support from municipality required for non-municipal applicants

Schuylkill Highlands Mini-Grant Program:

  • Application forms available on Natural Lands website
  • Rolling deadlines or annual cycles depending on funding availability
  • Requires project narrative, budget, and organizational documentation

Decision Timeline

  • Initial review: 2-3 weeks
  • Final decisions: 6-8 weeks from submission
  • Notification via email to all applicants
  • Funds typically disbursed within 30 days of award

Success Rates

Specific success rates not publicly available, but PECO Green Region has funded nearly 400 projects since 2004, indicating sustained funding availability.

Reapplication Policy

Unsuccessful applicants may reapply in subsequent funding cycles. Organizations are encouraged to seek feedback on unsuccessful applications to strengthen future submissions.

Application Success Factors

Based on the types of projects funded:

  • Strong community benefit and public access components are essential
  • Projects that leverage additional funding sources are viewed favorably
  • Clear maintenance and sustainability plans strengthen applications
  • Collaboration with municipalities increases competitiveness
  • Projects connecting to existing trail networks or protected lands receive priority
  • Demonstrated organizational capacity to complete the project is critical
  • Environmental education components can strengthen applications

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Natural Lands administers grants rather than funding from their own endowment - understand the ultimate funder's priorities (PECO or DCNR)
  • The 50% cash match requirement for PECO grants is firm - in-kind contributions do not count
  • Geographic restrictions are strictly enforced - verify your project location qualifies before applying
  • Focus on measurable conservation outcomes and community benefits in your narrative
  • Consider how your project fits within the larger regional conservation strategy
  • Build relationships with Natural Lands staff who can provide pre-application guidance
  • Projects should demonstrate long-term sustainability beyond the grant period

References

  • Natural Lands Official Website: https://natlands.org (Accessed January 2024)
  • PECO Green Region Open Space Program Guidelines: https://natlands.org/what-we-do/peco-green-region/
  • ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Natural Lands Form 990 Data
  • Instrumentl Foundation Directory - Natural Lands Grant History
  • Pennsylvania DCNR Schuylkill Highlands Conservation Landscape Initiative
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