Role of the Land Trust Accreditation Commission
The Land Trust Alliance created the Land Trust Accreditation Commission in 2006 as an independent program to run an innovative program to build and recognize strong land trusts, foster public confidence in land conservation and help ensure the long-term protection of land. On all counts, the accreditation program is meeting its goals:
- The accreditation process is a catalyst that helps organizations improve their operations and implement Land Trust Standards and Practices.
- Accreditation helps land trusts raise necessary funds by offering assurance to agencies, foundations, and donors that they are a sound investment.
- Accreditation supports the permanence of land conservation by ensuring that land trusts have the systems and resources in place to keep the promise of perpetuity.
What is the Land Trust Accreditation Commission?
The Commission is an independent nonprofit that serves as a supporting organization of the Alliance. The Commission is based in Saratoga Springs, New York. It is governed by a diverse board of experts in conservation and nonprofit management, who serve as volunteer Commissioners. The Commission is run by a professional staff.
What is the Commission’s role in land trust accreditation?
When a land trust applies for accreditation for the first-time or to renew accreditation, the Commission evaluates its implementation of Land Trust Standards and Practices based on specific indicator practices that are selected by the Alliance. The Commission establishes the requirements for accreditation and publishes accreditation application materials.
What is the Alliance’s role in land trust accreditation?
The Alliance publishes Land Trust Standards and Practices, on which accreditation is based, and selects indicator practices. It provides training and technical assistance to help land trusts achieve and maintain accreditation. It elects commissioners to serve on the Commission’s independent board. It also manages the accreditation endowment to keep the program affordable for land trusts.
Check out the Land Trust Accreditation Commission website to learn more.
