A Member‑Run Educational Trust Model
for Family Farms & Learning Estates
This site outlines a practical, lawful pathway to protect land and create intergenerational, education‑first stewardship—using Within Farm’s Reach as a working example you can adapt.
Short ambient loop from the farm. Replace /assets/hero-loop.mp4 with your video file.
The Proposal
Purpose: Provide a replicable framework for establishing a member‑funded, non‑charitable Educational Trust Association (ETA) to preserve land, enable community learning, and ensure continuity of purpose across generations.
Member‑Run
All revenue is from memberships (no sponsors, no grants). Surpluses are carried forward for maintenance, equipment, and programs.
Trust‑Held Assets
Land and infrastructure are held collectively by the trust—never privatized or subdivided—ensuring long‑term stewardship.
Education‑First
Every activity (nursery, workshops, renewable systems) doubles as curriculum for intergenerational learning.
How It Works
1) Form the Trust
Create a private trust to hold all assets (land, buildings, systems, botanical stock) in perpetuity for educational use.
2) Establish the Association
Adopt bylaws and a member charter. Members have access and voting rights—but no equity ownership.
3) Operate & Reinvest
Run programs and generate revenue solely from memberships. Carry forward surpluses; pay tax only on interest earned.
Note: Jurisdictional details vary. Consult local law where you operate.
Case Study: Within Farm’s Reach
Our 6.2‑acre historical property in Southwestern Ontario serves as the example. It integrates heritage orchards, walnut and ginkgo groves, extensive ferns, and renewable‑energy systems (geothermal and heat‑exhaust recovery) into a living campus for ecological and community education.
- • 170‑year‑old home & streams on site
- • Geothermal + heat‑exhaust recovery
- • Hydrangea & apple propagation
- • Walnut tinctures & heritage apple wine
- • Fern beds & ginkgo for packaging and tea
- • Seasonal education & small events
Swap placeholder images in /assets/ with your own media.
Guides & Templates
Use these documents to draft your own Educational Trust Association. You can adapt directly from our example materials.
Trust Charter
Legal purpose, asset stewardship, governance, and dissolution terms.
Organizational Structure
Roles, responsibilities, and operational hierarchy.
Prospectus & Executive Summary
Property overview, programs, and financial model.
Vision Deck
Story, pillars, and invitation for participation.
Manifesto
Ethics of stewardship and the case for common ground.
Legacy Portfolio
One‑file overview of model, assets, and programs.
Tip: Export your Word docs to PDF and place them in a docs/ folder so these links work on GitHub Pages.
