Land Trust Leadership Program

Leadership is how land trusts grow

Across America, land trusts are redefining what it means to advance conservation. Why are some land trusts so innovative? And how can more land trusts get to that level?

That’s what our Land Trust Leadership Program is for. We recruit leaders from land trusts that are poised for growth — and empower them to make it happen.

The multi-year program starts with a training retreat for executive directors. The next year each executive director is joined by a board member for a second retreat. Coached by top experts, participants explore mission and strategy, leadership skills, financial management and fundraising. Then they put their ideas into action, with targeted, small grants from the Alliance to move them forward.

One recent participant called the training “the best ever” — and, to be honest, we hear that a lot.

Leadership Program alumni form a strong peer network. As one says, “I now have a built-in group to share challenges and good news.”

Alumni have gone on to grow their staff, develop strategic conservation plans, launch new community programs, and serve in more prominent roles.

By investing in a new generation of leaders, we’re transforming what land trusts can do.

Land trusts with in-depth training from the Alliance save 20 times more land than land trusts with no training. The Leadership Program is one way we’re strengthening land conservation across America. Thank you for your support of the Land Trust Alliance.

Multiplying impact

So far, nearly 150 land trusts have taken part in the Leadership Program — out of more than 1,000 Alliance member land trusts. The outcome is stronger, smarter leadership at 1 out of every 8 land trusts (and counting). Our goal is to expand the program to 28 new land trusts every year.

More Information

For more information, contact Renee Kivikko, director of education at 269-324-1683 or rkivikko@lta.org