Tahoe Fund
Tahoe Fund is a public charity based in Tahoe City, California, that uses philanthropy to support environmental improvement projects in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Founded in 2010, it supports work focused on forest health, the lake, and the experience of getting around, enjoying, and caring for Lake Tahoe.
Tahoe Fund at a glance
In short: Tahoe Fund gave $1.4M across 31 grants in 2025 (avg $44K), mostly in California. 35% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $1,367,451
- +35.4% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 31
- +24.0% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $44,111
- +9.2% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $25,000
- Total assets
- $14,900,652
- +20.1% vs 2024
- New grantees (estimate)
- 35% first-time grantees (11 of 31, 2025)
- Primary geography
- California (59% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Tahoe Fund
- Review Cycle
- The 2026 project call listed January 31, 2026, as the submission deadline; that deadline has passed. The submission page separately describes project submissions as rolling.
- Deadline
- The 2026 project call listed January 31, 2026, as the submission deadline; that deadline has passed.
- Contact
Mailing address: PO Box 7124, Tahoe City, CA 96145
Phone: (775) 298-0035
Website: https://tahoefund.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
1 open opportunity from Tahoe Fund
Who Tahoe Fund funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Tahoe City PUD ($150K). Together the top 10 received $923K.
Grant Size Distribution
117 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 81 grants of 117 (69%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
Tahoe Fund’s project guidelines require projects to be in the Tahoe Basin. In its 2025 grantmaking, 59% of grant dollars went to recipients in California and 41% to recipients in Nevada.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 31 itemized grants.
Cities
Is Tahoe Fund open to new grantees?
35%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 11 of 31 grantees (35%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $39K; repeat grants $47K. How we count
Medians: $20K first-time, $30K repeat.
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2020–2025). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $401K (2020) to $1.4M (2025). In 2025 it made 31 grants totaling $1.4M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Tahoe City PUD Tahoe City, CA | recreation | $150,000 |
| Tahoe Rim Trail Association Stateline, NV | recreation | $137,489 |
| Tahoe Area Mt Biking Assoc So Lake Tahoe, CA | recreation | $116,510 |
| Nevada Tahoe Conservaton Dist Zephyr Cove, NV | conservation | $100,000 |
| Lake Tahoe Com College Fndtn So Lake Tahoe, CA | conservation/ forest health | $90,653 |
| Tahoe Backcountry Alliance Truckee, CA | recreation | $80,000 |
| Tahoe Regional Planning Agenc Stateline, NV | conservation | $77,783 |
| SOS Outreach Incline Village, NV | Stewardship | $60,000 |
| Lake Valley Fire Protect Dis So Lake Tahoe, CA | forest health | $56,007 |
| Nevada State Parks Carson City, NV | recreation | $54,690 |
Ready to take the next step with Tahoe Fund?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $14,900,652 | $5,556,780 | $3,078,333 | $1,367,451 | 31 | $769,836 |
| 2024 | $12,411,982 | $4,115,226 | $2,479,654 | $1,010,184 | 25 | $291,378 |
| 2023 | $10,050,978 | $3,198,137 | $2,372,898 | $1,058,598 | 20 | $70,760 |
| 2022 | $9,891,050 | $3,551,350 | $2,038,125 | $948,083 | 26 | $208,780 |
| 2021 | $8,741,450 | $4,440,686 | $1,711,813 | $735,929 | 15 | $137,648 |
| 2020 | $4,724,651 | $2,389,529 | $1,156,815 | $401,002 | 18 | $69,822 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
Tahoe Fund’s mission is “to use the power of philanthropy to improve the Lake Tahoe environment for all to enjoy.” Its three focus areas are The Forest, to reduce catastrophic wildfire risk; The Lake, to improve lake health; and The Experience, to make it easier to get around, enjoy, and take care of Lake Tahoe. Its project materials also emphasize sustainable recreation, transportation, access, and stewardship.
The funder’s 2025 project call invited public agencies, nonprofits, and environmentally focused businesses to submit proposals. Examples of grantees’ work include trail maintenance and stewardship: Tahoe Rim Trail Association describes its mission as maintaining and enhancing the trail system, inspiring stewardship, and preserving recreational access. Achieve Tahoe says it provides affordable, inclusive physical and recreational activities that build health and confidence. Gateway Mountain Center describes its mission as supporting young people from all backgrounds through nature-based experiences.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, Tahoe Fund made 31 grants totaling $1,367,451. Grants ranged from $7,600 to $150,000, with a median grant of $25,000. The largest awards included $150,000 to Tahoe City PUD for recreation; $137,489 to Tahoe Rim Trail Association for recreation; $116,510 to Tahoe Area Mt Biking Assoc for recreation; $100,000 to Nevada Tahoe Conservaton Dist for conservation; and $90,653 to Lake Tahoe Com College Fndtn for conservation and forest health.
Other notable 2025 awards included $80,000 to Tahoe Backcountry Alliance for recreation, $77,783 to Tahoe Regional Planning Agenc for conservation, $60,000 to SOS Outreach for stewardship, $56,007 to Lake Valley Fire Protect Dis for forest health, and $54,690 to Nevada State Parks for recreation.
