WESTERVILLE, OHIO, MAY 29, 2018) -- The National Ground Water Association's (NGWA) Foundation for Groundwater and the Groundwater Foundation today announced the organizations will enter into a merger, establishing the foremost Foundation dedicated to protecting groundwater and enhancing professional practices in the industry. Under the agreement, the combined entity will carry the Groundwater Foundation name and will leverage administrative and operational support from NGWA.
Background
Established in 1994, the NGWA Foundation is an IRS-approved public charity that is focused on conducing educational initiatives, research, and other charitable activities to broaden public understanding of groundwater. The NGWA Foundation is operated by the National Ground Water Association.
Similar to the NGWA Foundation, The Groundwater Foundation is a not-for-profit group that connects people, businesses, and communities through grassroots education and action. Established in 1985, the Foundation provides motivational and inspirational education and community-based action programs that involve individuals, communities, public and private entities in groundwater conservation and protection.
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.
Merger Creates Groundwater "Community"
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.
"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," said Terry Morse, CEO of NGWA.
Jane Griffin, executive director of the Groundwater Foundation, says the merger will provide a robust platform to effectively deliver various community programs and initiatives.
"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," said Ms. Griffin.
Details
The Groundwater Foundation will remain in Lincoln, Neb., 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.
"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," said Mr. Morse.
For more information on the merger, please visit www.ngwa.org.
