What Tahoe Fund does

Tahoe Fund (legal name Lake Tahoe Conservation Fund) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2010 and headquartered in Incline Village, Nevada, registered in both Nevada and California. The organization employs 5 full-time professionals and operates as a philanthropic intermediary whose core function is raising private donations and deploying them as grants to environmental conservation projects within the Lake Tahoe Basin. Since inception, Tahoe Fund has channeled more than $30M in private philanthropic capital to leverage over $200M in public funds across 220+ projects, claiming an average leverage ratio exceeding 10 private-to-public dollars. Its work is organized around three strategic focus areas — "The Forest," "The Lake," and "The Experience" — and its program portfolio includes the Environmental Venture Trust, Smartest Forest Fund ($5M target), Tahoe East Shore Trail, Tahoe Trails Endowment, Fire Smart Community Pilots, Aquatic Invasive Species Program, and the Teens for Tahoe Giving Circle.

The organization's revenue model is donation-based, drawing from individual donors (Stewardship Circle at $2,500/year for 3 years), corporate partners (named supporters include Barton Health at $25K and NV Energy at $50K), and foundations (notably the Keyser Foundation, which provided a $25K matching grant for the Environmental Venture Trust). Public-sector funding partners include federal agencies such as the Federal Highway Administration, which awarded $12.5M for the East Shore Trail. In FY 2024-2025, Tahoe Fund granted $1.7M+ to 60+ projects and leveraged $52M in public funds, indicating a recent acceleration in deployment velocity.

In its most recent strategic phase, Tahoe Fund has expanded beyond traditional grantmaking into venture-style environmental financing, including its first venture investment — participation in Kodama Systems' $5.95M seed round — and the launch of the Smartest Forest Fund as a thematic sub-fund. This pivot is supported by recent board additions bringing venture and technology expertise, and by new internal fundraising capacity in the form of a Director of Philanthropy hire. The organization's distribution model relies on a network of 50+ partner organizations across the basin's multiple jurisdictions, and its brand position as a neutral convener — validated by a New York Times feature on its Fire Smart Community Pilots — is a central operating asset.

Name

Tahoe Fund

Legal name

Lake Tahoe Conservation Fund

Website

https://tahoefund.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2010

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Tahoe Fund (Lake Tahoe Conservation Fund) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2010 that raises private philanthropic capital for environmental conservation projects in the Lake Tahoe Basin, leveraging each private dollar into over $7 of public matching funds.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Environmental Conservation Philanthropy

NAICS

Grantmaking and Giving Services (81321), Civic and Social Organizations (813410), Administration of Conservation Programs (92412)

SIC

Forestry (800)

akta.pro primary industry

Environmental & Climate Grantmaking Foundations (BPAGAKAM)

akta.pro secondary industries

Public Charities & Grantmaking Intermediaries (BPAGAKAE), Grantmaking & Philanthropic Funds (Institutional Donors) (BPADAOAB)

Keywords

• Environmental grantmaking
• Conservation philanthropy
• Forest health funding
• Lake ecosystem restoration
• Trail infrastructure investment

Headquarters

HQ city

Tahoe City

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Philanthropic Donations: Tahoe Fund raises private funds from individual donors, foundations, and corporations to fund environmental projects. The organization leverages private donations to secure additional public funding from federal and state partners.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Tahoe Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that raises private philanthropic donations from individuals, corporations, and foundations to leverage public funding for environmental improvement projects across the Lake Tahoe Basin. It funds and convenes initiatives in forest health and wildfire resilience, lake clarity and aquatic invasive species control, and sustainable recreation and trails, partnering with agencies such as the U.S. Forest Service, California Tahoe Conservancy, Nevada Division of Forestry, and Tahoe Regional Planning Agency.

