Accessibility

A home for grassroots ecological work

In short

  • We are a small nonprofit based in Eugene, Oregon. We started in 2009.
  • We help groups that protect nature and the places they love.
  • Our main service is fiscal sponsorship. Your project can use our nonprofit status to receive tax-deductible donations and grants.
  • Volunteers run everything, so we keep things simple and take on a few groups at a time.
Find what you need
A clear creek running over flat, moss-covered rock shelves, with forest on both banks.
Drift Creek in the Oregon Coast Range. Photo by Max Wilbert.
Type
501(c)(3) nonprofit
Tax ID (EIN)
27-1194001
Location
Eugene, Oregon
Founded
2009

What brings you here?

Choose the one that fits best. Each one tells you what happens next.

  • I have a project that needs a nonprofit home

    Fiscal sponsorship lets your project take donations and apply for grants without starting its own nonprofit.

    What happens nextYou answer 10 questions online. We reply within three weeks.

  • I'm working to protect a specific place

    We can help you read agency documents, write public comments, and plan your next steps.

    What happens nextEmail us about the place and your deadlines. We'll tell you honestly how much we can help.

  • I own land I want to protect

    We can talk through conservation easements, donating land, or leaving land in your will.

    What happens nextTell us about the land. There's no obligation, and replies may take a little while.

  • I want to support this work

    Gifts pay for the basic costs of sponsorship, campaign help, and caring for land.

    What happens nextGive online through PayPal, or mail a check. Gifts are tax-deductible.

  • I'm not sure, or I have a question

    That's fine. Tell us what you're working on and we'll point you the right way.

    What happens nextReach us by email, mail, or our web form, whichever is easiest for you.

How fiscal sponsorship works

Your project runs under our nonprofit. Donors give to us for your project, we keep the records, and the money goes to your work.

  1. Step 1 of 3

    Apply

    Tell us what your project does, who is involved, and how you plan to raise money.

  2. Step 2 of 3

    Talk with us

    We read every application and usually reply within three weeks. Then we set up a call, or email if you prefer.

  3. Step 3 of 3

    Start receiving funds

    We sign a simple agreement. After that, donations and grants for your project come through us.

Learn about sponsorship Go straight to the application

Projects we've sponsored and run

  • Mountains and Waters AllianceZen practice and ecological engagement
    Current
  • Rural Watch Africa InitiativeAgroforestry and restoration in Nigeria
    Current
  • Protect Thacker PassMining resistance in Nevada
    Past
  • Pinyon-Juniper AllianceForest defense in the Intermountain West
    Past
  • Sovereign Housing ProjectWith the Ahousaht First Nation, British Columbia
    Past
  • Viveros FarmUrban permaculture and education
    Past
  • Good Grief GroupClimate grief and community
    Past
  • Earth at RiskConference series in the San Francisco Bay Area, with videos
    2010 to 2014
  • Indigenous and Women of Color RiseGathering in Seattle, with video
    2019

Why we do this

We believe the living world matters for its own sake, not only for what it gives people. We call this being biocentric.

Meet the people behind FGC

Get in touch your way

Every option reaches the same small team.

  • Email

    info@fertilegroundconservancy.org

  • Mail

    Fertile Ground Conservancy
    PO Box 11262
    Eugene, OR 97440

  • Web form

    Write to us without leaving the site.

    Open the contact form

Need information in a different way?

We can send it as large print, plain text, or a printed letter, or talk it through on a call. If you need another language, ask and we'll see what we can do. Read our accessibility statement for more.