The Norcross Wildlife Foundation Offers a No-Interest Loan Fund for Land Protection

In an effort to facilitate the land conservation work of grassroots organizations across the country, The Norcross Wildlife Foundation is offering a rare source of financial support, a No-Interest Loan Fund for Land Protection.  

Norcross makes loans, not to exceed $250,000, for up to one full year. Applicants must be private, nonprofit organizations as determined by the Internal Revenue Service. Loans are made only to local grassroots organizations (e.g. land trusts and nature centers) and only for the purpose of acquiring land for wildlife habitat conservation. In accepting a loan, the borrower agrees to apply the full amount to the purchase of acreage - none may be set aside for closing costs, legal fees or land stewardship. Norcross offers these loans on a no-interest basis, although in complicated transactions we may deduct a small fee (e.g. $500-$1000) to cover legal or paperwork expenses. The applicant must be able to provide adequate loan security, either in the form of collateral (e.g. unrestricted funds, marketable securities, or mortgage) or third party guarantee. You must also explain in concrete terms and in detail how the loan will be repaid within one year of issuance.

To learn more the program or to download a loan application form, visit www.norcrossws.org and follow the link labeled Land Conservation Loans.

The Norcross Wildlife Foundation was established in 1965 by Arthur D. Norcross for the principal purpose of ensuring the perpetuity of the Norcross Wildlife Sanctuary (also known as Tupper Hill) in Monson and Wales, Massachusetts.  Beginning in the early 1930s and using his family’s 100-acre woodlot/pasture as a focal point, Norcross began to acquire surrounding woodlots and abandoned farmland with the goal of assembling a quantity of land sufficient to establish a sanctuary.  Norcross bought some parcels outright, traded for others, and accepted a few gifts of land from sympathetic neighbors.  This strategic land acquisition continued until his holdings encompassed nearly 2,500 acres.  The Sanctuary was formally dedicated in 1939 as "a place where wildlife may be encouraged not just to survive but also to propagate and spread naturally, so that specific species, threatened with extinction, might again attain more normal distribution, and the public will benefit from their survival."

Ten years ago the Norcross Wildlife Foundation responded to profound changes in local land use by rededicating itself to the task of protecting sufficient habitat for the survival of all species indigenous to the region.  Today Norcross’ land holdings are an aggregate of over 8,000 acres of forests, fields, swamps, bogs, streams, and vernal pools.  In addition to protecting priority habitat for its own purposes, the Norcross Wildlife Foundation also advances its wildlife conservation mission by encouraging the good work of others.

updated 3/18/05