Established in 1998, and certified in 1999 as an IRS public charity (EIN: 54-1946273), the Lake Barcroft Foundation's charter includes:
- Providing educational scholarships to local area students on the basis of need and merit
- Contributing to and promoting public charitable and educational efforts
- Improving the physical environment in and around Lake Barcroft
- Promoting environmental research related to urban lake environments.
The foundation has a long history associated with providing educational scholarships through the Thurgood Marshall Fund, but there are other worthy programs that it supports. Choose the fund that matters most to you and where you would like your donation to be used. Every contribution makes a meaningful difference. And thank you!
- Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund. Created to honor the legacy of Justice Thurgood Marshall, the Lake Barcroft Foundation’s Thurgood Marshall Scholarship supports eligible students, i.e., college-bound High School seniors who demonstrate academic promise, character, and commitment to service, leadership, and equity. Funded by Lake Barcroft Association community contributions/donors and administered by the Lake Barcroft Foundation, the program provides awards to help cover allowable expenses, e.g., tuition, fees, books, or related educational costs at accredited two- or four-year colleges, universities, or career/technical programs. Applicants must be a local resident, current class Senior year, minimum GPA, meet financial need criteria, submit the required application form, transcript, recommendation(s), and short essays. Awarded Candidates are selected through a holistic review by a volunteer committee. Awards are announced in the Spring of each year, and recipients join a community committed to expanding educational opportunities and civic engagement.
Historical Education (including publication of 75th Anniversary History Book). The Lake Barcroft Foundation’s Historical Education Program preserves, interprets, and shares the community’s diverse histories to deepen civic pride, foster intergenerational connections, and inspire stewardship of place. Through accessible, inclusive programs and partnerships, we consider but not limited to educational public talks and authored conversations; digital storytelling; school and youth presentations; place-based walks and on-the-water explorations; and an expanding oral history and community archive—each grounded in accuracy, collaboration, and respect for entrusted materials. Serving students and educators, residents and newcomers, and local organizations, the program connects local stories to broader regional and national narratives, strengthens historical thinking and a sense of belonging, and increases access to preserved photos, maps, and documents. Community members can get involved by attending events, sharing materials or memories, volunteering, partnering on curriculum-connected projects, or supporting this tax-deductible work that keeps Lake Barcroft’s stories alive for future generations.
Habitat Restoration/Invasive Species Management. The Lake Barcroft Foundation’s Natural Habitat Restoration and Environmental Protection Fund is a community-driven effort focused on safeguarding the Lake’s ecological health and strengthening the resilience of its surrounding natural areas. The program works to restore native habitats, protect water quality, and support the long-term vitality of local wildlife by addressing a range of environmental challenges, including the removal of invasive species, addressing shoreline erosion, habitat loss, and declining biodiversity. Through coordinated efforts such as shoreline and watershed monitoring, community education, volunteer stewardship projects, and collaboration with environmental experts, the fund seeks to promote practices that nurture healthy native plant and animal communities. By combining scientific guidance, resident engagement, and hands-on restoration activities, the initiative aims to create a sustainable, balanced, and thriving ecosystem that benefits the Lake, the broader watershed, and all who enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding area.