Renewal

The information provided must be no older than 3 months prior to the pre-application due date.

If applying with related entities it is important to review the reference copies of the (as applicable):

• Addendum for Multiple Corporations - Basic or
• Addendum for Multiple Corporations - Intermediate 

To view the addendums download the Reference Application Packet on the Materials for Renewal Applicants page. Each applicable entity must submit the required information as part of the application process as noted in each document in accordance with the Commission's policy.

Here are examples of how you might respond to the verification statements, using amendments as the category: 

• Narrative style response 
• Chart style response 

In every case include all requested information, including enough detail to explain what the land trust did and why.

Learn more about requirements for land trusts that, accepted land or easements from other organizations or that engaged in mergers or affiliations

 As part of a complete application, applicants are required to provide evidence that they have notified key stakeholders that the organization is applying for accreditation or renewal. Most organizations complete their public notice around the time they submit their pre-application. Learn more.

• The Form 990 is used to determine the accreditation application fee, and is also evaluated as part of the application review process.
• Please include all completed Schedules, Statements and Attachments that accompanied your organization’s Form 990 (or Form 990-EZ) filed with the Internal Revenue Service (not the public inspection version).

Your land trust must download, sign and submit a scanned copy of the signed Accreditation Agreement as part of your pre-application.

• The Accreditation Agreement obligates the organization to abide by the terms and conditions of the accreditation program. It also obligates the Commission to abide by its policies.
• It should be signed by an individual with the authority to enter into contracts on behalf of the organization.

• The LCPL must be submitted electronically as part of your pre-application. Read more >>
• Video Tutorial: Completing the Land Conservation Project List
• Video Tutorial: Tips and Tricks for Completing the Land Conservation Project List

• The SDRF (excel file) must be submitted as part of the pre-application. Read more >>
• Video Tutorial: Completing the Schedule of Dedicated and Restricted Funds
• FAQ video on completing the SDRF

The submitted Land Conservation Project List (LCPL) is used to select specific conservation easements or fee properties for review. The number of selected projects will generally be capped at four (two easements and two conservation fee properties); additional projects may be selected if the land trust had a large volume of transactions over its accredited term.

To understand the suite of questions you should be prepared to answer about each of the selected projects, please review the Conservation Easement Project Documentation or Conservation Fee Project Documentation sections in the Reference Application Packet on the Materials for Renewal Applicants page.

At least five weeks before the main application due date, applicants receive the list of selected projects from the review staff. Project documentation is submitted as part of the main application. You can learn more about this step in the application process on the Application and Project Documentation page.

Based on your land trust's pre-application answers and documentation, the Commission may request specific documents be uploaded for transactions or activities identified as being higher risk. Targeted verification includes a narrow set of documents to show how the land trust met the requirements in specific areas.

To understand the documents that may be requested and the questions that will be asked, please review the Targeted Verification Documents section in the Reference Application Packet on the Materials for Renewal Applicants page.

You can learn more about this step in the application process on the Application and Project Documentation page.

Your Form 990 is used to calculate the accreditation fee for your organization. You will recieve an invoice that is due with your main application. For more information about how the fee is calculated please visit the Timeline and Costs page.