Another strong advocate of environmental protection is the Conservation Fund. This American environmental non-profit organization also champions in the arena of economic development. Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, this charitable institution has been around since 1985. 

Working with communities and government leaders, the organization, since its inception has already protected more than seven million acres of land and water in all states in the country. Included in their protection movement is historic battlefields, wild areas and national parks. Not only does this charitable institution works with government officials, they also directly contact landowners and other conservation nonprofits to help forge innovative solutions that are directed toward environmental and economic objectives.

It was Pat Noonan, a former head of the Nature Conservancy organization who established this not for profit group. Among their notable partners are the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service. They also have strong ties with other state agencies, land trusts, foundations and various corporations. Services offered by the Conservation Fund include conservation finance, small green business financing, land acquisition, environmental mitigation services, conservation training, green infrastructure planning and community and economic development. 

With their low cost in fundraising and their higher percentage of dollars directed to programs, the organization has received very strong ratings from several charity watchers. The Charity Watch has been consistently giving The Conservation Fund the A+ rating. Other scoring bodies like Guidestar, Great Nonprofits and Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance have also commended the group for their transparency and dedication to the environment. 

In 2013, after a decade of negotiations and project efforts, the organization has made another milestone by finally reuniting and conserving their targeted 30-mile forested property in the North Coast area of California. They have also protected historic landmarks in Maryland like the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Monument.