you own land you care about. maybe it's been in your family for generations, maybe you bought it hoping to build someday, or maybe you inherited it and aren't sure what to do with it. donating that land to conservation can ensure it stays protected forever—and provide meaningful tax benefits in return.
the quick answer: donating land to a qualified conservation organization like BASIN Foundation gives you a charitable tax deduction based on fair market value, eliminates capital gains taxes on appreciated land, and guarantees your land serves conservation purposes. we accept land of any size, condition, or location.
why people donate land
land donation isn't just for wealthy philanthropists. people donate land for many reasons:
- legacy — ensure your land stays wild, farmed, or forested rather than developed
- simplicity — avoid the hassle of selling, especially for inherited or distant property
- taxes — eliminate capital gains and reduce income taxes with the deduction
- estate planning — reduce estate taxes and simplify inheritance
- impact — create lasting conservation outcomes you can see
what kind of land can you donate
traditional land trusts often have strict criteria—they want pristine wilderness, specific ecosystems, or land adjacent to existing preserves. we take a broader view.
we accept:
- working farms and ranches
- timberland and forest
- wetlands and riparian areas
- grasslands and prairie
- desert and arid lands
- coastal and lakefront property
- mountain and alpine land
- degraded or damaged land (we restore it)
- land with structures
- land anywhere in the world
size doesn't matter. we've accepted donations from small urban lots to multi-thousand-acre ranches. every piece of land has natural capital value.
the land donation process
1. reach out
contact us with basic information about your land: location, size, current use, and your goals. we respond within 24 hours.
2. evaluation
we assess your land for:
- fair market value — determines your tax deduction
- ecological value — what ecosystem services does it provide?
- restoration potential — can degraded land be improved?
- connectivity — does it link to other natural areas?
this evaluation is free and doesn't obligate you to proceed.
3. structure the gift
choose the approach that works for your situation:
| structure | how it works | best for |
|---|---|---|
| outright donation | transfer full ownership | maximum deduction, clean break |
| bargain sale | sell below market, donate the difference | need some cash, want tax benefits too |
| life estate | donate but keep using the land | want to stay on your land |
| conservation easement | keep ownership, restrict development | want to keep farming/ranching |
| bequest | donate through your will | not ready to give up land now |
4. close the transfer
we coordinate with your attorney and handle paperwork. most land donations close within 60 days.
tax benefits of donating land
charitable deduction: deduct the fair market value of your land, up to 30% of adjusted gross income. unused deductions carry forward 5 years.
no capital gains: land you bought for $50,000 that's now worth $500,000? donate it and pay zero capital gains—a savings of $90,000+ on that example.
estate tax reduction: land donated during life or by bequest isn't part of your taxable estate.
enhanced deduction for farmers and ranchers: if you're a qualified farmer or rancher donating a conservation easement, you may deduct up to 100% of AGI with a 15-year carryforward. consult your tax advisor.
what happens to your donated land
we don't just collect land—we steward it. depending on the property:
- high-value natural land goes into permanent conservation
- degraded land enters our restoration program with documented outcomes
- working land continues agricultural use with conservation practices
- strategic properties may transfer to local land trusts or community stewards
we track all donated lands in our natural asset system, providing transparency on conservation outcomes.
common concerns
what if my land is far away?
we work with properties globally. distance isn't a barrier—we have partners and processes for remote lands.
what if my land has problems?
contamination, encroachment, unclear title, structures—we handle complicated situations. "problem" land often has the most restoration potential.
can I visit after I donate?
for most donations, yes. we often grant access rights to donors who want to see their land's ongoing conservation.
what if my family disagrees?
we can structure gifts to accommodate multiple owners or phased donations. family conversations are part of our process.
ready to donate your land?
start a conversation about your land and your goals. no commitment, no pressure—just clarity on your options.
related guides:
- how to donate property to conservation — the complete guide
- land donation tax benefits — detailed tax information
- donate real estate for conservation — buildings and developed property