Biodiversity Project awarded $430K grantAugust 6, 2008
 In June 2008, the Biodiversity Project received a $430,000 grant from the Minneapolis-based McKnight Foundation  to fund a two-year communications campaign in the 10 states bordering the Mississippi River. The campaign forms a unique alliance between the McKnight Foundation, the Biodiversity Project, and the Mississippi River Network - a coalition of 35 environmental organizations located throughout the Mississippi River region.
The grant supports the Biodiversity Project's ongoing research and coordination in the Mississippi River region. The Biodiversity Project's 2007 public opinion research revealed that an increase in residents' personal connection with the River and its ecosystems could have a very significant impact on improving the River's conditions.
The campaign is working with policy-makers, educators and scientists to inspire the agricultural community and engaged citizens to take action to restore the River's health and vitality, insure that it continues to be an economic engine for the region and protect it from pollution and misuse.
The newly funded project includes developing, implementing and evaluating a comprehensive public communications campaign in the Mississippi River region to advocate for the River's protection. The grant recognizes the Biodiversity Project's expertise in working on national and regional environmental communications strategies.
For more information on the Mississippi River campaign and the coalition, please contact Executive Director Jennifer Browning at (773)496-4020 or jbrowning at biodiverse.org, or Project Coordinator Jessica Belle Smith at (773)496-4020 or jsmith at biodiverse.org.
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