Keep Tahoe Blue

What Keep Tahoe Blue does

Keep Tahoe Blue (legally the League to Save Lake Tahoe) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1957 and headquartered in South Lake Tahoe, California, with a second office in Tahoe City. Its mission is to protect and restore Lake Tahoe through science-driven advocacy, citizen monitoring, ecosystem restoration, and pollution prevention. The organization operates a portfolio of interconnected programs including Eyes on the Lake (aquatic invasive species reporting by 600+ trained volunteers), the Citizen Science Tahoe web app (crowdsourced environmental observations), Tahoe Blue Crew (124+ volunteer litter-removal teams), Tahoe Forest Stewardship Days (twice-yearly restoration events for 25+ years), Tahoe Blue Schools (K-12 education), and Pipe Keepers / Snapshot Day (water quality monitoring). It also deploys novel technology including PixieDrone aquatic skimming robots, BEBOT beach-cleaning robots, and CD3 solar-powered mobile watercraft cleaning stations, and publishes interactive data dashboards (Trashboard) and StoryMaps. Recent expansion has extended into direct service delivery via the Lake Link free microtransit service (in partnership with the South Shore Transportation Management Association) and the seasonal Emerald Bay Shuttle.

The organization's revenue model is fully donor-funded and diversified: individual donations and memberships, the annual Oscar de la Renta Fashion Show (raising $1.67M in 2025 and over $27.5M cumulative since 1969), merchandise sales through the Kerrigan Family Boutique retail store and online shop, corporate partnerships (Tahoe Blue Business program with sponsors including ARC Boats and CSAA Insurance Group / AAA), and planned giving via the 1957 Club. The organization serves five primary constituencies: the 17M annual visitors to the Lake Tahoe Basin, year-round Tahoe Basin residents, values-aligned local businesses, students reached through Tahoe Blue Schools, and government agencies (US Forest Service, California State Parks, TRPA). The organization also conducts international conservation work via a partnership with Chile Lagos Limpios, protecting 23 lakes in Northern Patagonia. Notable regulatory achievements include originating the bi-state Tahoe Regional Planning Compact (1969), securing over $1 billion in federal funding through the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act, and winning precedent-setting appellate cases on shorezone pollution and development.

Name

Keep Tahoe Blue

Legal name

League to Save Lake Tahoe

Website

https://keeptahoeblue.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1957

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Keep Tahoe Blue (League to Save Lake Tahoe) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1957 that protects Lake Tahoe through citizen science, volunteer cleanups, invasive species prevention, policy advocacy, and educational programs serving the 17M annual visitors, residents, businesses, and government agencies of the Tahoe Basin.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

South Lake Tahoe

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations and Memberships: Primary revenue source from donor-funded model. Individuals contribute through one-time and recurring donations, memberships, and bequests. Tax-deductible 501(c)(3) charitable contributions.
2. Merchandise Sales: Revenue from Keep Tahoe Blue merchandise including apparel, accessories, and branded items sold through online store and Kerrigan Family Boutique retail location.
3. Annual Fashion Show and Events: Annual benefit fashion show featuring Oscar de la Renta has raised over $27.5 million historically, with 2026 event raising record $1.67 million. Additional events include cleanups, stewardship days, and speaker series.
4. Corporate Partnerships and Sponsorships: Tahoe Blue Business program partners with values-aligned businesses. Corporate sponsors for events including fashion show sponsors (Marine Sponsor: ARC Boats, Sustainable Transportation Sponsor: CSAA Insurance Group, etc.).
5. Planned Giving and Estate Gifts: Legacy giving programs including bequests, stock donations, donor-advised fund contributions, and the 1957 Club for planned giving supporters.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Keep Tahoe Blue (the League to Save Lake Tahoe) is a 501(c)(3) environmental nonprofit founded in 1957 that protects Lake Tahoe's water clarity, water quality, and ecological health. It delivers this mission through science-based advocacy, citizen science monitoring programs, volunteer-driven cleanups and forest restoration, aquatic invasive species control pilots (such as the Tahoe Keys Control Methods Test), environmental education, and direct conservation operations across the Tahoe Basin.