Tahoe Fund’s project-submission page says submissions are accepted on a rolling basis. The form requests contact information; a project overview, objectives, benefits, and location; the relevant focus area and explanation of alignment; information about access and inclusion for underserved communities, if applicable; project partners and timeline; total budget; requested amount; and other funding sources, including public funding. Projects must be in the Tahoe Basin, align with the focus areas, and be inclusive of residents and visitors. The funder does not support activities or projects generally viewed as the applicant’s base operating and maintenance responsibilities. Early-stage proposals through the Environmental Venture Trust or Smartest Forest Fund should show how an early investment could help secure significantly more public or private funding and bring innovative solutions to Tahoe’s environmental challenges.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Amy Berry as CEO, Caitlin Meyer as Chief Program Officer, Karolina Hedman as Chief Operating Officer, and Caroline Waldman as Senior Communications Director. It lists Verdi Disesa as Chair, Kevin Marshall as Vice Chair, Julie Teel as Secretary, Chuck Scharer as Treasurer, and Paul Felton and Jim Boyd as directors.
Tahoe Fund is led by Amy Berry, CEO on every filing since 2020; 4 of 28 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Amy Berry
CEO
On filings since 2020
60 hrs/week
$166K (2020) → $257K (2025)
Verdi Disesa
Chair
Treasurer → Vice Chair, 2023
Vice Chair → Chair, 2025
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Caroline Waldman
Senior Comms Director
New on the 2025 filing
40 hrs/week
$103K (2025)
Allen Biaggi
Director
Vice Chair → Chairman, 2021
Chairman → Director, 2023
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Cindy Gustafson
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Cory Ritchie
Director
Chairman → Chair, 2024
Chair → Director, 2025
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Deb Howard
Director
On filings since 2020
4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jim Boyd
Director
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jim Porter
Director
On filings since 2020
4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
John Jones
Director
On filings since 2020
6 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Stacey Crowley
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Stephanie Tyler
Director
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Tim Cashman
Director
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Todd Chapman
Director
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Paul Felton
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Beth Treacy
Director
On filings since 2023
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Bill Dietz
Director
On filings since 2023
1.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Matt Levitt
Director
On filings since 2023
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Ryan Buntain
Director
On filings since 2023
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Vickie Holtmeier
Director
On filings since 2023
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Amy Ohran
Director
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kellie Kessel
Director
New on the 2025 filing
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Shaydar Edelmann
Director
New on the 2025 filing
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Karolina Hedman
Chief Oper Officer
Director of Oper → Chief Oper Officer, 2024
On filings since 2023
60 hrs/week
$105K (2023) → $133K (2025)
Caitlin Meyer
Chief Program Officer
On filings since 2024
40 hrs/week
$144K (2024) → $153K (2025)
Chuck Scharer
Treasurer
Director → Treasurer, 2023
On filings since 2020
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Julie Motamedi Teel
Secretary
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kevin Marshall
Vice Chair
Director → Vice Chair, 2025
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (7)
- Former: Meg Sandman (2020–2023) — Director
- Former: Deidra Walsh (2022–2023) — Director
- Former: Scott Gillespie (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Katy Simon Holland (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Terry Watt (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Tom Mertens (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Art Chapman (2020) — Former Chair
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $257K, to Amy Berry (CEO). 4 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Tahoe Fund
How much does Tahoe Fund give each year?
Tahoe Fund gave $1.4M across 31 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $1.0M across 25 grants.
What is Tahoe Fund's typical grant size?
Tahoe Fund's median grant in 2025 was $25,000, and its average grant was $44,111, across 31 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from Tahoe Fund that year got $39K on average.
Where does Tahoe Fund give grants?
Tahoe Fund gives mostly in California: 59% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The next largest state was Nevada (41%). The most frequent recipient cities were So Lake Tahoe, CA (4 grants), Incline Village, NV (4 grants), Tahoe City, CA (3 grants) and Truckee, CA (3 grants).
Does Tahoe Fund give general operating support?
Not in 2025: none of the 31 grants with a stated purpose on Tahoe Fund's 2025 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Recreation" (11 grants), "Stewardship" (10 grants) and "Forest Health" (5 grants).
Who are Tahoe Fund's largest grantees?
Tahoe Fund's largest 2025 grantees include Tahoe City PUD ($150,000), Tahoe Rim Trail Association ($137,489) and Tahoe Area Mt Biking Assoc ($116,510), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. Together they received 30% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Tahoe Fund?
Tahoe Fund reported $14.9M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $5.6M.
What does Tahoe Fund fund?
Tahoe Fund’s mission is “to use the power of philanthropy to improve the Lake Tahoe environment for all to enjoy.” See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Tahoe Fund?
Tahoe Fund has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check tahoefund.org for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is Tahoe Fund's EIN?
Tahoe Fund's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 01-0974628. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2025.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(6)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS February 11, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS February 2, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS January 27, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS February 4, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS February 10, 2025)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS February 11, 2026)
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Tahoe Fund's focus areas in our free grants database
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More similar funders
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Tahoe Fund funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 10, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/tahoe-fund-morg_15add27905d3401da57f112331ef124c
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_010974628_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Tahoe Fund funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/tahoe-fund-morg_15add27905d3401da57f112331ef124c},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-10. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from Tahoe Fund's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
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