Founded in 1970, VOLF's mission is as follows:

• "To assist in, and to promote the preservation of the natural beauty and rural character of Martha's Vineyard;
• to minimize land development along the highways, byways and along the shore of the sea and ponds by preserving open places;
• by acquiring control of strategic tracts of land, by dedicating all or part to public use for recreation and conservation, and/or by developing such tracts, in whole or in part, pursuant to plans well designed to preserve the character thereof to the greatest extent feasible;
• by working with or otherwise assisting individuals and other organizations public or private in their efforts to preserve the rural character of the Vineyard;
• by expanding funds for research and otherwise informing the public as to the means and techniques for accomplishing and for facilitating the objectives of preserving open places on the Vineyard;
• by promoting sound conservation practices on the Vineyard so as to maintain to the greatest extent feasible and practicable, the quality of life on the Vineyard;
• in furtherance of its purposes, the Foundation may acquire by gift, purchase or otherwise either real, personal or mixed property from any person, trust, or corporation."