Skip to main content
Add Me To Your Mailing List

 

HomeDonation Funds

DLYC Donation Funds


The Diamond Lake Yacht Club currently has two funds accepting donations:

  • The Sailors Legacy Fund
  • The Diamond Lake Youth Sailing Fund
  • The Diamond Lake Youth Sailing Endowment Fund

DLYC Sailors Legacy Fund

This fund was originally set up several years ago to accept donations in memory of a club member who had passed away, often a former sailor.  The funds are used for enhancing sailing activities for both youth and adult sailing activities at the club.  The DLYC is a nonprofit but we are not a 501(c)(3) and donations are not tax deductible.

To make a donation to the Sailors Legacy Fund, click on the button below and follow the prompts.

Sailors Legacy Fund

Diamond Lake Youth Sailing Fund


The Diamond Lake Youth Sailing Foundation (DLYSF) supports the youth sailing activities on Diamond Lake (one of the top sailing lakes in Michigan) and are open to all the residents of Cass County. The main emphasis is teaching youth sailors the fundamentals and joy of this lifelong activity.

The DLYSF is a 501(c)(3) organization headed by a five (5) member board and was created under the umbrella of the Michigan Gateway Community Foundation of Buchanan Michigan.

Sailing class fees cover the cost of the instructors only.  Funds donated to the DLYSF will be used for the purchase of sailboats used for instruction of youth sailors.  The boats used (Opti’s, Sunfish, Butterfly’s and 420's ) have previously either been donated or purchased through the generosity of others.  New boats must be purchased to keep current and to support the growing interest in youth sailing in Southwest Michigan.

Donations will support the purchase of sailing boats used by our youth sailors at the beginner, intermediate and racing skill levels.  These boats will replace current equipment that is beyond its useful life.  In addition, youth sailing on Diamond Lake is a growing activity with expanding equipment needs. Be a part of the future and donate.

Donations are made out to the Michigan Gateway Community Foundation and sent to 111 Days Avenue, Buchanan, Michigan 49107.  Please note on the memo line on the face of the check that it is for the Diamond Lake Youth Sailing Foundation and it will be credited to the appropriate fund.

Diamond Lake Youth Sailing Endowment Fund

 

The Diamond Lake Youth Sailing Endowment Funds (DLYSEF) supports the purchase of sailboats for the youth program, youth sailing scholarships and related youth sailing activities on Diamond Lake and is open to all the residents of Cass County. The main emphasis is teaching youth sailors the fundamentals and joy of this lifelong activity.

The DLYSEF is a 501(c)(3) organization created under the umbrella of the Michigan Gateway Community Foundation of Buchanan Michigan. As with other endowment funds the principle (your contribution) will be held by the Foundation in perpetuity and only the interest earnings will be spent on an annual basis. The fund was established in 2019 with a large anonymous gift. Fundraising has substantially increased this first gift with the goal of having $200,000 in the fund.

Historically, the boats used in the youth program (Opti’s, Sunfish, Butterfly’s and 420's ) have  been donated by interested club members. This has led to a fleet that is at an advanced age (our newest sunfish is 42 years old). The idea behind the endowment fund is to create a long term and stable funding source that will bring down the average age of the fleet (we have 30 plus boats) to ten years. In addition, the youth program is committed to helping any youth in Cass County be part of the sailing program. The endowment fund will support scholarships for sailing classes. With the explosion of interest in the DLYC Youth sailing program we need to update the fleet and offer sailing opportunities to all the interested youth in the County.



Donations can be made on the Michigan Gateway Community foundation web site at www.mgcf.org. Fill in a donation amount and click on “Designate a campaign”  then select Diamond Lake Youth Sailing Endowment and follow the prompts. Checks can also be sent directly to the Michigan Gateway Community Foundation at 111 Days Avenue, Buchanan, Michigan, 49107.  Please note on the memo line on the face of the check that it is for the Diamond Lake Youth Sailing Endowment Fund, and it will be credited appropriately. Lastly, a number of people have elected to pledge a larger amount over time. Attached is a pledge sheet that allows multiyear gifts to be made.

Diamond Lake Youth Sailing Endowment Fund Pledge Form