The Sangamon Conservancy Trust

Overview

The Sangamon Conservancy Trust is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2000 to support the goals of the Sangamon County Soil and Water Conservation District. It is headquartered in Illinois and operates primarily in Sangamon, Christian, Macon, Logan, Menard, Cass, Morgan, Macoupin, and Montgomery counties.

Mission and Activities

The mission of The Sangamon Conservancy Trust is to promote exceptional conservation activities for the benefit of the community, focusing on reducing soil erosion, improving water quality, and preserving prime farmland. The organization supports sustainable agriculture, environmental improvement, and protects natural areas against unchecked development. It provides assistance to individuals concerned about the future of their farmland, particularly in adopting conservation practices and succession planning.

One of the key strategies used by The Sangamon Conservancy Trust is the implementation of conservation easements, which are legal agreements between landowners and the trust. These easements ensure that farmland remains in agriculture for perpetuity and is protected from potential development. By the end of 2023, the trust had successfully protected over 25 farms using these easements, primarily in Sangamon, Menard, Logan, and Christian counties.

Financial and Governance Structure

The Sangamon Conservancy Trust has a strong governance structure. It is noted for having a board of directors with all members being independent, ensuring unbiased decision-making. The trust also has robust policies in place, including conflict of interest and whistleblower policies, contributing to good governance practices. Financially, the trust demonstrates fiscal responsibility with no liabilities, but it has been noted for a lower-than-average program expense ratio, suggesting a larger proportion of funds is allocated to administrative rather than programmatic activities.

Impact

The Sangamon Conservancy Trust plays a crucial role in safeguarding agricultural resources in Central Illinois. By supporting farm families in succession planning and offering conservation easements, the trust helps ensure the long-term viability of farmland. Its efforts are increasingly important as the U.S. agricultural sector faces significant land transfers due to aging farmers and the need for effective succession planning.

Ratings and Recognition

The Sangamon Conservancy Trust holds a three-star rating from Charity Navigator, reflecting a moderate level of financial health and accountability. Despite strong governance practices, the lower program expense ratio is an area for potential improvement to enhance direct impact.