The Tahoe Fund is actively seeking environmental improvement projects in the Lake Tahoe Basin that will restore lake clarity, improve outdoor recreation, and build a stronger sense of stewardship in the region. The organization plans to build a portfolio of projects in need of monetary support that can attract donations from the private community of individuals, businesses and foundations. The board of directors will choose a handful of projects to be 2014 Signature Projects and the focus of the Fund's summer fundraising activities.
"Our intent is to find funding for great projects that are really going to help restore and improve the Lake Tahoe Basin," said Amy Berry, CEO of the Tahoe Fund."Now in our third year, we are ready to open our project selection process to the entire community in hopes of building a great portfolio of projects from which our donors can choose."
Eligible projects must be able to demonstrate that all environmental permits will be obtained, enjoy strong community support, and have other sources of funding identified. Further details can be found in the Request for Projects available here.
Projects should be consistent with the program level priorities established as part of the 2008-2018 EIP Update. All projects must obtain an EIP number from the TRPA. With the notable exception of education/interpretation projects, the Fund will generally not include funding requests for planning, design, or other preconstruction activities, or for maintenance and monitoring of projects in its portfolios.
Founded in 2010, the organization has funded high priority watershed restoration projects such as the Blackwood Creek/Eagle Rock Trail restoration on the West Shore and the Incline/3rd Creek Restoration on the North Shore; segments of the Tahoe Bikeway in Tahoe City and South Lake Tahoe; the Van-Sickle Bi-State Park in South Lake Tahoe; and the UC Davis "State of the Lake" report. The Tahoe Fund raised money for four 2013 Signature Projects that included beach improvements at Sand Harbor State Park, Asian Clam control in Emerald Bay, a mile of bike trail along the West Shore, and a new bridge across Angora Creek in the Washoe Meadows State Park.