What The Clean Lakes Alliance does

Clean Lakes Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2010 and headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin, that advances the protection and restoration of the lakes, streams, and wetlands in the Yahara River Watershed. The organization serves the Greater Madison community, operating across the five Yahara lakes (Mendota, Monona, Wingra, Waubesa, and Kegonsa) and engaging individual residents, local businesses, agricultural producers, government agencies, academic institutions, and the Ho-Chunk Nation as partners in watershed stewardship. With a small staff of 1–10 employees, Clean Lakes Alliance functions primarily as a community convener, advocate, and fundraising vehicle, channeling resources into lake monitoring, agricultural conservation, invasive species prevention, and policy coordination through its 19-member Renew the Blue Council.

The organization's core technology product is LakeForecast.org — a volunteer-implemented, real-time water quality monitoring platform available via web and free mobile app. Trained volunteer monitors (more than 100 active) submit standardized observations of water clarity, air and water temperature, waterfowl presence, floating plant debris, and green algae/cyanobacteria severity at public beaches, parks, and private piers across all five Yahara lakes from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The platform has accumulated 13 seasons of longitudinal data, making it a unique regional dataset for tracking lake conditions and supporting cyanobacteria forecasting research in collaboration with UW-Madison Center for Limnology. Beyond LakeForecast, the organization runs educational programming (Clean Lakes 101 monthly lecture series, Youth Education), conservation initiatives (Clean Boats Clean Waters, LDMI manure injection, Conserve an Acre), and signature community events (Frozen Assets Festival on Lake Mendota, Loop the Lake bike ride around Lake Monona, State of the Lakes annual event, Founders Day Luncheon).

Clean Lakes Alliance generates revenue through a diversified nonprofit model combining individual donations (Friends of Clean Lakes at ~$35/year minimum, 63Club monthly recurring giving, Yahara Society at $1,234.50+ annually), corporate and organizational memberships (Lake Partners across Foundational, Sustaining, Community, Watershed, and Stewardship Circle tiers), event registrations (Loop the Lake $30–$50, Frozen Assets 5K $45–$55), program-specific donations (Seed the Need, Conserve an Acre, Lake Forecasting Steward), and grants (Wisconsin DNR Surface Water Grant, Dane County Environmental Council). Event fundraising is a major pillar — Frozen Assets alone has cumulatively raised more than $1.4 million since 2012. The organization holds 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, a Candid Platinum Transparency Seal, and a GuideStar nonprofit directory rating. Distribution is regional, anchored on the website (cleanlakesalliance.org), Instagram, monthly Lake-O-Gram email newsletter, local broadcast media partnership (WKOW-TV 27), and in-person events.

Name

The Clean Lakes Alliance

Legal name

Clean Lakes Alliance

Website

https://cleanlakesalliance.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2010

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Clean Lakes Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that protects and restores the five Yahara lakes in Greater Madison, WI, through volunteer-based water quality monitoring (LakeForecast.org), advocacy, education, and community events including Frozen Assets and Loop the Lake.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Environmental Nonprofit / Watershed Conservation Services

NAICS

Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations (813312)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Water Resources & Watershed Protection (BPAGAGAK)

akta.pro secondary industries

Marine & Freshwater Conservation (BPAGAGAE), Environmental Public Health (Food Safety, Water Quality, Sanitation) (BPAIAJAE)

Keywords

• Watershed conservation services
• Water quality monitoring
• Environmental nonprofit programs
• Lake protection advocacy
• Community volunteer monitoring

Headquarters

HQ city

Madison

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations (Friends of Clean Lakes): Annual individual/family donations at various levels; also monthly recurring giving through the 63Club program.
2. Business/Organizational Membership (Lake Partners): Corporate memberships and sponsorships from businesses and organizations at various tiers, including sponsorship of specific programs and events.
3. Program-Specific Donations: Targeted giving programs including Seed the Need (grants), Conserve an Acre (agricultural conservation), Lake Forecasting Steward (monitoring program), and Lake Buddy support.
4. Event Fundraising: Revenue from event registrations (Loop the Lake, Frozen Assets 5K) and associated fundraising. Frozen Assets has raised more than $1.4 million since 2012.
5. Annual Giving (Yahara Society): Recognition program for donors giving $1,234.50 or more annually, representing major annual donors.
6. Grants: Clean Lakes Alliance receives grants from governmental agencies (Wisconsin DNR Surface Water Grant) and foundations including Dane County Environmental Council for specific projects such as farm tours, water quality monitoring equipment, and conservation programs.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Clean Lakes Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that raises funds and community awareness to improve and protect lakes, streams, and wetlands in the Yahara River Watershed around Madison, Wisconsin. It delivers its mission through volunteer water quality monitoring (LakeForecast.org and a companion mobile app), educational programming (Clean Lakes 101 lecture series, Clean Boats Clean Waters, Youth Education), community fundraising events (Loop the Lake, Frozen Assets Festival, State of the Lakes), and cross-sector policy coordination via the Renew the Blue Council.

