Applications
The Land Conservation Program requires full applications to be submitted for its grant and loan programs. As of August, 2008, grant funding has been suspended due to the economic downturn affecting the U.S. economy and the sharp decline in revenue being received by the State of Georgia. Low interest loan funds have not been affected by the downturn and are still available. Loan applications can be submitted at any time throughout the year. Conservation Project Proposals may be submitted in order to determine the eligibility of a project for future assistance through the Georgia Land Conservation Program, to obtain referrals to other potential funding sources, or to receive technical resources for projects. Each application project area is visited, reviewed, and scored by GLCP staff. Upon receipt of a complete application, the GLCP review process takes approximately 100 days. A complete application must include a certified appraisal, the landowner's signature and in the case of a proposed conservation easement, a fully negotiated easement document. The Council will consider fully reviewed applications at each of its quarterly meetings, pending available funds. The GLCP requires all local grant applications to provide a minimum 1:1 ratio of non-state matching funds to requested grant funds. Match sources can include cash contributions, due diligence costs, and landowner contributions verified through an approved, certified appraisal. Projects not approved for financial reasons will not be reconsidered for six months.
Application Form (MSWord)
The application review cycle for loans or grants takes approximately one hundred (100) days.
Application Form (PDF)
The application review cycle for loans or grants takes approximately one hundred (100)
days.
Application Form - Nongovernment Organizations (MSWord)
The application review cycle for NGO loans takes approximately one hundred (100) days.
Application Form - Nongovernment Organizations (PDF)
The application review cycle for NGO loans takes approximately one hundred (100) days.
Application Instructions
Instructions for financial documentation - NGO, local government or state agency.
Conservation Project Proposal Form
Use this form to propose a conservation project on behalf of your community or organization.
Conservation Tax Credit Program
Provides State of Georgia income tax credits for qualified donations of real property for conservation purposes.
Due Diligence Requirements
A certified appraisal, a Current Survey Plat, a Phase One Environmental Site Assessment, proof of Title Insurance, and specific Deed Restriction (for fee title acquisitions) or Conservation Easement language (for conservation easements) are all part of the due diligence which is required prior to the release of authorized funds.
Low Interest Land Conservation Loans
How does the low interest loan program work, what are some payback sources, and why is a low interest loan a good idea?
Project Scoring & Evaluation Criteria
The Georgia Land Conservation Program utilizes a weighted 3-factor decision making model which assists the Council in making grant and loan funding decisions that reflect the goals and objectives of the program.