2026 Cayuga Lake Community Fund

Dear Friends-

Your donations to our Cayuga Lake Community Fund, combined with Eco-Tourism revenue, help us maintain a "Boat for Everyone" on Cayuga Lake and provide low-cost or free education and access programs for 5000+ students and residents every year!   During 2025, we offered $54,000 in financial assistance for education programs and 50 free community access events.  We plan to do that again in 2026! 

Here are a few great opportunities to support our work~

DCL's "Name Our New Boat for Everyone!" Campaign.   Our new boat arrives in May and needs a name that reflects the beauty of our lakes, and the character of our communities!  With a $500 donation, you or a group of friends, can propose the perfect name!  Think of it- your idea could set the stage for 20 years of experiences and memories on Cayuga Lake- that's not a bad investment!  To enter, review the rules below and select the $500 donation level at the top of this page.   In May, we'll hold a public vote, and select a name just in time for launch!

DCL's "Adopt a Classroom Aquarium!" Campaign.   With a $250 gift, you can support a classroom "Trout in the Classroom" cold water aquarium system for a full school year!  See our Trout in the Classroom Program Page to select a school you wish to sponsor, then click on the $250 donation option above!

DCL's "Love Your Lake" campaign supports, our popular (and free to the community) Community Sunset Cruises, "Family Eco-Cruises", "Volunteer Monitoring" cruises, "Community Paddles", and so much more.   Select any of the program support levels above to contribute!

OUR FUNDRAISING GOAL FOR 2026 = $135,000

Every donation received, be it $10 to $10,000, makes a difference!   Your contribution affirms your love for our beautiful lakes and waterways AND your commitment to making that love and understanding of these special places a real possibility -for everyone!   

"Name Our New Boat for Everyone" Contest Rules & Instructions:

1. Individuals or groups may propose a name for our new boat during Phase 1 of this contest.  While a $500 donation is not required, we ask for your help in getting us to our $10,000 goal!
2. Names submitted should be appropriate for all ages and should not reference trademarked or otherwise protected brands.
3. To submit your name nomination, click on the $500 gift option above, and complete the required information.  You can submit as yourself, or on behalf a person or group, in the "Name to Display" field.   Please submit the name you wish to nominate in the "Add a Message" field. Add a story about the name if you wish- remember, it's all about the vote!
4. Nominations must be submitted, to this webpage, by 5pm, Friday,  May 1.
5. DCL will publish all proposed names, and announce an open, free-to-the-community, voting period, May 2-15.   
6. Final vote tallies will be counted on May 15 and announced as our new board arrives on Cayuga Lake- stay tuned for details!

We hope you can support our work.  PLEASE spread the word!  This is a BIG year for DCL!

PLEASE NOTE:   Suggested donations are reflective of actual programming costs.  However, all contributions made via this page, apart from donations to the New Boat for Everyone campaign, are allocated to DCL's Cayuga Lake Community Fund.  This internal Fund provides financial support for education and community access program clients and ensures that our flagship, the M/V Teal, is in top condition.  To learn more about what we do, and our model for eco-tourism in the Finger Lakes, visit our main website (www.DiscoverCayugaLake.org).  

WHAT IF EVERYONE COULD ENJOY THIS LAKE?