Westerville, OH – The National Ground Water Association’s Foundation for Groundwater and the Groundwater Foundation will enter into a merger, establishing a single foundation dedicated to protecting ground water and enhancing professional practices in the industry.
Under the agreement, the combined entity will carry the Groundwater Foundation name, the NGWA and the Groundwater Foundation said in a joint news release. It will receive administrative and operational support from National Ground Water Association,
Established in 1994, the NGWA Foundation is an IRS-approved public charity focused on conducting educational initiatives, research and other charitable activities to broaden public understanding of ground water. The NGWA Foundation is operated by the National Ground Water Association.
The Groundwater Foundation also is a not-for-profit group that connects people, businesses, and communities through grassroots education and action. Established in 1985, the organization provides motivational and inspirational education and community-based action programs that involve individuals, communities, public and private entities in ground water conservation and protection.
Established in 1948, NGWA is a community of ground water professionals advocating for the responsible development, management, and use of water. The association’s members include leading public and private sector ground water scientists, engineers, water well system professionals, contractors, manufacturers, and suppliers of ground water-related products and services. The group focuses on significant and timely issues impacting ground water and champions public access to safe, sustainable water.
The organizations believe this merger is important as it creates a hub of information and charitable outreach for ground water professionals and the public, the release said. Members of 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 leaders in the industry.
“Since 1994, the NGWA Foundation has established numerous programs to assist those working with, and those that need ground water. 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,” said Terry Morse, chief executive officer of the NGWA.
“NGWA and the Groundwater Foundation have been partners for several years and we have complementary strengths, experiences, and industry knowledge,” said Jane Griffin, executive director of the Groundwater Foundation.
“While the Groundwater Foundation has a national presence, our mission is to boost ground water awareness at the local level, and merging with NGWA’s Foundation allows us to extend this mission, address issues, and educate at every level,” Griffin said.
The Groundwater Foundation will remain in Lincoln, Neb., and staff will be retained. The group will be supported by NGWA. Griffin will report to NGWA chief executive officer Morse. NGWA staff and operations will remain unchanged.
“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,” Morse said.
For more information on the merger, visit ngwa.org.
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