Blog - Tahoe Fund

Photos from 2022 Summer Cocktails

August 31, 2022 by Caroline Waldman

On the eve of the 26th annual Lake Tahoe Summit, Tahoe Fund supporters, friends and elected officials gathered for an evening of cocktails in celebration of Lake Tahoe.

Guests had the opportunity to hear directly from US Senator Jacky Rosen, Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak, Secretary Wade Crowfoot, and NV Energy President and CEO Doug Cannon. The event was sponsored by NV Energy and featured wines from axr Napa Valley.

Photos by Hannah Pence are now available on Flickr and Facebook for all to see. Please feel free to share your favorites and tag @TahoeFund!

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TAHOE FUND FISCAL YEAR 21-22 RECAP

June 14, 2022 by Caroline Waldman

Reflecting on the Tahoe Fund’s most recent fiscal year that closed at the end of March, we are deeply rooted in a single feeling: gratitude.

Even amidst the uncertainty caused by the pandemic and wildfires, our community rallied alongside us, reinforcing our philosophy that together, we can improve the Lake Tahoe environment for all to enjoy.

The unwavering support of our donors and steadfast partners throughout the Basin allowed us to fund 42 projects last year–more than ever before. We distributed more than $1 million in grants, and helped secure over $4 million in public funding.

We continue to believe that partnerships are the key to success. Last year, in addition to the 50 partners we worked with on the Take Care Tahoe program, we partnered with over 30 agencies and organizations whose dedication and collaborative spirit allowed us to accomplish so much more collectively than any of us could have on our own.

We helped get great projects done, like the first ever scuba clean up of all 72 miles of Lake Tahoe, an effort led by Clean Up The Lake with major support from Tahoe Blue Vodka, Vail Resorts and over 135 Tahoe Fund donors. With our support, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and the US Forest Service embarked on the largest Aquatic Invasive Species project to-date in the Tahoe Basin at the Taylor and Tallac creeks and marshes. We also provided the funds for the Tahoe Area Mountain Biking Association and the Tahoe Rim Trail Association to begin restoring and rebuilding trails destroyed by the Caldor Fire.

Working with our partners, we are expanding inclusivity and access while building the next generation of stewards who will care for our environment for years to come. For example, we are proudly supporting youth leadership programs through Adventure Risk Challenge and the US Forest Service, field trips to the universally accessible East Shore Trail for campers with disabilities at Camp Wamp, and trailside information and stories in multiple languages throughout the Tahoe Rim Trail.

Together, we are making our forests smarter, our Lake clearer, our recreation more sustainable, our transportation more efficient, and our community more prepared to take care of Tahoe.

None of this would be possible without the support, generosity and collaboration of our donors, community and partners. Thank you for continuing to show us the power of philanthropy. This work happened because of you.

Read the full recap below.

Tahoe Fund FY 21-22 Recap

The Tahoe Project Madness Champion is … Wildfire Alert Camera!

April 8, 2026 by Jaclyn Tain

After thousands of votes from across the Basin, one project rose to the top. Congratulations to the Wildfire Alert Camera!

From the very first round of the Sweet Sixteen, this project stood out as a clear favorite, and there’s a good reason. Over 100 Tahoe area fires have been stopped before reaching one acre thanks to the ALERTWildfire camera network, run by the University of Nevada, Reno’s Nevada Seismological Laboratory. This camera, funded in partnership with Tahoe Prosperity Center, is helping to close a major gap in the detection network.

This winner is a powerful reflection of the community’s shared priority of reducing the risk of catastrophic wildfire and the critical role early detection plays in protecting Lake Tahoe.

While this project is taking home the additional $10K, thanks to our generous donors, all 16 featured projects received a combined $700k in funding this past year.

Thank you to everyone who voted, shared, and supported our Tahoe Project Madness. We saw record participation this year, inspiring us to do even more to improve the Lake Tahoe environment for all to enjoy.

Learn more about our winner here.

Tahoe Project Madness Championship

April 6, 2026 by Jaclyn Tain

You showed up and we listened! The incredible outpouring of support for the work going on in the Basin has been huge. We kicked things off with the Sweet Sixteen, featuring standout projects from some of the most dedicated organizations working to make a difference for the Lake we all love. Every matchup was a nail-biter, and it’s all led to this: The Wildfire Showdown!

