As a member of the River Partnership of Community Foundations, SICF has helped to fulfill the Partnership's mission to bolster the capacity and impact of community foundations to improve environmental, economic and cultural vitality of communities along the Mississippi River and its tributaries. As one of 19 collaborating community foundations in the ten state river region, SICF, through its board liaison, Larry Busch and executive director, Pat Bauer, work to promote the river as an asset.
"Because of the leadership of the Funders' Network for Smart Growth and Livable Communities (the architects of the River Partnership program) we are able to convene interest groups to dialog and develop river-oriented improvement programs in the counties we serve," said Busch. One highlight of the program has been that SICF has assisted in funding the Middle Mississippi River Partnership (MMRP.) The MMRP is a cohort of governmental, environmental and nonprofit groups which collaborate to improve the use and vitality of the river resource. Through Busch and Bauer and past president Maggie Flanagan, the foundation now enjoys the work of connecting donors with river related programs.
Busch and the entire board of directors recently authorized the creation of a "River Trail" map that will survey and locate river sights and amenties along both the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers that border the SICF service area. The map will be a cooperative effort of the foundation, federal, state and local governments and nonprofit agencies that work toward improving the river environment
River Partnership Long-Term Outcomes:
The built environment and the River exist in harmony
Environmental restoration on and around the River
Local communities receive economical benefits from an increase in tourism related to the River
Increase in jobs and benefits for the middle class
Local investments in green infrastructure are increased significantly
Local policy officials approve and fund planning and zoning that enhances, protects, and restores the River
Cultural heritage is preserved
The River is valued and utilized by all community groups that historically have been disenfranchised from the River and its many benefits.
The River Partnership Program is funded by the McKnight Foundation, New York Community Trust and the Funders' Network.
