When you give to the Upstate Land Conservation Fund, your money goes further

About the Fund

The Upstate Land Conservation Fund is the first of its kind in our region. We are uniting the missions and expertise of local conservation organizations and agencies behind one common goal.

The ULCF was established through the efforts of Upstate Forever, which provides administrative support.

The ULCF may be used by nonprofit organizations or government agencies to:

  • Buy more fee simple land for public access and outdoor recreation. The ULCF may be used as a source of funding to acquire the title of certain properties.

  • Fund easements to protect iconic lands and historic farms for generations to come. ULCF funds can be used to pay the landowner for the diminished value that the restrictions of the easement place on the property and/or associated closing costs.

  • Be used to match federal, state, and private grants for conservation. The South Carolina Conservation Bank and federal conservation programs are chronically underfunded and often require, as a condition to consideration, substantial matching funds from other sources. One of the main purposes of the ULCF is to provide such matching funds for Upstate projects.

We have a challenge before us, but more importantly, we have an opportunity. Together, we can accelerate our efforts to protect the places that make the Upstate special, now and for future generations. 

Support the Fund

Tax deductible gifts to the fund may be made to the Upstate Land Conservation Fund c/o Upstate Forever. To donate, send a gift to:

Upstate Land Conservation Fund c/o Upstate Forever
507 Pettigru St.
Greenville, SC 29601

Advisory Committee

Regional stakeholders compose the Advisory Committee and meet to consider applications on a quarterly basis (or more frequently upon the request of any member of the Committee). Current members of the Advisory Committee of the Upstate Land Conservation Fund include:

  • Bettina George
    Conservation Leader

  • Doug Harper
    Chair of Harper Corporation, former Chair of the SC Conservation Bank, and Vice-Chair of the Greenville County Historic and Natural Resources Trust

  • Glenn Hilliard
    Founder and Chair Emeritus of the Foothills Trail Conservancy

  • Robert Rainey
    President Emeritus of the Foothills Community Foundation

  • Jeff Tillerson
    Former Chair of the Spartanburg Area Conservancy

  • Mark Wesson
    Principal at MNL Land Advisors, LLC

  • Brad Wyche (Chair)
    Founder of and Senior Advisor at Upstate Forever