CONTRIBUTIONS TO SAVE THE LAKE

The LMCD created the Save the Lake fund to meet program needs addressing Lake Minnetonka’s environmental and recreational use priorities. 

Contributions to Save the Lake are generally tax deductible to individuals under the IRS Code 26 USC Section 170 (b)(1)(a) because contributions to any political subdivision of any state for exclusively public purposes are deductible.  The LMCD is a political subdivision of the State of Minnesota under Minnesota Statutes Section 103B.605, Subdivision 1.

Save the Lake urges you to read through the Vision Statement and Funding Criteria to see just exactly how your donations are being spent.  Be sure to include your email address in the appropriate field so the the District has the ability to add you to the Save the Lake mailing list.

• Mission Statement and Operating Policy
• Program Funding Criteria
• 2010 STL Availability of Funds Press Release and Criteria Outline

MISSION STATEMENT AND OPERATING POLICY

Mission Statement: Save the Lake is a non-profit fund investing in programs which benefit the environmental and recreational needs of Lake Minnetonka.

Operating Policy: Lake Minnetonka provides recreational experiences and aesthetic values to public water surface users, the general public and lakeshore owners. The Lake Minnetonka Conservation District (LMCD), its fourteen member cities surrounding the lake, Hennepin County, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Minnehaha Creek Watershed District, and Three Rivers Park District are some of the governmental agencies that share major management roles in protecting the lake’s environmental quality and user experiences on the lake.

Public funding provides the basis for implementing programs that preserve or improve upon the environmental quality and user experience. At times, however, supplemental programs are needed to enhance or speed up the public program initiatives. The LMCD normal activites are funded through a tax levy to the 14 cities that border Lake Minnetonka, license and permit revenue, court fines, and limited grant funding. In order to achieve objectives not covered by these funding sources, the LMCD has created a Fund called Save the Lake to address the Lake's supplemental needs of public safety, enviornmental, and public service/education.

The money in the Save the Lake Fund comes from private donations. The LMCD Board of Directors will manage the Save the Lake Fund to achieve its objectives and will do so in accordance with LMCD Resolution 118. LMCD Resolution 118, which establishes a policy on a reserve balance for the Save the Lake Fund, identifies a formula for the maximum amount of Save the Lake Funds available each year based on the reserve balance as of December 31st from each year. It also states that an announcement of funds available will be made by April 15th for the following calendar year.

SAVE THE LAKE PROGRAM FUNDING CRITERIA

When a request for Save the Lake funds is received, the LMCD takes into consideration the following:

• Does the request represent major environmental preservation or an improvement on an environemntal priority?

• Does the request sustain or improve a major recreational resource?

• Will the investment of funds provide a long-term benefit?

• Does the request provide public benefit that spans a broad range of lake users in terms of age, economics, use, and interest?

• Does the request attract matching public or private funds to produce the program?

• Does the request appeal to contributors of Save the Lake who recognize and likely support the proposed program, and would likely continue to donate to Save the Lake?

• Does the request meet a major lake educational need not being met by other public or private initiatives?

The following criteria are established to guide the Save the Lake Advisory Committee and LMCD Board of Directors in evaluating and selecting programs for funding. Proposed projects are weighted by meeting one or more of the following program criteria:

PUBLIC SAFETY:

1. Improves public safety on the lake.
2. Benefits structures in the lake.
3. Lessens conflicts among lake surface users.
4. Enhances safe boat operation.
5. Assures greater personal safety.

ENVIRONMENTAL:

1. Involves research or program implementation that studies or protects the lake environment.
2. Protects the lake from infestation of exotic aquatic plants or animals.
3. Prevents the spread of exotic aquatic plants or animals from the lake.
4. Allows or enhances enjoyment and use of the lake while preserving the lake from environmental degradation.

PUBLIC SERVICE/EDUCATION:

1. Benefits the general public use of Lake Minnetonka.
2. Make Lake Minnetonka more accessible to persons unable, or choosing not to, access the lake by their own boat.
3. Encourages public participation in lake clean-up.
4. Promotes courteous boat operation.
5. Recognizes achievements in community service by individuals or groups that benefit Lake Minnetonka.
6. Advances the historical significance of Lake Minnetonka.