Investor Types

Timeshare Croppers:

Timeshare Croppers see themselves as part-time members of the commons. They are looking for ways to reconnect in a meaningful way with the land, develop their resilience skills, and form stronger relationships with other lifeboat builders. The number of shares translates directly into the right to occupy and work in the commons, with two shares equal to an annual one-week stay (one long weekend per season) on the commons, and the right to stay on the farm every year in perpetuity. Timeshare croppers can purchase shares that give them access to the farm up to 4 months out of the year - one month per season - allowing them to build an ongoing relationship with the land.

Fair Share Sponsors:

Fair Share Sponsors see value in the social benefits and potential of the project and are investing (paying it forward) to provide access to others who may not otherwise have access. They may have as few as a single share or many, and can choose to make the access available to a certain demographic (e.g. youth, LGBTQ+, students, BIPOC). 

Social Mortgage Holders:

The social mortgage works much like a traditional mortgage, but the interest on the loan is paid in the form of tangible progress on the pro-social goals of the enterprise:

• A demonstration of carbon-negative, climate-resilient food production.

• Increasing local food security. 

• The creation of structured affordable worker housing.

• Increased bio-diversity, eco-system health and carbon sequestration.

• The establishment of local, place-based resilience networks. 

• A demonstration of effective, non-coercive forms of cooperation and mutual aid.

• Dissemination of resilience and regeneration skills through onsite experiential opportunities and an online community of learners.

• Reconciliation and integration of indigenous ways of knowing into regenerative practices.

Mortgage holders receive annual payments from the B-corp/co-op to pay down the principle and have the added benefit of being able to leverage their equity in the project and the assurance that their investment is backed by the real estate value of the properties in the event of non-performance.

The social mortgage allows farmer-caretakers access to the land in exchange for the opportunity to convert hard work, intelligence and care into earned equity. Eventually, these efforts will allow the B-Corp/co-op to hold the land in trust at the community level to ensure perpetual access for those willing to care for the land.