Product overview

Clean Lakes Alliance is a nonprofit organization focused on lake protection and restoration rather than a traditional software company. Its primary technology product is LakeForecast.org, a water quality monitoring platform available via website and free mobile app where volunteer-submitted condition reports are tracked in real-time across five Yahara lakes. The organization offers donation programs including Friend of Clean Lakes (individual), Lake Partner (business/organization), 63 Club (monthly giving), Conserve an Acre, Lake Forecasting Steward, Yahara Society, and Seed the Need. Educational initiatives include the Clean Lakes 101 lecture series, Youth Education programming, and the Teejop Regional Guide publication. Community events include Loop the Lake bike ride, Frozen Assets Festival, and the annual State of the Lakes event. The Renew the Blue council coordinates cross-sector watershed protection efforts. Clean Boats, Clean Waters educates boaters on preventing invasive species.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• LakeForecast.org Water Quality Monitoring Platform A real-time water quality monitoring platform where trained volunteer monitors submit data on water clarity, temperature, waterfowl presence, floating plant debris, and algae/cyanobacteria severity across all five Yahara lakes from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with public access via website and mobile app.
• LakeForecast Mobile App

Quantifiable outcome

• 68,000 pounds of phosphorus retained on farmland
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

23 partnerships are on record, tiered foundational, sustaining, watershed, core, community and stewardship circle.

• CG SchmidtfoundationalGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting Sponsor of the Frozen Assets Festival. CG Schmidt has been a long-term Foundational Partner supporting the annual Frozen Assets winter festival and 5K run on frozen Lake Mendota.
• The EdgewaterfoundationalGTM or Marketing PartnerHosting Sponsor of Frozen Assets Festival and long-term hosting sponsor of Clean Lakes 101/Yahara Lakes 101 lecture series. The Edgewater hotel provides its venue on Lake Mendota for events. Donated office space was provided by Foley & Lardner LLP.
• Madison Gas and Electric (MG&E)foundationalGTM or Marketing PartnerFoundational Partner supporting Clean Lakes Alliance. MG&E is a local utility company providing energy services in the Madison area.
• Alliant EnergysustainingGTM or Marketing PartnerSustaining Partner of Clean Lakes Alliance and supporting sponsor of the Clean Lakes 101 lecture series. Alliant Energy also supports the Alliant Energy Center stormwater redevelopment plan.
• Ho-Chunk NationwatershedStrategic or Co-development PartnerWatershed Partner with cultural collaboration on Indigenous events including Snow Snake Contest at Frozen Assets, water blessing ceremonies at State of the Lakes events, and participation in the Renew the Blue Council.
• City of MadisonwatershedStrategic or Co-development PartnerWatershed Partner collaborating on lake management, shoreline restoration, stormwater reduction, and park management. The City works with Clean Lakes Alliance on projects like Sink the Rain and lake access.
• Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (Wisconsin DNR)watershedStrategic or Co-development PartnerWatershed Partner providing grants (Surface Water Grant for Clean Boats, Clean Waters program), regulatory oversight for aquatic plant management, fisheries management, and cyanobacteria response coordination.
• Dane CountycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDane County Executive Melissa Agard and Dane County Land & Water Resources Department collaborate on aquatic plant harvesting, Suck the Muck sediment removal, stormwater management, lake level management, and the Renew the Blue Council. County committed $12–18 million to lake improvement projects.
• UW-Madison Nelson Institute for Environmental StudieswatershedStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partner co-producing the Clean Lakes 101 lecture series. Provides research collaboration on lake science, cyanobacteria forecasting, and fisheries assessment.
• UW-Extension LakeswatershedStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-producer of the Clean Lakes 101 lecture series. Provides extension education resources and lake science expertise.
• Yahara Pride FarmscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFarmer-led nonprofit working to improve soil and water quality in the Yahara Watershed. Since 2012, documented nearly 68,000 pounds of phosphorus retained on farm fields. Clean Lakes Alliance co-funds agricultural conservation through Clean Lakes Grants and watershed adaptive management.
• Wisconsin DistributorscommunityGTM or Marketing PartnerCommunity Partner providing free Michelob Ultra beverages for post-race participants at Frozen Assets 5K. Also supported the Madison on the Lakes Passport donation program.
• WKOW-TV 27communityGTM or Marketing PartnerMedia sponsor for Clean Lakes 101 lecture series and State of the Lakes events. Provides local broadcast coverage and news exposure for lake events.
• Associated BankcommunityGTM or Marketing PartnerCommunity Partner and sponsor of the Madison on the Lakes Passport, matching check-in donations up to $2,500 total for Clean Lakes Alliance.
• Public Health Madison & Dane CountycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborates with Clean Lakes Alliance on the Clean, Safe Beaches Initiative to identify sources of E. coli contamination at public beaches on the Yahara lakes. Monitors 22 beaches Memorial Day through Labor Day.
• Destination MadisoncommunityGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership on the Madison on the Lakes Passport program, promoting nearly 30 lakeside establishments that donate $1 per check-in to Clean Lakes Alliance.
• First Weber FoundationcommunityGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor of the Clean Lakes 101 lecture series, supporting monthly public education events on lake science.
• Johnson Financial GroupcommunityGTM or Marketing PartnerSupporting sponsor of Clean Lakes 101 lecture series and presenting sponsor for specific events.
• National Guardian Life Insurance Companystewardship circleGTM or Marketing PartnerCommunity Partner and supporting sponsor of Clean Lakes 101 lecture series.
• Renew the Blue CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerA 19-member cross-sector coalition convened by Clean Lakes Alliance to achieve swimmable lakes, resilient landscapes, and a thriving watershed community. Includes government, agricultural, business, and nonprofit members working on shared goals.
• Hovde PropertiessustainingGTM or Marketing PartnerSustaining Partner of Clean Lakes Alliance.
• Lake Ridge BanksustainingGTM or Marketing PartnerSustaining Partner of Clean Lakes Alliance.
• UW-Madison Center for LimnologywatershedStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic research partner providing lake science expertise; involved in cyanobacteria forecasting research and fisheries assessments. Collaborated with Clean Lakes Alliance on water quality data analysis and season-ahead bloom forecasting.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves1 record