Product overview

Keep Tahoe Blue (League to Save Lake Tahoe) operates a suite of environmental conservation programs rather than a single unified software product. The organization offers citizen science platforms (Eyes on the Lake, Citizen Science Tahoe App, Pipe Keepers), transportation services (Lake Link Microtransit, Emerald Bay Shuttle), volunteer programs (Tahoe Blue Crew, Tahoe Forest Stewardship Days), educational initiatives (Tahoe Blue Schools, Spurlock/Evers Environment & Education Center), and technology pilots (BEBOT beach-cleaning robots, PixieDrone aquatic robots, CD3 cleaning stations). The programs interconnect through data collection and sharing: citizen scientists use the web app to report observations that inform advocacy and rapid response, while data dashboards visualize cleanup and water quality trends. The 2026 Tahoe Blue Business Program, 1957 Club legacy giving, and annual Fashion Show support funding and partnerships across all initiatives.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Eyes on the Lake: Citizen science program that trains volunteers to report aquatic invasive species sightings on their smartphones.
• Tahoe Blue Crew
• Tahoe Blue Schools
• Tahoe Forest Stewardship Days
• Pipe Keepers
• Tahoe Blue Beach Program
• Car-Free, Care-Free Tahoe
• Tahoe Blue-Gooder
• Citizen Science Tahoe
• Lake Link

Products and services

• Eyes on the Lake Citizen science program that trains volunteers to monitor and report aquatic invasive species, water quality concerns, and other lake health issues at Tahoe's beaches and shorelines.
• Citizen Science Tahoe Web App Web and mobile application that enables volunteers to report observations of aquatic invasive species, litter, and pollution around Lake Tahoe in real time.
• Tahoe Boating App Mobile application that provides boaters with watercraft inspection information and requirements to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species at Lake Tahoe.
• Lake Link Microtransit On-demand microtransit service in the Tahoe Basin that provides car-free transportation options to residents and visitors, reducing vehicle emissions and reliance on personal cars around the lake.
• Emerald Bay Shuttle Shuttle service providing access to Emerald Bay State Park, reducing vehicle traffic and associated pollution at one of Lake Tahoe's most visited destinations.
• Tahoe Blue Crew Volunteer program that mobilizes community members to perform shoreline cleanups and litter removal around Lake Tahoe.
• Tahoe Forest Stewardship Days Volunteer events focused on forest restoration and forest health work around the Tahoe Basin to reduce wildfire risk and improve watershed condition.
• Pipe Keepers Citizen science volunteer program in which trained volunteers monitor and label storm drains around the Tahoe Basin to prevent pollution from reaching the lake.
• Snapshot Day Annual single-day water quality monitoring event in which volunteers collect water samples from streams and the shoreline around Lake Tahoe to generate a basin-wide water quality snapshot.
• Tahoe Blue Schools School-based environmental education program that provides teachers and students with place-based curriculum and activities focused on protecting Lake Tahoe.
• Tahoe Blue Beach Program Summer beach ambassador program that places staff and volunteers at popular Tahoe beaches to educate visitors about lake protection and pollution prevention.
• Tahoe Keys Control Methods Test Multi-year research and pilot project testing control methods for aquatic invasive plants in the Tahoe Keys, using tools such as the PixieDrone and bottom barriers to inform basin-wide invasive species management.
• Keep Tahoe Blue Fashion Show Annual fundraising event that brings together community members, sponsors, and supporters to raise money for the League to Save Lake Tahoe's conservation programs.
• Kerrigan Family Boutique Retail store operated by Keep Tahoe Blue that sells branded apparel, gifts, and merchandise, with proceeds supporting lake conservation programs.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over $1 billion in federal funding secured for Tahoe environmental projects through Lake Tahoe Restoration Act advocacy
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• Oscar de la RentaflagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 August 202657th Annual Keep Tahoe Blue Fashion Show featuring Oscar de la Renta's 2027 Pre-Spring collection. Historic partnership raising $1.67 million in 2026. Over $27.5 million raised since 1969.
• South Shore Transportation Management AssociationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 July 2026Partnership on Lake Link microtransit service expansion connecting South Shore communities with free, on-demand transportation. Multi-zone system launched with 2026 expansion to Y, Tahoe Keys, Airport, Zephyr Cove, and Kingsbury Grade.
• ARC BoatsflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerMarine Sponsor for 57th Annual Fashion Show. All-electric watercraft company redefining sustainable boating. Natural partner in mission to preserve Lake Tahoe.
• CSAA Insurance Group (AAA)flagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerSustainable Transportation Sponsor for annual fashion show. Believes in environmental stewardship and supporting communities through partnerships.
• Tahoe Keys Property Owners AssociationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-led three-year Control Methods Test (2022-2024) to identify safe, long-term solution for aquatic invasive weed control in Tahoe Keys.
• Chile Lagos LimpioscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational collaboration sharing Tahoe's conservation lessons. Helps protect 23 lakes in Northern Patagonia, Chile. March 2026 panel discussion in San Francisco on climate change and conservation.
• 5 Gyres InstituteminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership on Tahoe Rim Trail Microplastics Expedition researching plastic pollution from backcountry trails into Lake Tahoe watershed.
• Tahoe Rim Trail AssociationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-hosting Trail Talk Panel Discussion on August 27 exploring backcountry research on plastic pollution along 174-mile Tahoe Rim Trail.
• WilderdogminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTahoe Blue Business partner. 5% of every purchase supports Keep Tahoe Blue. Products include cooling bandanas and dog accessories.
• NomadixminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTahoe Blue Business partner. Collaborative merchandise including Nomadix Poolside Towel with water-inspired Lake Tahoe prints.
• Fog and Fern CoffeeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTahoe Roast coffee brand. Every bag sold supports Keep Tahoe Blue. Available at Kerrigan Family Boutique and online.
• Sunnyside Restaurant & LodgeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTahoe Blue Business host for Eyes on the Lake training events. Provides venue for volunteer education programs.
• Desert Research InstitutecoreTechnology or IntegrationResearch partnership for water quality monitoring. DRI scientists conducted first-ever detection of microplastics in Lake Tahoe (2020).
• University of Nevada, RenocoreTechnology or IntegrationResearch partnership funded rapid response scientific research on effects of smoke and ash on Tahoe's waters following Caldor Fire.
• Generation Green Lake TahoeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerYouth mentorship program. Ambassadors lead environmental education field trips at Spurlock/Evers Environment & Education Center for Boys & Girls Club of Lake Tahoe.
• Tahoe Keys MarinaminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCD3 watercraft cleaning station location. Provides infrastructure for Clean, Drain, Dry protocol implementation.
• Lime (Micromobility)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerLake-friendly bike and scooter share service. Since 2017, over 529,000 miles traveled on Lime scooters reducing car pollution. Keep Tahoe Blue advocacy helped expand service.
• Washoe Tribe of Nevada and CaliforniacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWelcome as new partner in 2023 Tahoe Forest Stewardship Days events. Respect and honor Washoe legacy as original stewards of Tahoe Basin. Working together to protect Lake Tahoe.
• Arcade BeltsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLimited-edition Keep Tahoe Blue belt collaboration. 10% of every belt sold supports mission to protect Lake Tahoe.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Surfrider Foundation: Beach and water-quality-focused nonprofit combining citizen science volunteer programs, policy advocacy, and grassroots chapter networks — directly comparable in mission (water-body protection) and operating model (volunteer-driven environmental nonprofit).
• Heal the Bay: Southern California nonprofit dedicated to protecting Santa Monica Bay through science, advocacy, and community engagement — closely comparable in scope, programs (citizen science, beach cleanups, policy advocacy), and donor-supported nonprofit model.
• Earthjustice: Nonprofit environmental law organization that litigates cases to protect natural resources and public health. Highly comparable in the legal/regulatory advocacy dimension, where Keep Tahoe Blue has built its own track record (9th Circuit, Martis Valley).
• Chesapeake Bay Foundation: Regional water-body-focused conservation nonprofit protecting a single iconic ecosystem (Chesapeake Bay) through restoration, advocacy, education, and volunteer programs — directly analogous to Keep Tahoe Blue's single-basin focus and program mix.

