You can donate cash, boats, covers, sails, trailers, etc. to support this innovative program to attract young racers to the Lightning. Designed to help young sailors experience the high level of competition offered by the class, this revolutionary program offers a unique opportunity among one-design classes. While many one-design classes struggle to attract and retain young sailors, the Lightning Class is taking active steps to give young adults a leg up. Since 2007 the class has provided fully rigged, insured and competitive boats for worthy teams for the sailing season. The recipients participated in Fleet, District and National regattas.

The ILCA Fund was established in 1981 as a way to guarantee the long-range operations of our Class. Contributions to the Fund may be used to pay for the ordinary operating expenses of the ILCA, to advertise and promote the sport of Lightning Class sailing or for any other purpose approved by its Board of Directors.

The Limbaugh Fund was established in honor of two of our most avid supporters. Helen was our Executive Director from 1965 to 1982. Jay was our Class President in 1964. Both remained strong supporters of the Class long after their tenures were completed. Because of Helen & Jay's strong interest in Junior sailing, and their belief that our Juniors are the future members and officers of our Class, the organizers of the fund have dedicated these funds toward Junior activities.

The Mary Huntsman History Fund's primary objective is to help recover and properly preserve the Lightning Class heritage. The Fund is named after Mrs. Mary Huntsman, Past President and Officer of the Class, and who was the first to hold the Historian VP position when it was established. Under her Presidency, Mary secured the purchase of Lightning number one and subsequently coordinated its donation to the Mystic Seaport Museum, where the boat has been restored and is displayed.

Donations help out the day to day operations of the Class. Helps support the historical record keeping, communication with the nearly 1,800 members and 150 fleets world-wide, the maintenance of the website and the ability to service the membership and respond to new inquiries about the Class while keeping the Annual Membership Dues affordable.