Walton Family Foundation - Mississippi River Program

Walton Family Foundation - Mississippi River Program is a grant from the Walton Family Foundation that funds projects addressing water quality, climate resilience, agricultural runoff reduction, and coastal restoration along the Mississippi River from its headwaters to the Gulf Coast.

The program takes a whole-river approach, supporting farming practice improvements to reduce fertilizer runoff, floodplain and wetland restoration, reforestation of marginal farmlands, and natural infrastructure projects on the Gulf Coast. Eligible organizations include nonprofits, research institutions, and community partners working on water health and resilience in the Mississippi River basin.

Specific award amounts and deadlines are determined through the foundation's grantmaking process.

Improving water health on the Mississippi River Improving water health on the Mississippi River The Mississippi River is America’s river highway – working hard to transport the bounties of America’s heartland around the world. Nearly 20 million people rely on the river for their drinking water. But the Mississippi is also in peril.

Climate change and some farming practices are taking a heavy toll on the river and its communities. Severe weather is causing more intense flooding. For decades, excess fertilizer has run off farms and into the Mississippi – where water becomes toxic.

Deforestation has made the problem worse. And coastal land loss threatens life on the Gulf Coast. The Mississippi’s challenges extend from the river’s headwaters to its mouth.

So we need a ‘whole river’ approach to finding solutions. The foundation’s efforts build on collaboration with partners elevating the voices of the people working to improve the health of the river and its water. Everyone needs to be at the table to build solutions that benefit all.

We’re working with farmers to improve how we grow our food. Supporting solutions that reduce runoff and improve soil health. Nature also provides a blueprint for a healthy river and thriving communities.

This includes restoring natural floodplains and wetlands. And helping reforest lands with marginal farming value. On the Gulf Coast, natural infrastructure projects are building new land.

We believe these solutions can help ensure a clean and resilient river. Where people and nature thrive together. Theory of Change: Mississippi River Because the Mississippi’s challenges extend from its headwaters to mouth, we need strong coalitions and a ‘whole river’ approach to tackling its problems.

Mississippi River Theory of Change full Mississippi River Theory of Change full Mississippi River Theory of Change full Mississippi River Theory of Change full Mississippi River Theory of Change full Mississippi River Theory of Change full Read More About Our Mississippi River Theory of Change Support for sustainable farming to protect water Americans are united to keep our rivers and streams clean, while also supporting farmers.

Voters say it is very important to adopt sustainable farming practices to support clean water and reduce air pollution. 84% of voters agree that “we need to do more to maintain soil health and water quality so we can feed future generations. ” Almost two-thirds of voters want the federal government to encourage sustainable farming practices.

83% of voters agree that farmers have a responsibility to reduce harmful pollutants from reaching U.S. rivers, lakes and oceans. Featured Video: The Roots of Conservation Roots of Conservation is a series of stories about the people working to address threats to water quality and soil health in the Mississippi River Basin.

Meet the People Leading Change on the Mississippi River Creating a Brighter Future for Farms & Rural Communities Read more about how sustainable agriculture can improve soil and water health, protecting communities and the environment.

Healthier Soil, Cleaner Water Can Help Secure the Future of Rural America Healthier Soil, Cleaner Water Can Help Secure the Future of Rural America I work in conservation to help Midwestern farming communities – including the one where I grew up.

Crop Diversity Improves the Health of Our Water – and Our Climate Crop Diversity Improves the Health of Our Water – and Our Climate In the Mississippi River Basin, we need to grow more than just corn and soybeans Research on Sustainable Agriculture Voters Prioritize Updating America's Agriculture System and Want More Sustainable Farming Voters Prioritize Updating America's Agriculture System and Want More Sustainable Farming Morning Consult conducted a survey, on behalf of the Walton Family Foundation, with additional analysis from Beck Research, that illustrated most Americans agree that protecting agriculture, food, soil health, and water quality now and in the future is essential Pathways New Crops Took to Gain Market Share Pathways New Crops Took to Gain Market Share In this report, Context Network presents three case studies of past introductions, or expansions, of new crops to the market.

New "Water Atlas" Reveals Nitrate, Phosphorous Pollution in Aligns with Fertilizer Use on Cropland New "Water Atlas" Reveals Nitrate, Phosphorous Pollution in Aligns with Fertilizer Use on Cropland Interactive maps highlight impacts on surface water and groundwater in Upper Mississippi River Basin Rebuilding Land and Communities on the Gulf Coast At the mouth of the Mississippi, Louisiana's coastal plan is a model for nature-based conservation solutions to secure a long-term future for people and communities.

Nature and People Protecting Wetlands on 'America's Coast' Nature and People Protecting Wetlands on 'America's Coast' Louisiana's Coastal Plan is a Proven Playbook for Other States Louisiana's Coastal Plan is a Proven Playbook for Other States The state has used funding from the Restore Act and other programs to improve coastal resilience through natural infrastructure Celebrating the Law That’s Reviving Louisiana’s Coast Celebrating the Law That’s Reviving Louisiana’s Coast Ten years ago, Congress passed the RESTORE Act.

Today, this landmark legislation is advancing natural infrastructure that protects Gulf communities Restoring the Louisiana Coast Restoring the Louisiana Coast The Gulf of Mexico relies on a healthy coast, but wetlands are disappearing. The land is vital to recreation, business and wildlife in Louisiana. Right now, we have the best opportunity in generations to secure the health of our coast and its economy for good.

We’re working to develop large-scale projects that restore wetlands, barrier islands, oyster reefs and other natural systems.

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 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 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 Where Opportunity Takes Root