BIG SANDY FOUNDATION

Big Sandy Lake Foundation                                 

What is the Big Sandy Lake Foundation and who benefits?  The Foundation is a separate entity from the Big Sandy Lake Association (BSLA), however, it is designed to serve the association goals and the surrounding area quality of life and ecosystem.  The BSL Foundation, an affiliate of Minnesota Community Foundation, benefits people in the Big Sandy Lake/McGregor area.  Its mission is to support these objectives:  A healthy sustainable ecosystem; Protection of the quality of water, fish, shorelines, vegetation, trees, birds, and other wildlife; Eco-education; and Promoting community relationships.

How does it work?  The Foundation operates under the direction of a Board of Directors to:  Bring together youth from all segments of the community; Distribute available funds to eligible organizations through a grant process; Inform the community of the Foundation’s work in order to strengthen public understanding and support; Serve the community by working with grant seekers and donors; Seek contributions for the ongoing work of the Foundation.

Programs the Foundation is Currently Supporting:  The Big Sandy Water Institute (pictured) is a summer educational, recreational program.  Using primarily non-motorized watercraft, the Institute focuses on teaching students how to enjoy and preserve local waterways through boat and water safety, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, snorkeling, environmental education and swimming lessons.  4,500 kids have taken part in this program, which is also supported by your Lake Association, since it began in 2002.

The Foundation also supports the McGregor Schools Eco-Education programs to help send 6th graders to Long Lake Conservation Center and pay for busing for a field trip to the Libby Dam for 5^th graders studying environmental sciences.

Vision for the Future:  Establish an ongoing scholarship for college bound students who will pursue a career in eco-education, environmental studies, or conservation programs; Support programs that broaden horizons of area youth; Develop adult eco-education programs using our local valuable resources.

You Can Help.  Your tax deductible gifts will support these current programs and our vision for the future.  To make a donation, go to www.givemn.org and type Big Sandy Lake Foundation in the search box.  Or you can directly link to the Foundation through the Big Sandy Lake Association web site.  Instructions are provided for making a donation.  After your transaction is completed you will be given an electronic receipt which you can print and keep for your tax records.  Big Sandy Lake Foundation will get a summary of all donations made on a monthly basis. 

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Donate to the Big Sandy Lake Foundation