A BOLD $15 MILLION CAMPAIGN TO PROTECT WISCONSIN'S DEEPEST NATURAL LAKE
Green Lake is the heart of our community—and today, its future is uncertain. That’s why we launched Our Lake, Our Legacy—a bold $15 million campaign to improve the lake’s health and protect it for future generations.
Excess phosphorus is threatening water clarity and ecological balance. In response, we’re advancing science-based solutions—and calling on our community to help write the next chapter in Green Lake’s story.
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CAMPAIGN REVENUE
Every commitment moves this work forward—here’s how campaign support adds up across immediate and long-term investments.
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$4.1M - MAJOR CAMPAIGN GIFTS (SINCE 2022): Cash already received toward campaign commitments. These dollars are actively funding restoration projects, scientific research, education programs, operations, and partnerships. Nearly 80 households and businesses have made leadership-level commitments.
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$2.5M - MAJOR CAMPAIGN PLEDGES (DUE 2026–2030): Multi-year commitments still to be fulfilled. These pledges reflect the long-term dedication required to protect Green Lake and provide a clear roadmap for continued investment. We will continue accepting multi-year commitments through December 2026.
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$3M - ADDITIONAL CASH: Annual gifts, membership dues, and Lake Ball revenue received since 2022. These flexible dollars sustain day-to-day operations, community engagement, and year-round visibility.
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$3.5M - NON-SPENDABLE COMMITMENTS: Endowed gifts, documented estate commitments, and gifts-in-kind. While not immediately spendable, these investments generate ongoing annual support and help secure Green Lake’s future for generations.
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Thank you to everyone who has helped move this work forward.
For questions regarding the campaign, please contact Kelly Nielsen, Director of Development, at kelly@greenlakeassociation.org.
CAMPAIGN GOALS
We’re investing $15 million across five strategic areas that tackle the greatest threats to Green Lake:
GOAL 1
MITIGATE GREEN LAKE’S GREATEST THREAT | $10 MILLION
Remove Green Lake from the state’s impaired waters list by making the largest investment in phosphorus reduction in our history—targeting phosphorus pollution at its most critical entry points.
GOAL 2
PROTECT GREEN LAKE AGAINST AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES (AIS) | $1.5 MILLION
Stop aquatic invaders before they harm native species and water quality through prevention-focused strategies like cleaning stations, carp removal, and boater education.
GOAL 3
DEEPEN OUR UNDERSTANDING OF THE LAKE | $1 MILLION
Fuel cutting-edge research and long-term monitoring to better understand Green Lake’s condition—and guide every action we take to restore it.
GOAL 4
MOBILIZE THE LAKE COMMUNITY | $1 MILLION
Engage people to care, learn, and take action—empowering everyone who loves Green Lake to be part of its protection today, while inspiring the next generation of lake stewards for tomorrow.
GOAL 5
BUILD CAPACITY FOR THE FUTURE | $1.5 MILLION
Invest in the tools, talent, and technology needed to lead this work forward—and ensure we have the strength and stability to protect Green Lake for generations to come.
Our Lake, Our Legacy: A Bold Step for Green Lake’s Future
Since 2022, the Green Lake Association has been quietly raising funds behind the scenes—laying the groundwork for the most ambitious initiative in our history. On June 21, 2025, we officially launched Our Lake, Our Legacy at the State of the Lake Breakfast & Annual Meeting, announcing that we’ve already raised $12 million toward our $15 million goal.
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This campaign is more than a milestone. It’s a movement—powered by science, community, and a shared belief that it’s not too late for Green Lake.​
