Farmland Preservation Donation Program
Overview
The Cumberland County Farmland Preservation Program accepts cash gifts as well as donated agricultural easements. Gifts of both cash and easements are considered a charitable contribution. Potential donors should consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor to determine the specific deductibility of your contribution under federal and state tax laws.
How to Make a Financial Contribution
Making a donation to the Farmland Preservation Program is easy. The following options are available:
- Simply complete the Donation Form (PDF). Checks made payable to "Cumberland County Farmland Preservation Program" can be forwarded to the Cumberland County Planning Department, 310 Allen Road, Suite 101, Carlisle, PA 17013. Donors will receive a letter acknowledging receipt of their donation.
- To make a donation online click here. There is an additional 2.3% convenience fee for credit/debit card users. Both types of cards have a minimum convenience fee charge of $2.00.
Benefits of Donations
- 100% of your donation goes to preservation of prime farmland. No funds are used for administrative purposes.
- 100% of your contribution stays in Cumberland County to benefit local farmers.
- Donations help leverage additional state and federal grant funds. Every dollar donated will generate at least $1 in matching grant funds
2025 Donors
- Robert Agnew
- John & Mary Kay Bartko
- Cletus & Dorene Benjamin
- Bob & Kate Boyce
- Earl Dellinger
- Donations In Memory of Jim & Mary Dodrill
- Gary Eichelberger
- Ed & Mary Franco
- Frank Evelhoch II
- Phyllis Nye
- Cheryl Pauli
- Keith & Kristin Senecal
- Kenneth Waidelich
- Weary Real Estate
- Brandon & Teresa Weary
- And Others That Wished to Remain Anonymous!
How to Donate an Easement
Donated easements are accepted on a case by case basis. Preservation of the farmland tract must be consistent with municipal land use plan and the Cumberland County Comprehensive Plan. In order to be eligible to make application for donation, a farmland tract must meet the following minimum criteria:
- The tract must be a minimum of 35 acres
- The tract must be located in a designated Agricultural Security Area (ASA)
- The tract must be zoned for agriculture
- At least 50% of the tract must be engaged in agricultural production
- The Tract must contain class 1-3 soils
All parties interested in donating an agricultural conservation easement must conduct a pre-application meeting with the staff of the County Board. The meeting will introduce the applicant to the donation program to review the eligibility criteria before a formal application is submitted to the County Board. Applications are approved on a case by case basis. All applications will be reviewed by the County Agricultural Land Preservation Board who will make a recommendation to the Board of Commissioners regarding the donation.