Product overview

Tahoe Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving as a catalyst for environmental improvement projects in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Rather than a unified technology product, Tahoe Fund operates a portfolio of environmental programs, fundraising campaigns, and grant initiatives organized around three strategic focus areas: The Forest (wildfire risk reduction and forest health), The Lake (water quality and aquatic ecosystem protection), and The Experience (recreational access and sustainable trails). Key offerings include the Environmental Venture Trust for early-stage project funding, the Smartest Forest Fund for forest innovation, the Match for the Marsh and Million for the Marsh campaigns for specific restoration projects, the Tahoe Trails Endowment for long-term trail maintenance, and the Tahoe East Shore Trail for recreational infrastructure. The organization also runs youth engagement programs like Teens for Tahoe Giving Circle and annual events like the Boat Parade.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Teens for Tahoe Giving Circle: A 10-week virtual program for high school students focused on philanthropy, nonprofit organizations, effective giving strategies, and financial analysis, with $10,000 to distribute to Tahoe projects.
• Environmental Venture Trust
• Smartest Forest Fund
• Stewardship Circle

Products and services

• Match for the Marsh with Barton Health A matching gift campaign where 250 donors can unlock a $25,000 gift from Barton Health to restore the Upper Truckee Marsh in South Lake Tahoe.
• Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Program A coordinated program working with over a dozen public agencies to prevent introduction and control current populations of aquatic invasive species impacting Lake Tahoe's water quality.
• Environmental Venture Trust A venture capital-style seed funding program for innovative early-stage environmental projects, providing modest investments to help projects secure larger public funding.
• Smartest Forest Fund A $5 million fundraising sub-fund of the Environmental Venture Trust focused on driving innovation in forest health through seed funding for pilot projects, technology solutions, workforce development, and wood utilization initiatives.
• Tahoe East Shore Trail A three-mile ADA-compliant paved recreational path along Highway 28 on the eastern shore of Lake Tahoe, with extension plans to Spooner Summit underway.
• Tahoe Trails Endowment An endowment fund aiming to reach $3 million to cover annual trail maintenance costs across the Lake Tahoe trail network, currently at over $1 million.
• Fire Smart Community Pilots Community-based wildfire resilience pilots bringing together homeowners, fire districts, and technology to identify and implement cost-effective mitigations for fire-prone neighborhoods.
• Tahoe Fund Boat Parade An annual boat parade event celebrating Lake Tahoe while raising funds for environmental restoration projects.
• Teens for Tahoe Giving Circle A 10-week virtual program for high school students providing education in philanthropy, nonprofit organizations, and effective giving strategies, with $10,000 to distribute to environmental projects.
• Stewardship Circle Membership Multi-year commitment donor program requiring at least $2,500 per year for three years for Lake Tahoe environmental improvement.
• Dollar for Tahoe ($1 for Tahoe) Corporate Partnership Corporate partnership program enabling businesses to pledge a dollar or portion of proceeds per transaction to Lake Tahoe environmental improvement projects.
• Tahoe City Bear Plaques Named-giving plaque program in downtown Tahoe City available in two sizes — Baby Bear plaque ($2,500, 8"x12", 20-25 character message) and Mama Bear plaque ($5,000, 13"x20", 40-45 character message).

Quantifiable outcome

• $30 million in private funds leveraged to secure $200+ million in public funds for 220+ projects
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

25 partnerships are on record, tiered core, secondary and minor.

