Land Trust Accreditation Commission

The Land Trust Accreditation Commission is a nonprofit organization established in 2006 as an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance. It is recognized as a 501(c)(3) organization, which means donations to the Commission are tax-deductible. The Commission's mission is to inspire excellence, promote public trust, and ensure permanence in the conservation of open lands by recognizing land trusts that meet rigorous quality standards and strive for continuous improvement.

Mission and Purpose

The Commission awards accreditation to land trusts that demonstrate their ability to meet the highest national standards for excellence and conservation permanence. This accreditation process involves a rigorous review of a land trust's practices, finances, governance, and stewardship efforts, ensuring strong ethical practices and lasting stewardship of conserved lands.

Governance and Leadership

The Commission is governed by a volunteer board of diverse land conservation and nonprofit management experts from around the United States. This governance structure ensures that the accreditation process is fair and consistent, reflecting expertise in both land conservation and nonprofit management.

Accreditation Process

To achieve accreditation, land trusts must undergo a comprehensive evaluation, providing extensive documentation of their operations. This process includes assessments of fiscal accountability, sound organizational leadership, and strong stewardship practices. Accreditation signifies to donors and partners that a land trust adheres to high standards of ethics, finances, governance, and conservation practices.

Impact

As of recent data, over 450 land trusts in the United States have been accredited by the Commission. These accredited land trusts collectively manage and protect millions of acres, encompassing a significant portion of land and easements conserved by land trusts across America.

Financial Overview

The Commission primarily generates revenue from program services, which account for the majority of its income. It also receives contributions, which contribute a smaller but still significant portion of its revenue. The organization maintains a strong financial position with substantial assets and manageable liabilities.

Recognition and Benefits

Accreditation by the Commission is considered a mark of distinction within the land conservation community. It enhances public trust in accredited land trusts, fostering confidence among donors and partners who support these organizations. Accreditation also promotes excellence and continuous improvement among land trusts, ensuring that conserved lands remain protected for future generations.

[1] https://landtrustalliance.org/resources/learn/topics/organizational-management/land-trust-accreditation [2] https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/204622209 [3] https://landtrustalliance.org/job-board/review-specialist-land-trust-accreditation-commission-2025 [4] https://www.landtrustaccreditation.org [5] https://steeprockassoc.org/lta-accreditation/