Will Caldor Fire Reforestation with the Sugar Pine Foundation take the crown? Or will the Wildfire Alert Camera from the Tahoe Prosperity Center come out on top?

The number one priority of the Tahoe Fund is to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire. It is no surprise that two wildfire projects are the finalists, but the choice is yours.

Championship voting is open for just 24 hours and will close at 4 PM PDT on April 7. Help decide which project takes home an extra $10,000!

VOTE NOW

Tahoe Project Madness – Final Four!

April 2, 2026 by Jaclyn Tain

We’re down to the FINAL FOUR of Tahoe Project Madness! Thanks to your votes, we’ve narrowed the field to four outstanding projects and we’re officially in the home stretch.

Will you support TAMBA’s trail crews as they clear and improve your favorite trails, or help the Sugar Pine Foundation plant native pine trees in the Caldor Fire burn area? Will you bring another watchful eye to detect wildfires early with Tahoe Prosperity Center’s wildfire alert camera, or help prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species like the Golden Mussel with TRPA’s aquatic invasive species prevention stations?

The competition is tighter than ever, and every vote truly counts. The winners of this round will advance to the Championship Round, where the final two projects will go head-to-head for the extra $10,000.

Learn more about each project and cast your vote below!

Vote Now!

Tahoe Project Madness—Elite Eight

March 30, 2026 by Jaclyn Tain

The votes are in, and our Elite 8 of Tahoe Project Madness is here!

With over 1,000 Tahoe lovers casting their votes in the first round, every matchup came down to the wire. Thanks to your enthusiasm and support, eight standout projects have advanced—each one making a meaningful impact in the Lake Tahoe Basin.

The competition continues as these projects move to the next round. Stay tuned, keep voting, and help decide which project will move one step closer to receiving an extra $10,000 this season!

Vote Now!

Tahoe Project Madness

March 26, 2026 by Jaclyn Tain

With the start of spring, our annual March Madness competition is back! We thought, what better way to celebrate than by giving a $10,000 boost to a project chosen by you?

For the first time ever, we are giving an extra $10k grant to the project that receives the most votes! From now through April 6, 2026, your votes will decide the champion!

Read on to learn more about each of the competitors and then cast your vote!

Vote Now!

	Caldor Fire Reforestation Help The Sugar Pine Foundation reforest 100 acres within the Caldor Fire burn scar by planting 10,000 native pine trees along heavily used mountain biking and hiking corridors near South Lake Tahoe.
	Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention To help keep aquatic invasive species at bay, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency is installing three new “Clean, Drain, and Dry” roadside units to make it easier for people to clean their paddle boards, kayaks, floaties and more. Help prevent the spread of invasive species like the Golden Mussel by supporting more units.
	TAMBA Trail Crew Give the Tahoe Area Mountain Biking Association’s trail crew the boost they need to get your favorite trails ready to ride this season. This crew will be clearing downed trees, improving drainage, restoring trail tread, and enhancing sight lines to ensure safe, accessible trails throughout the Tahoe Basin.
	Wildfire Alert Camera Early detection stops small fires before they become catastrophic. More than 100 Tahoe fires have been contained under one acre thanks to the ALERTWildfire camera network! Help cover blind spots in the network with another camera.

	Caldor Fire Reforestation Help The Sugar Pine Foundation reforest 100 acres within the Caldor Fire burn scar by planting 10,000 native pine trees along heavily used mountain biking and hiking corridors near South Lake Tahoe.
	Upper Truckee Marsh South Now that the former Motel 6 has been demolished, the California Tahoe Conservancy needs your help to restore the Upper Truckee River wetland and transform it back into a healthy functioning filtration system for Lake Tahoe.
	Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention To help keep aquatic invasive species at bay, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency is installing three new “Clean, Drain, and Dry” roadside units to make it easier for people to clean their paddle boards, kayaks, floaties and more. Help prevent the spread of invasive species like the Golden Mussel by supporting more units.
	Achieve Tahoe Summer Programs Help Achieve Tahoe offer more adaptive activities like sailing, hiking, and archery for people with disabilities and their families. Your support will offset the cost of adaptive instruction and specialized equipment for nearly 290 lessons, staff safety training, and 25 full scholarships for local participants.
	TAMBA Trail Crew Give the Tahoe Area Mountain Biking Association’s trail crew the boost they need to get your favorite trails ready to ride this season. This crew will be clearing downed trees, improving drainage, restoring trail tread, and enhancing sight lines to ensure safe, accessible trails throughout the Tahoe Basin.
	Nature for All Help the Tahoe Institute for Natural Science provide 14 days of nature-based experiences for traditionally underserved communities through partnerships with the Boys & Girls Club of Lake Tahoe and Sierra Community House.
	SOS Outreach Skiing & Riding Help SOS Outreach provide 600 Lake Tahoe youth with outdoor recreation, mentorship, career development, and environmental stewardship programming.
	Wildfire Alert Camera Early detection stops small fires before they become catastrophic. More than 100 Tahoe fires have been contained under one acre thanks to the ALERTWildfire camera network! Help cover blind spots in the network with another camera.

