Minnesota is the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Every year, Minnesotans take action to protect these waters from pollution, invasive species, and policy gaps. By supporting Minnesota Lakes and Rivers, you are shaping a future where clean, healthy waters are protected for generations.
We have two sides to our organization: you can become a member of the advocacy-focused 501(c)(4) and/or make tax-deductible contributions to support our 501(c)(3)’s education and outreach programs. Together, both organizations strive to organize and educate a statewide base of lake advocates.
Minnesota Lakes & Rivers Advocates is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit. Contributions are NOT tax-deductible. EIN 41-1761357. Address: PO Box 22262, Saint Paul, MN 55122
Become a Member
MLRA is focused on organizing a statewide base of lake advocates. In order to become even more successful at the legislature, we need to expand our membership! Join 3,000 other passionate lake advocates today. Members receive:
- Breaking alerts from the State Capitol when action is needed,
- Access to MLR’s monthly Water Connects Us All Newsletter with stories, news, and advocacy updates,
- Opportunities to connect with other lake advocates across the state at our MLR webinars or MLR Annual Meeting.
Sign Up Your Organization
Minnesota is home to over 500 lake associations, representing more than 200,000 engaged Minnesotans. MLRA is the collective voice for these organizations and a key resource for organizing around water issues. By joining as an organization, you:
- Support lobbying and policy advocacy at the state and local level,
- Gain resources to strengthen your lake association or conservation organization,
- Are connected with other like-minded organizations across the state to solve issues,
- Get access to the latest scientific research on water quality issues.
Minnesota Lakes & Rivers: Protection & Education is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Donations ARE tax-deductible. EIN 82-1196944. Address: PO Box 22262, Saint Paul, MN 55122
Make a Charitable Contribution
MLR P&E is focused on improving water quality through education and outreach programs like Lake Steward, Stop Starry Stonewort, and the AIS Boundary Waters Collaborative.
- The Lake Steward Program has helped over 700 property owners restore their shorelines on 65 different lakes,
- The Stop Starry Stonewort Program, with support from the LCCMR, has been responsible for distributing 35 self-serve AIS boat cleaning stations to lakes infested with starry stonewort or at high risk,
- The AIS Boundary Waters Collaborative has installed over 100 AIS awareness signs at key boat launches and portage sites, distributed 2 self-serve AIS boat cleaning stations near the Boundary Waters, and supported the development of an AIS reporting app.
There are a Variety of Unique Ways to Support MLR P&E
Click below to learn more!
Retirement accounts
If you have a retirement account, it’s easy to make Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) to support our work at Minnesota Lakes and Rivers and receive potential tax benefits. For those over 70 ½, this is a way to make a difference with your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD).
This is the information you would need to give your financial advisor: Minnesota Lakes and Rivers Protection and Education. PO Box 22262, Saint Paul, MN 55122. EIN: 82-1196944.
Donor advised funds
If you have a donor advised fund (DAF), it’s easy to make Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) to support our work at Minnesota Lakes and Rivers and receive potential tax benefits.
This is the information you would need to give your financial advisor: Minnesota Lakes and Rivers Protection and Education. PO Box 22262, Saint Paul, MN 55122. EIN: 82-1196944.
Gifts of securities
Your gift of appreciated marketable stock or mutual fund shares provides immense support for Minnesota Lakes and Rivers. It may also offer you important tax benefits. You can find out how to do so here: MLR stock transfer information.
Legacy gifts
When you leave Minnesota Lakes and Rivers in your estate plan, you are leaving a lasting legacy of lake and river stewardship, and help us leave our waters better than we found them for the next generation.
Here is the exact language you would use leave Minnesota Lakes and Rivers a legacy gift:
“I give, devise, and bequeath to Minnesota Lakes and Rivers Protection and Education, a nonprofit corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Minnesota, with Tax ID # 82-1196944, the sum of $____ (or __ percent of the residue of my estate) to be used for its general charitable purposes.”
Gifts of real estate
A gift of real estate to Minnesota Lakes and Rivers is a unique way to provide a lasting benefit to our lakes and rivers, and a convenient way for you to enjoy a charitable deduction.
*These transfers are subject to board approval.
Want to save this information? Download our Ways to Give Fact Sheet here.
Also, check out the updated IRS 990 forms for MLRA and MLR P&E.