In case you missed the official announcement earlier this week, the Groundwater Foundation is merging with the National Ground Water Association's Foundation for Groundwater. We're so excited about this partnership to move our mission to the next level. By uniting our organizations, we will be able to strengthen and grow our programs through joint networks, provide new tools and resources for our constituents, and haven an even bigger collective impact on behalf of groundwater.
As with any big change, we understand there may be questions from our constituents and other partners.
Why is this merger happening?
The merger of the two like-minded organizations will establish the foremost Foundation dedicated to protecting groundwater and enhancing professional practices in the industry. The organization will be focused on advancing groundwater knowledge through education, community outreach, and professional development to effectively raise the national profile of the groundwater industry.
Who is the National Ground Water Association?
Established in 1948, NGWA is a community of groundwater professionals advocating for the responsible development, management, and use of water. The Association’s members include leading public and private sector groundwater scientists, engineers, water well system professionals, contractors, manufacturers, and suppliers of groundwater-related products and services. The group, headquartered in Westerville, Ohio, is the “go-to” source on significant and timely issues impacting groundwater and champions for the public’s access to safe, sustainable water. The NGWA Foundation was established in 1994 and is an IRS-approved public charity focused on conducting educational initiatives, research, and other charitable activities to broaden public understanding of groundwater.
What happens to the Groundwater Foundation name?
Under the merger agreement, the combined entity will carry the Groundwater Foundation name and will leverage administrative and operational support from NGWA.
What about the Groundwater Foundation staff and offices in Lincoln, Nebraska?
The Groundwater Foundation will remain in Lincoln, Nebraska, and staff will be retained. The group will be supported by NGWA. As Foundation executive director, Mrs. Griffin will report to NGWA CEO Morse. NGWA staff and operations will remain unchanged.
Why is this merger important?The organizations believe this merger is important as it creates a hub of information and charitable outreach for groundwater professionals and the public alike. Folks in the industry will have a strengthened resource for education, networking, and professional development. The public will have access to the latest science, research, field work, scholarships, breaking news, and comment from proven leaders in the groundwater industry.
What are people saying?
Terry Morse, CEO of NGWA
“Since 1994, the NGWA Foundation has established numerous programs to assist those working with, and those that need groundwater. This merger aligns our Foundation with an organization that shares our passion, extends our combined vision, and bolsters our grassroots efforts to educate, inspire action, and to create a community of Groundwater Guardians to protect this critical resource.”
“One of our key messages to our diverse membership is that we truly are ‘better together’ in our collective efforts to advance the groundwater industry. We’re excited to merge with a fantastic organization that allows us to expand this message to its members, to individuals, and to local communities alike.”
Jane Griffin, Executive Director of the Groundwater Foundation
“NGWA and the Groundwater Foundation have been partners for several years and we have complementary strengths, experiences, and industry knowledge. While the Groundwater Foundation has a national presence, our mission is to boost groundwater awareness at the local level, and merging with NGWA’s Foundation allows us to extend this mission, address issues, and educate at every level.”
Susan Seacrest, Groundwater Foundation President Emeritus
“This is an important forward-thinking milestone of collaboration with a long-standing Groundwater Foundation partner. The perspective, knowledge, and programs of NGWA will have a tremendously positive impact on the Groundwater Foundation's educational and community outreach. I have been impressed by NGWA's people and professional expertise since my first contact with them almost 35 years ago. There is no doubt in my mind that it will strengthen and heighten the scope and impact of both organizations.”More information about the merger will be available on ngwa.org and groundwater.org.
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