The American Easement Foundation (AEF), a 501(c)(3) organization registered in the Commonwealth of Virginia, was formed in 2001 with the express purpose of encouraging the preservation of historic structures, in perpetuity, through the application of conservation easements. AEF works to promote awareness and respect for historic buildings and their landscapes. Through these efforts, AEF embraces a conservation vision that seeks to protect for posterity the historic resources that are our national inheritance. The AEF is a supporting organization to the Galveston Historical Foundation.

Foundation Objectives

• To promote preservation of cultural resources, including historic structures and sites

• To encourage responsible stewardship of historic resources 

• To facilitate respectful use of historic properties

AEF strives to fully comply with Internal Revenue Service requirements for charitable gift donations as regards to donation of historic and scenic easements, and urges donors to follow best practices in determining the value of their potential gift donations.

AEF also provides information to potential donors, and to those who have donated easements, related to best practices in preservation. This may include referrals to publications addressing technical preservation procedures and identification of professionals in design, planning and land use law who may assist property owners in maintaining their historic resources.

AEF does not give tax advice and strongly recommends that donors consult their attorney, accountant, and/or tax advisor regarding the tax implications of a gift of an easement. A gift of a qualified conservation easement in perpetuity may qualify as a non-cash charitable gift, which may yield a deduction for federal income tax purposes and a credit for state income tax purposes. 

An independent qualified appraiser must establish the value of the easement that is primarily based on the value of the rights relinquished by the donor. Once that value is established, it becomes the basis for calculating tax benefits by the owner.