Why Your Gift Matters

The Erie Canal Foundation — DBA of the Erie Canal Education and Preservation Foundation — is an IRS-approved 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are fully tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Your generous contribution directly supports the preservation of Erie Canal Village, the birthplace of the canal, educational programs that bring thousands of students to experience Erie Canal history firsthand, restoration of historic locks, aqueducts, towpaths, and canal-era structures, community events and programs along the 363-mile canal corridor, and daily news and information connecting Erie Canal communities.

Suggested Giving Levels

$25 — Canal Friend: Supports educational materials for one classroom visit

$50 — Towpath Supporter: Funds trail maintenance along one mile of the Canalway

$100 — Lock Keeper: Contributes to historic structure preservation

$250 — Canal Captain: Sponsors a student field trip to Erie Canal Village

$500 — Heritage Guardian: Supports a full semester of education programming

$1,000+ — Clinton Society: Major impact across all Foundation programs