Tahoe Fund Grant

The Tahoe Fund Grant prioritizes forest health restoration in the Tahoe Basin, addressing wildfire threats through innovative projects. It invites public agencies and nonprofits to submit funding proposals ranging from $5,000 to $1,000,000. Emphasizing environmental improvement, the fund seeks projects that comply with local regulations and demonstrate community support. Projects must align with key areas such as lake clarity, sustainable recreation, and transportation solutions, aiming to enhance the region's ecological health and tourism appeal.

The Tahoe Fund today announced the opening of its annual call for projects. The nonprofit is seeking projects for its 2026 portfolio that will reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire, improve the health of the lake, and make it easier to get around, enjoy, and take care of Lake Tahoe.
Public agencies, nonprofits and environmentally focused businesses are invited to submit proposals for projects that require $5,000 to $1,000,000 in funding. Projects with the ability to leverage public funding as a result of Tahoe Fund support will be prioritized.
“Every year, we are blown away by the creativity of the projects submitted for funding consideration,” said Caitlin Meyer, Chief Program Officer for the Tahoe Fund. “From transforming trailhead restrooms with beautiful murals to sending roving inspectors to busy beaches to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species, our partners continue to lead with innovation as they work to improve the Tahoe environment.”
Since its inception, the Tahoe Fund has worked with more than 50 partners to support over 220 projects in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Some highlights include using cutting-edge technology to create more fire-ready neighborhoods through the Fire Smart Community Pilots, acquiring and demolishing the former Motel 6 site in the Upper Truckee River Marsh to make way for restoration of this sensitive wetland, and piloting a new shuttle service to Emerald Bay to make it easier to visit one of Tahoe’s most popular spots without driving.
All submissions will be reviewed by the Tahoe Fund Board of Directors, which is tasked with developing the Tahoe Fund’s project portfolio. Projects submitted for consideration may receive immediate funding or be selected for a Tahoe Fund project campaign in 2026.

Eligibility

Tahoe Fund projects must be in the Tahoe Basin and should be consistent with the program priorities: Forest Health, Lake Clarity/Lake Quality/Lake Health, Sustainable Recreation, Transportation and Stewardship.Projects should serve diversity and inclusion of all residents and visitors.Projects should have high appeal to the private sector. Tahoe Fund does not provide funding for activities or projects that are generally viewed as the base operation and maintenance responsibilities of the requesting entity.Tahoe Fund grants are intended to leverage existing levels of federal, state, and local funding.Tahoe Fund will consider funding requests for early-stage projects within its Environmental Venture Trust portfolio. Project must show the ability to leverage an early investment with future funding sources.Tahoe Fund projects must comply with all applicable federal, state, and local statutes and regulations, and should contribute to the attainment of one or more TRPA thresholds (water quality, air quality, soil conservation, scenic quality, recreation, fisheries, wildlife, noise, vegetation preservation).The Tahoe Fund seeks projects that have completed the environmental review process for the Signature and Premier projects. Please state the date of anticipated environmental approvals.The Tahoe Fund is focused on expanding stewardship of the region, and will consider projects that focus on large-scale stewardship. K-12 programs are not currently being considered.Project administrator must be able to demonstrate that there is full community support for the project (or no major conflicts).Project administrator must have ability to recognize the Tahoe Fund for the donation (plaque, publicity, marketing, special events).Indirect costs cannot exceed 5%.

Ineligibility

Project requests cannot be a substitute for the base operational budgets of these entities.With the notable exception of stewardship/interpretation projects, the Tahoe Fund will generally not include funding requests for planning, design, or other pre-construction activities, or for maintenance and monitoring of projects in its portfolios of Signature and Premier Projects.The Tahoe Fund will not select projects that address the mitigation requirements of private projects.