Non-Government Organization Loan Programs 
 
The Georgia Land Conservation Program (GLCP) awards low-interest loans to non-government organizations (NGOs) and land trusts for projects that permanently preserve conservation lands and protect water quality. Organizations may borrow funds to acquire conservation land or easements. Loan proceeds may also pay some due diligence costs associated with the project. The GLCP has facilitated 12 land conservation loans for NGOs. 
Loan Project Types: 
 Single borrower Loan: The NGO or local government acts as both borrower and repayment source.  Pass-through Loan: The NGO or local government accepts loan and third party funder repays it through 
the borrower.  Tax credit loan: Recipient of conservation donation (NGO or local government) takes out loan and uses  proceeds from sale of a tax credit, by the donor, to repay the loan. 
 
GLCP has helped protect more than 323,000 acres in 113 countries since 2005. 
 
Loan Terms: 
 0.5 to 0.9 percent interest rate.  Zero to 20 year repayment period.  Standard amortization and monthly payments.  Early-curtailment payments encouraged.  Eligible expenses include land and easement value, appraisal, survey, phase one environmental site 
assessment (ESA) closing and some legal expenses. 
 
 Non-Government Organization Loan Timeline 
 
Month 1: Application Submission 
Submit application to GLCP Submit appraisal to GLCP Submit easement (if applicable) GLCP provides approval 
 
Month 2: Underwriting 
Provide financial audits Demonstrate repayment EPD site visit and approval GEFA board approval 
 
Month 3: Land Council Review and Approval 
Site Assessment Property survey Land Council Approval 
 
Month 4-6: Contract 
Title insurance Invoices Contract signing Closing and funds wired 
 
Ongoing: Monthly payments Annual monitoring Annual financial audits 
For more information, contact Andrew Szwak: 404-584-1035 or andrew@gefa.ga.gov