When local solutions aren't enough: A strategic funding partnership to restore a large river system

Abstract

In Oregon, a network of funders, grantees and partner organizations are part of an experimental 10-year collaboration aimed at improving the health of the Willamette River system. The Portland-based Meyer Memorial Trust leads this partnership investment strategy with support from the Bonneville Environmental Foundation and the state-administered Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board. This article describes the unconventional funding strategies catalyzing collective impact across multiple restoration groups working in a diverse set of watersheds and shares the challenges and opportunities encountered while implementing these strategies.