Our history dates back to 1977, when California was in the second year of a major drought and water was at the forefront of the news. The Foundation's articles of incorporation were filed on Feb. 27 of that year, creating a nonprofit, nonpolitical, tax-exempt educational organization. Today, the Sacramento-based Foundation remains a vital source of nonpartisan, in-depth information about water resource issues in California and the Southwest. To accomplish this mission, the Foundation provides a vast repertoire of educational materials, and services such as our water tours, lectures, our flagship online publication Western Water news, and Project WET (Water Education for Teachers).
The mission of the Water Education Foundation, an impartial nonprofit, is to inspire understanding of water and catalyze critical conversations to build bridges and inform collaborative decision-making.
Project WET program: The Foundation is the only coordinator in California of an international, interdisciplinary water science education program for formal and non-formal educators of kindergarten through 12th grade students.
Water Tours: The Foundation typically offers six tours a year in various regions of California that provide participants a firsthand look at the water facilities, rivers and regions critical in the debate about the future of water resources.
Publications: High quality, comprehensive publications are the hallmark of the Foundation's writing staff; most notably our flagship online news publication, Western Water. The Foundation also publishes an online water encyclopedia, Aquapedia, and online news aggregator, Aquafornia. All of our publications present the many sides and views of the water picture, with the goal of fostering an understanding of various positions and discussion toward resolution of these often controversial issues.
Water Leaders Class: A one-year professional development program designed for working professionals in early to mid-career to educate them about water issues and enhance leadership skills.
The Water Education Foundation is a small nonprofit that runs its various programs and publications on contributions and state and federal grants. We are asking for ongoing support of the various programs and publications that we produce.
The Foundation’s commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion is reflected in our efforts to broaden who is included in our programs, publications and board. Management of water resources historically was dominated by men. We make a point of reaching out to women and people from traditionally overlooked and marginalized groups such as Native American tribes to join our event panels, speak at our water tours or offer insights and comments for inclusion in our publications, all to ensure an array of diverse views are represented. In addition, we put our news coverage on water in California and the West and other resources online so all can access it. Our year-long Water Leaders program for rising professionals typically includes a diverse mix of women and men, and people from all backgrounds. Our Board of Directors includes a diverse mix of people, nearly half of whom are women, representing an array of water interests. Water is a universally critical resource, and we envision a society that can resolve water challenges to benefit all. Our vision requires a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in every aspect of our work.
Organization name
Water Education Foundation
Tax id (EIN)
94-2419885
Mission Category
Environment
Operating Budget
$1,000,001-$5 million
Organization Need
Funding: Unrestricted
Local Counties Served
El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento, Yolo
Equity Statement
Equity Statement
Address
2151 River Plaza Drive Suite 205 Suite 200CA, US