• U.S. Forest ServicecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor partner on forest health and restoration projects including Smartest Forest Fund initiatives, BurnBot pilot programs, and trail projects throughout the Tahoe Basin.
• California Tahoe ConservancycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated on Upper Truckee Marsh restoration including Motel 6 demolition, land acquisition, and meadow restoration projects. Major partner in forest health initiatives.
• Nevada Department of ForestrycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner on Smartest Forest Fund, biomass facility reopening efforts (Carson City and Loyalton), and forest treatment projects.
• Tahoe Fire & Fuels TeamcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-sponsor of BurnBot pilot and collaborative partner on fire resilience and forest treatment initiatives.
• Tahoe Regional Planning AgencycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKey regulatory partner for environmental improvement projects, co-sponsor of fire resilience initiatives and trail development.
• Tahoe Transportation DistrictcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner on East Shore Trail project and transportation initiatives including TART Connect (now ended on Nevada side).
• Nevada Division of State ParkssecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner on Tahoe East Shore Trail extension and recreation access projects.
• Tahoe Resource Conservation DistrictcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner on community hardening, Fire Smart Pilots, and invasive species control projects.
• Vibrant PlanetsecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerReceived grant for Land Tender software platform - AI-powered forest treatment planning system.
• Kodama SystemssecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerTahoe Fund participated in $5.95M seed round for Kodama's forest treatment automation technology.
• Salo SciencessecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-funded California Forest Observatory platform with Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation.
• BurnBotcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated to bring remotely-operated mastication and prescribed fire tools to Tahoe-Truckee region. Phase one completed 22-acre treatment in 3 days.
• Barton HealthcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerHealthcare partner providing $25,000 matching gift for Upper Truckee Marsh restoration. Longstanding collaborator on community environmental projects.
• Placer CountycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner on Tahoe City Bear Plaques project and trail improvements in North Lake Tahoe.
• Vail ResortscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner on Northstar biomass plants and various resort-area environmental projects.
• Washoe Tribe of California and NevadacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeading role in Meeks Meadow restoration at Máyála Wáta; partner on sawmill project; collaborated on firefighter training with cultural knowledge focus.
• Parasol Tahoe Community FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides office and meeting space for Tahoe Fund operations; multiple donor designations including Serendipity Fund and Founders Circle support.
• Tahoe Central Sierra InitiativesecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborative partner on Smartest Forest Fund initiatives.
• North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection DistrictsecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-sponsor of BurnBot pilot and partner on Fire Smart Community Pilots.
• Lake Tahoe Wildlife CareminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupported Outdoor Learning Center construction project.
• Tahoe Rim Trail AssociationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner on Tahoe Trails Endowment and trail network expansion.
• Tahoe Area Mountain Biking AssociationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner on trail projects and Tahoe Trails Endowment.
• Truckee Trails FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner on trail projects and Tahoe Trails Endowment.
• UC DavissecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner on State of the Lake Report and scientific research.
• Clean Up The LakeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupported 72-mile scuba lake clean-up initiative.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Regional players

• Sierra Nevada Conservancy: A California state conservancy that makes grants for environmental improvement across the broader Sierra Nevada; comparable in mission and grantmaking model, but operates at a wider regional scale beyond Tahoe.

Direct peers

• Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation: Co-funder of the BurnBot pilot project and provides annual resident grants supporting Tahoe Fund operations; a directly comparable regional community foundation with similar grantmaking and stewardship focus in the Tahoe-Truckee region.
• Truckee Donner Land Trust: A regional land conservation nonprofit operating in the Tahoe-Truckee area; directly comparable in mission, geography, and donor base, focused on conservation and stewardship of lands surrounding the Tahoe Basin.
• Tahoe Resource Conservation District: A special district partner of Tahoe Fund on community hardening, Fire Smart Pilots, and invasive species projects; directly comparable in that it implements on-the-ground environmental restoration in the Tahoe Basin with overlapping funder and partner relationships.
• Parasol Tahoe Community Foundation: The local community foundation that provides office space for Tahoe Fund and receives multiple donor designations from it; both serve the same Tahoe Basin donor pool with overlapping grantmaking missions, making them the closest comparable peer.
• Martis Fund: A regional philanthropic fund co-funder of the Tahoe-Truckee BurnBot Pilot program with overlapping environmental grantmaking priorities in the Tahoe Basin; directly comparable in mission, geography, and funding scale.

Broad incumbents

• The Nature Conservancy (California): A large national environmental nonprofit with active conservation work in the Sierra Nevada and Tahoe region; comparable as an environmental land and watershed conservation grantmaker, though much larger in scale and scope.
• Trust for Public Land: A national nonprofit focused on land conservation and creating parks/protected areas; comparable in that it raises private funds to support public land conservation projects, including work in California's Sierra Nevada.
• National Forest Foundation: The official nonprofit partner of the U.S. Forest Service, funding forest-health and stewardship projects nationwide; comparable in that it raises private funds to leverage public federal investment in forest restoration, a core Tahoe Fund programmatic area.
• California Tahoe Conservancy: A California state agency that funds and implements environmental restoration in the Tahoe Basin; not a direct philanthropic competitor but the largest public grantmaking peer that Tahoe Fund regularly partners with and whose funding flows Tahoe Fund leverages.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/tahoefund
• Facebookfacebook.com/tahoefund
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/tahoe-fund

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments1 record

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Tahoe Fund