Broad incumbents

• Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC): Major environmental advocacy nonprofit that uses litigation, science, and policy work to protect natural resources — directly comparable to Keep Tahoe Blue's legal and regulatory advocacy approach (court victories, federal funding advocacy).
• Ocean Conservancy: National nonprofit focused on ocean health with science, advocacy, and volunteer mobilization programs — comparable operating model and trash/pollution focus, though serving marine rather than freshwater ecosystems.
• Environmental Defense Fund (EDF): Major science-driven environmental nonprofit using market-based solutions, advocacy, and partnerships — overlapping with Keep Tahoe Blue's science-to-solutions approach and corporate partnership program.
• Sierra Club: Long-established environmental nonprofit with strong policy advocacy, volunteer chapters, and conservation campaigns — overlapping with Keep Tahoe Blue's grassroots activism and donor-funded advocacy model, though broader in geographic and issue scope.
• The Nature Conservancy: One of the largest global conservation nonprofits combining land/water protection, science, and policy advocacy. Comparable as a science-driven environmental nonprofit with major donor base, but operates at vastly larger scale and broader geographic scope.

Regional players

• Lake Champlain Basin Program: Bi-state (NY/VT/QC) program coordinating protection and restoration of Lake Champlain — directly analogous single-lake, bi-state governance focus, though primarily publicly funded rather than donor-funded.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@KeepTahoeBlue
• Facebookfacebook.com/leaguetosavelaketahoe
• Instagraminstagram.com/keeptahoeblue
• Xx.com/KeepTahoeBlue
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/league-to-save-lake-tahoe

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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

M&A

Investments

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

Frequently asked questions about Keep Tahoe Blue