Colorado River Initiative

The Colorado River Initiative is a grant from the Walton Family Foundation that funds organizations working to secure sustainable water supplies for the American West by restoring and protecting the Colorado River Basin. The foundation supports nature-based solutions that protect, restore, conserve, and sustainably manage water systems, addressing water level declines driven by climate change.

Priority areas include increasing water flow into the Colorado River and its tributaries, building healthy watersheds, and supporting community coalitions—particularly tribal leaders, farmers, ranchers, and underrepresented communities with a stake in water decisions. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations focused on watershed health and conservation. Award amounts vary.

Securing a stable water future for the West Securing a stable water future for the West The Colorado River provides water and power supplies to nearly 40 million people in seven states. A healthy Colorado River Basin is essential to ensuring the American West has enough water to sustain a growing population and the region's natural and working lands. Climate change is ushering in a hotter and drier reality.

Colorado River water levels have declined sharply. This threatens the river’s future. The foundation is working to find a pathway through coming water shortages to create stable and sustainable water supplies.

We are increasing efforts to get more water into the Colorado River and its tributaries using nature-based solutions. These solutions protect, restore, conserve and sustainably manage water systems. By working with nature, we can build healthier watersheds and adapt to climate change.

Success will require collaboration. It requires a commitment to long-term solutions that help people and nature thrive together. We partner with local communities.

With tribal leaders. With farmers. With ranchers.

And with others impacted by the water crisis. We are helping build robust coalitions. And we are elevating communities that deserve a greater voice in water decisions.

Their ideas will help secure a stable water future for the benefit of people and nature. Theory of Change: Colorado River Even as climate change intensifies droughts and wildfires across the Colorado River Basin, the Walton Family Foundation believes there are practical reasons to be hopeful and take action to protect and conserve water resources in the West.

Through conservation, collaboration and engaging communities, we work to find solutions so that nature and people can thrive together.

Colorado River Theory of Change full Colorado River Theory of Change full Colorado River Theory of Change full Colorado River Theory of Change full Colorado River Theory of Change full Colorado River Theory of Change full Read More About Our Theory of Change for the Colorado River Collaborative, inclusive and community-led water solutions The foundation promotes healthy watersheds and improving and protecting flows within the Colorado River Basin.

We: Elevate the voices of those most affected by water policies. We will include them in crafting policies that strengthen the environment and economies in their communities. Work with on-the-ground partners to support nature-based solutions and innovative farming and ranching practices.

Bolster sustainable agriculture in the Colorado River Basin. We'll support communities using market demand for sustainably produced products to improve how farms and ranches work. Featured Video: Water in the West Water in the West is a series of stories about the people working to address threats to water supply in the Colorado River basin and find conservation solutions that make economic sense for people and communities.

Meet the People Helping Create a Secure Water Future for the West Nature-Based Solutions for Healthy Water The foundation believes nature-based solutions can help restore ecosystem health and protect water quality and quantity in the Colorado River Basin.

How Mapping Beaver Wetlands Can Chart a Path to a Better Water Future How Mapping Beaver Wetlands Can Chart a Path to a Better Water Future First-of-its kind project will use machine learning and remote sensing to track beaver wetland changes in the Colorado River Basin Giving Rivers the “Freedom Space” to Heal Themselves and Protect Against Climate Change Giving Rivers the “Freedom Space” to Heal Themselves and Protect Against Climate Change Investments in natural infrastructure improve river health and help us become more climate resilient Promoting Healthy Watersheds and Protecting Flows in the Colorado River Basin Promoting Healthy Watersheds and Protecting Flows in the Colorado River Basin We need collaborative, inclusive and community-led solutions for the West’s hardest-working river Americans want action to protect water supply Americans want to come together to protect water, communities and nature.

3 in 5 voters say drought, increased temperatures, wildfires, extreme weather and flooding are a product of climate change’s effect on water. A majority agrees climate change will alter important aspects of life in the U.S. like agriculture, water and the economy. 1 in 4 Americans believe their state will not have enough water during their grandchildren’s lifetimes.

Riverscapes as Natural Infrastructure: Meeting Challenges of Climate Adaptation and Ecosystem Restoration Riverscapes as Natural Infrastructure: Meeting Challenges of Climate Adaptation and Ecosystem Restoration Natural areas managed to provide ecological and societal benefits present an opportunity to address increasing climate change Concerns About Water Availability Growing in Colorado, Arizona Concerns About Water Availability Growing in Colorado, Arizona Voters are particularly concerned about water supply for farmers and ranchers in the region, survey finds Expanding Navajo Water Access is an Exercise in Trust Expanding Navajo Water Access is an Exercise in Trust Community-led partnerships are essential in bringing running water to the Navajo Nation's remote residents Long-term Investment and Collaboration Between States and Tribal Nations Can Create Water Security for the Colorado River Basin Long-term Investment and Collaboration Between States and Tribal Nations Can Create Water Security for the Colorado River Basin The decisions we make about the Colorado River now will shape life in the West for generations to come Support for Clean, Safe and Secure Water Supplies Transcends Partisan Politics Support for Clean, Safe and Secure Water Supplies Transcends Partisan Politics Nature-based solutions such as beaver dam analogs and alternative forage crops can help ensure safe, secure and resilient water sources in the West.

When Colorado River Restoration is an “Act of Cultural Survival” When Colorado River Restoration is an “Act of Cultural Survival” In southern Arizona, the Cocopah Indian Tribe is reconnecting with its roots by bringing neglected stretches of the river’s floodplain back to life Water and Wildfire: A Call to Philanthropy Water and Wildfire: A Call to Philanthropy Investments in wildfire resilience are essential for water safety and security Planting the Seeds of a More Resilient West Planting the Seeds of a More Resilient West With water supplies shrinking in the West, ranchers and scientists test forage crops for a hotter drier future Restoration Projects Follow Nature’s Lead to Protect Land and Water Restoration Projects Follow Nature’s Lead to Protect Land and Water By working with nature, communities across the country are improving water quality and rebuilding critical habitat Where Opportunity Takes Root