The Power of Leverage: Stretching Limited Tax Dollars

Local conservation dollars can multiply when they’re invested strategically.

Albert Einstein once said, “Compound interest is the eighth wonder of the world.” When it comes to land conservation, financial leverage is “magic”.

How Leverage Works

The South Carolina Conservation Bank was created in 2002 to help fund purchases of conservation lands across the state.  Greenville County was among the greatest beneficiaries receiving $26.4 million in state investment -- much of it focused on protecting mountain and watershed lands – accounting for more than 15% of all Conservation Bank investments statewide from 2002-2020.

But competition for those limited state dollars increased dramatically, and the Bank rightfully began shifting its approach. The message became clear: if a project wasn’t important enough for local investment, it would be difficult to justify putting in state dollars.

Catching Up—and Moving Forward

Over the life of the State Bank, several Lowcountry counties established local conservation funding programs, generating millions annually.  Those local dollars served as the “match” needed to attract—and leverage—state, federal, and private funding.

Greenville County entered that arena in 2020 with the creation of the Greenville County Historic and Natural Resources Trust.

The Results So Far

From the Trust’s first grant cycle in November 2021 through November 2025:

• $6.4 million in local taxpayer funds were invested

• Each dollar leveraged an average of $4.25 from other sources

• Resulting in the protection of $38.7 million in conservation and historic properties

• Local funding is working: Since the Trust’s inception the SC Conservation Bank has awarded $12.8 million in matching funds with >$2 million in other state and federal funds …  along with hundreds of thousands in private dollars.

That’s the power of leverage!

Looking Ahead

In June 2026, the Trust will reach its fifth anniversary, serving as a local conservation “bank” that helps attract public and private investment—protecting the lands, waters, and historic places that contribute to Greenville County’s exceptional quality of life.

Did you know? Smart local investment doesn’t just protect places—it serves to multiply the impact through leverage.