Contribute to Place

Each year, millions of visitors enjoy the rugged, natural beauty of Maine and New Hampshire. Through the Contribute to Place™ partnership, businesses provide guests and patrons the opportunity to give a small donation that goes directly to preserving the lands and waters that define our communities and enrich our lives.

Recent survey numbers from the hospitality industry suggest that 61% of Americans believe their travel experience is better when their destination preserves unique natural, historic, and cultural sites. This program gives visitors the opportunity become a part of place and to give something small back to ensure their wonderful experiences are not lost to future generations.

The Contribute to Place™ program is a statewide program of the Maine Land Trust Network (MLTN) that fosters partnerships in local communities between local business and the local land trust. USVLT is a member of the MLTN and operates the program locally. It is a unique program whereby the patrons of local businesses help support local land conservation through small donations ($1 or less per transaction).

How it Works
Businesses that sign up as partners in Contribute to Place™ agree to inform their guests about the local conservation efforts and the mission of the USVLT and provide their guests or customers the opportunity to make a small contribution to support local land conservation. The donation shows as a voluntary charge on the customer’s bill. They can easily opt out and ask the charge to be removed. Partner businesses transfer the Contribute to Place™ donations to the USVLT for use in community conservation efforts.

How Business Benefits
By becoming a partner in Contribute to Place™ local businesses gain a marketing tool at a time of increased consumer interest in green-oriented businesses. Each business may advertise their Contribute to Place™ affiliation as they wish. In addition, the USVLT lists all participating businesses on its website and in its organization’s publications.