The S. D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation works to improve statewide water policy. But the effects of water policy – and of drought – are felt differently across California’s distinct regions, resulting in the need for diverse approaches to pursuing solutions. Community foundations have the credibility and capability to tackle issues that matter most in their home geographies, and can serve as go-to organizations to help communities, regions, and the state achieve water-related goals.
That’s the idea behind the Community Foundation Water Initiative, launched in 2015 by the S. D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation. Under this Initiative, five community foundation partners are working individually and collectively to advance sustainable water management solutions. In 2017, they engaged Smart Growth California to facilitate efforts to identify and implement high-value collective activity toward achieving water goals.
Community foundations are capable partners who can support the state’s transition to a sustainable water system, connect to local communities, and strengthen networks that support system-wide solutions. A new blog post, published by Smart Growth California, outlines ways that these organizations are contributing as participants in the Community Foundation Water Initiative. The post is co-authored by Foundation Environment Program staff: Marselle Alexander-Ozinskas, Program Officer, and Joya Banerjee, Senior Program Officer.