Long-term commitment

A 20-year public commitment to one landscape—nearly unheard of in philanthropy.

Flexible funding

Funding that can be used by partners as they see fit. This is complemented by the Prototype Fund – an additional fund that can be used for prototypes or opportunities that weren’t planned for.

“When you’re willing to adapt based on what you’re hearing you will become what is needed.”

Core funding

Securing the employment of long-term staff to form their own relationships, pursue the big projects and apply for funding opportunities. Funding that allows staff to be opportunistic to attend events to look for new partners and funding opportunities.

“With a large program running on a financial knife edge there is much that wouldn’t have happened without Commonland, if only because we would have been focused on balancing the books rather than securing the achievements of the last few years.”

A consistent, trusted point of contact

All partners emphasised how much they valued their very real and personal relationship with the Director of Landscape Development & Support. He has been there from day one as the key contact for all their funding contracts. Developing strong and respectful personal relationships, while being senior enough to make funding decisions has been key. When asked what success is, he says, “I hear it in the voices of the people I speak with, their enthusiasm, their courage to stay the course, to keep going, their energy levels.” Partners feel that not only their organisation is supported, but that they are also personally supported.

“He’s a mate. He listens, he knows where we’re at. I can call him any time.”

Cornerstone funding

Giving confidence for new funders to come on board.

Care funding

Support that’s not just financial, but emotional, relational, and strategic.

Holistic approach

Working at the scale of holistic land management.