Securing Conservation Funding
The end goal is conservation on the ground, but it takes money to get there. To date, we’ve secured over $182 million and counting (cash and in-kind) for on-farm conservation and related costs. For every dollar our founders donate, we generate another $250 in value.
182
million dollars secured
89
counties impacted
450
thousand acres of cover crops
235
wetlands, bioreactors, and saturated buffers
3.9
million pounds of nitrate loss prevented
Founder donations
87X return on base private donations
Iowa Corn, Iowa Soybean Association, and Iowa Pork Producers Association formed IAWA in 2014 with an agreement to fund a dedicated nonprofit to improve water quality. Since then, our founders have contributed more than $8 million dollars to IAWA. We leverage that funding to bring more money to Iowa for conservation. Below are examples of that leverage.
Regional Conservation Partnership Programs
Public-private partnerships through USDA
IAWA is a leader in creating impact-driving partnerships worth millions of dollars! The biggest example of this leadership is involvement in projects created through USDA-NRCS’s Regional Conservation Partnership Program, or RCPP.
These projects are made to get conservation on the ground by connecting public entities with private entities for the most impact. We co-lead the Midwest Ag Water Quality Partnership. It’s the largest RCPP in the nation thanks to the 50+ partners contributing!
Wetlands Reserve Easements
Expansion of wetlands across Iowa
IAWA has a nearly $7 million agreement with NRCS to restore wetlands through the ACEP-WRE program. We work in partnership with Resource Environmental Solutions, LLC to streamline this effort and ensure quality and efficiency. Wetlands are a critical conservation tactic that serves as a natural buffer, protecting Iowa’s water from pollutants while supporting biodiversity and providing essential ecosystem benefits. On average, they remove 52 percent of excess nitrogen and 85 percent of phosphorus from water.
Wetlands Deliver Maximum Impact
For Both Rural and Urban Communities
Private Grants
Private dollars for public good
IAWA is grateful for many incredible private partners who donate to our mission, including our Founders, Business Council, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Walton Family Foundation, and Prairie Meadows Casino.
Prairie Meadows Casino has donated nearly $1 million to Central Iowa wetlands as of fall 2025.
Walton Family Foundation has donated $175,000 for Iowa conservation as of fall 2025.
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation has helped pay for cover crop outreach and conservation agronomy positions.