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Chesapeake Bay Foundation: A large, well-established watershed protection nonprofit combining advocacy, restoration projects, education, and corporate partnerships. Operates on a watershed scale analogous to Clean Lakes Alliance but across a far larger geographic footprint and budget.
• Riverkeeper: A major waterway protection nonprofit combining advocacy, litigation, and water quality monitoring. Comparable along mission (water stewardship) and engagement model (community-led, donor-supported), but at significantly greater scale and geographic reach.
• The Nature Conservancy: One of the largest environmental nonprofits globally, operating across freshwater, land, and marine conservation. Competes for similar donor mindshare, has a Wisconsin chapter engaged in Yahara-adjacent land protection, and offers a much broader conservation portfolio.
• Alliance for the Great Lakes: A larger regional nonprofit dedicated to protecting the Great Lakes through advocacy, education, and on-the-ground projects. Comparable along product (lake conservation programming, volunteer monitoring, donor-driven funding) but operates at a much broader multi-state scale.

Regional players

• Lake Champlain Basin Program: A multi-state program working to restore and protect Lake Champlain's water quality and ecological health. Comparable in lake-focused monitoring, public engagement, and partnership-driven approach, but with a federally-initiated structure rather than a community-led nonprofit.

Direct peers

• Yahara Pride Farms: A farmer-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit working to improve soil and water quality in the Yahara Watershed. Co-funds agricultural conservation with Clean Lakes Alliance and is the primary partner in phosphorus reduction work — the most directly comparable peer given overlapping mission, geography, and donor base.
• Wisconsin Wetlands Association: A Wisconsin-based nonprofit dedicated to wetland conservation through policy, advocacy, and education. Comparable as a state-level environmental advocacy nonprofit with a similar operating model, though focused on wetlands rather than open-water lake ecosystems.
• Huron River Watershed Council: A regional nonprofit focused on protecting the Huron River watershed in Michigan through water quality monitoring, education, and community engagement. Closely analogous in scope (single-watershed advocacy), volunteer monitoring program, and education-driven donor model.
• Clean Wisconsin: A statewide environmental advocacy nonprofit focused on clean air, clean water, and clean energy in Wisconsin. Directly comparable as a Wisconsin-based advocacy organization with overlapping donor pools, policy interests, and surface water quality concerns.

Others

• Ho-Chunk Nation Department of Natural Resources: An Indigenous governmental entity and Clean Lakes Alliance partner engaged in cultural collaboration around the Yahara lakes (water blessing ceremonies, Snow Snake Contest). Comparable as an ecosystem stakeholder rather than a competitive peer.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/cleanlakesalliance
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/clean-lakes-alliance

Compliance2 records

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 The Clean Lakes Alliance