	Caldor Fire Reforestation Help The Sugar Pine Foundation reforest 100 acres within the Caldor Fire burn scar by planting 10,000 native pine trees along heavily used mountain biking and hiking corridors near South Lake Tahoe.
	Upper Truckee Marsh South Now that the former Motel 6 has been demolished, the California Tahoe Conservancy needs your help to restore the Upper Truckee River wetland and transform it back into a healthy functioning filtration system for Lake Tahoe.
	East Shore Trail Extension Plans are underway to extend the Tahoe East Shore Trail all the way to Spooner Summit! Right now, new and expanded parking lots along SR 28 are in development, and the next 3 miles of trail are being designed, but we need your help to get it there!
	Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention To help keep aquatic invasive species at bay, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency is installing three new “Clean, Drain, and Dry” roadside units to make it easier for people to clean their paddle boards, kayaks, floaties and more. Help prevent the spread of invasive species like the Golden Mussel by supporting more units.
	Achieve Tahoe Summer Programs Help Achieve Tahoe offer more adaptive activities like sailing, hiking, and archery for people with disabilities and their families. Your support will offset the cost of adaptive instruction and specialized equipment for nearly 290 lessons, staff safety training, and 25 full scholarships for local participants.
	Restorative Sailing Lessons Ebb & Flow needs your help to expand no-cost sailing experiences on Lake Tahoe for underserved and underrepresented individuals. Includes mindfulness practices and education on ecology, Indigenous culture, and maritime history.
	TAMBA Trail Crew Give the Tahoe Area Mountain Biking Association’s trail crew the boost they need to get your favorite trails ready to ride this season. This crew will be clearing downed trees, improving drainage, restoring trail tread, and enhancing sight lines to ensure safe, accessible trails throughout the Tahoe Basin.
	Generation Green Provide the opportunity for local high school students to participate in an eight-week paid summer internship focused on forest stewardship, fuels reduction, habitat restoration, and career exploration in natural resource management.
	Nature for All Help the Tahoe Institute for Natural Science provide 14 days of nature-based experiences for traditionally underserved communities through partnerships with the Boys & Girls Club of Lake Tahoe and Sierra Community House.
	Adaptive Outrigger Canoe Help the Tahoe Waterman Foundation expand adaptive paddling access through the purchase of a 6-person outrigger canoe, enabling inclusive, team-based experiences for adaptive athletes, veterans, youth, and caregivers.
	SOS Outreach Skiing & Riding Help SOS Outreach provide 600 Lake Tahoe youth with outdoor recreation, mentorship, career development, and environmental stewardship programming.
	New Trailhead Kiosks Bring 16 new, bi-lingual trailhead kiosks to Tahoe Rim Trail access points in California, improving safety, accessibility, and the overall visitor experience for an estimated 700,000 annual users.
	Camp RennerVation Sponsor 30 campers for a week-long summer camp at South Lake’s Camp Concord for Nevada foster and at-risk youth ages 8-13. Camp helps them have positive childhood experiences, learn about stewardship, and gain exposure to related career pathways.
	Wildfire Alert Camera Early detection stops small fires before they become catastrophic. More than 100 Tahoe fires have been contained under one acre thanks to the ALERTWildfire camera network! Help cover blind spots in the network with another camera.
	Tahoe City Utility Box Art Transform four graffiti-prone utility boxes in Tahoe City into vibrant public art, reducing vandalism while enhancing walkability, community pride, and the visitor experience.
	Boys & Girls Club Summer Adventure Help provide 50 children ages 8 to 14 with access to indoor climbing, golf, kayaking, mountain biking, hiking, and high ropes courses around Lake Tahoe.