Forever Texas Fund® Endowment Campaign Surpasses $10 Million Goal, Securing a Sustainable Future for Texas Working Lands

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 13, 2024
Media contact: Brenna Gaik
417-241-0551 bgaik@txaglandtrust.org

Forever Texas Fund® Endowment Campaign Surpasses $10 Million Goal,
Securing a Sustainable Future for Texas Working Lands

San Antonio, TX — Thanks to support from generous donors across the state, the Texas Agricultural Land Trust (TALT) Foundation has successfully reached its initial $10 million fundraising goal for the Forever Texas Fund endowment campaign. It is a momentous milestone for the future of Texas’s working lands, ranches, and farms—a testament to the unwavering commitment to keep Texas big, wide, and open.

A sincere acknowledgement goes to campaign chairs Steve C. Lewis and Joseph Fitzsimons, whose steadfast commitment played a pivotal role in successfully raising awareness of the importance of the Forever Texas Fund endowment in ensuring TALT’s work preserving the ranching heritage of Texas continues long into the future.

“We are deeply grateful to all who donated to the Forever Texas Fund endowment, which will secure TALT’s future in perpetuity,” said TALT Foundation Board Chairman, Joseph Fitzsimons. “We are especially thankful for our campaign team whose dedication to TALT’s mission knows no bounds.”

In the heart of Texas, where the land holds stories of generations past, TALT has been a trusted guardian, working tirelessly to ensure that these wide-open spaces remain an integral part of the state’s rich heritage. Through conservation easements, TALT empowers landowners to protect their working lands in perpetuity, preserving the essence of Texas for future generations. Since 2007, in partnership with landowners across the state, TALT has forever protected more than 280,000 acres.
Texas continues to face a critical challenge—losing its working lands at an alarming rate of 26.66 acres every hour, faster than any other state in the nation. Alongside its dedicated landowner partners, TALT has played a pivotal role in slowing this loss.

What is the Forever Texas Fund endowment?
The Forever Texas Fund endowment was created and is held by the Texas Agricultural Land Trust Foundation. This fund will support TALT’s ongoing operations and programs and ensure that our work will continue for all Texans into the future .

How can I give to the Forever Texas Fund?
Contributing to the Forever Texas Fund endowment is a direct investment in the perpetual conservation of Texas’s natural treasures. Gifts can be made to the TALT Foundation, with a designation to the Forever Texas Fund endowment. The TALT Foundation accepts various forms of support, including monetary contributions, stock donations, real estate, and gifts through an estate. As a nonprofit, tax-exempt charitable organization, donations to the TALT Foundation are tax-deductible as allowed by law.

The outpouring of support from individuals, communities, and partners has been overwhelming, reinforcing the shared commitment to preserving the rugged and iconic landscapes that define Texas. The TALT Foundation Board of Directors expresses heartfelt gratitude to all who contributed to the success of the Forever Texas Fund campaign.

“With the $10 million goal achieved, TALT has reached the first milestone toward securing TALT’s work into the future” said TALT CEO Chad Ellis. “As we celebrate this success, we want to emphasize that the Forever Texas Fund endowment campaign is ongoing. With TALT’s rapid growth and expansion, we see a strong future with increased interest in conservation and additional milestones like this one ahead. TALT looks forward to a future where the Forever Texas Fund endowment stands as a testament to the dedication of landowners, ensuring that Texas’s working lands continue to thrive for generations to come.”

The Texas Agricultural Land Trust is a private non-profit organization, founded by farmers and ranchers for farmers and ranchers. As the largest state-based land trust in Texas, conserving over 280,000 acres under easements, TALT is dedicated to preserving open spaces, native wildlife habitats, and natural resources on Texas’ private working lands.