A Campaign by Minnesota Lakes and Rivers: Protection & Education
Together, we can protect Minnesota’s most treasured waters—for today and for the future.
About the Campaign
The Water Connects Us All Fundraising Campaign is led by the tax-deductible arm of our organization. Our mission is to ensure a lasting future for Minnesota’s lakes and rivers by uniting people through a shared responsibility for clean water and thriving aquatic ecosystems. By investing in local leadership, we strengthen the capacity of lake associations and water advocates across the state. Your support helps provide the tools, knowledge, and connections needed to protect our vital waterways—not just today, but for generations to come. We’re raising $1 million to grow our programs and meet the rising challenges facing our waters.
Why Your Support Matters
Minnesota’s identity is tied to its waters. Yet our lakes and rivers face real threats—pollution, invasive species, shoreline development, and climate change. The next decade is critical for determining the long-term health of our waters, and now is the time to act. As stewards of our lakes, we must lead the charge in addressing these pressing issues. Your support makes long-term care possible. Through this campaign, MLR can grow key programs that restore healthy shorelines, track changes in water quality, and prepare more people to step into local leadership roles focused on protection.
Your Support Increases Our Reach, Impact, and Stability Across Minnesota’s Lake Regions
Water Quality Monitoring We develop tools, data, and strategies to turn water data into transparent, actionable insights.
Shoreline Restoration Through programs like Lake Steward and the new City of Lakes Stewards, we support property owners in restoring and caring for their shorelines.
Invasive Species Management We work with regional, agency, and Tribal partners to align strategies, share resources, and manage aquatic invasive species like starry stonewort.
Education and Leadership
MLR provides materials, tools, and training that help lake associations engage members, raise awareness, and foster lasting stewardship.
Ways to Give
Make One-time or monthly a Gift
Support the campaign with a one-time donation or by becoming a monthly donor.
Major Gifts
Interested in making a larger impact? Contact MLR Executive director, Jeff Forester jeff@mnlakesandrivers.org 612-961-6144
Launch a Personal Fundraiser
Start your own fundraising page or host a local event to support our cause. Reach out to MLR’s Development Coordinator, Dylan Kinny, to learn how you can get involved in our fundraising efforts dylan@mnlakesandrivers.org (651) 815-7003
Tax-Free IRA Giving (Qualified Charitable Distribution)
If you’re 70½ or older, make a tax-free gift from your IRA to support Minnesota’s lakes and rivers.
This Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) can lower your taxable income and count toward your RMD. Ask your IRA administrator to send your gift directly to: Minnesota Lakes and Rivers: Protection & Education
PO Box 22262
St. Paul, MN 55122
For more details on IRA giving, contact MLR executive administrator, Tim Ward tim@mnlakesandrivers.org 651-271-1300
Spread the Word By
Sharing the campaign link with friends and family
Mentioning it at your lake association or SWCD meetings
Including MLR in your legacy or planned giving
Use hashtag #WaterConnectsUsAll on social media. Tag MN Lakes and Rivers
Connect with our Water Connects Us All management team: Jeff Forester, MLR executive director jeff@mnlakesandrivers.org 612-961-6144 Dylan Kinny, MLR Development Coordinator [CONTACT]