Menu

Future of Fresh Water Initiative

Nowhere else in the world is there an organization like Stroud Water Research Center, which has spent more than 50 years focused on understanding, preserving, and protecting fresh water. In that time, our research has made significant contributions to policies that protect our nation’s streams and wetlands, storm water management systems, and drinking water sources. Our team of scientists continues to work hard on the critical questions of our time, including the relationship between land use, water quality, and climate change.

To strengthen ongoing research and to expand community empowerment programs to protect clean fresh water regionally and around the world, the Stroud Center has announced its Future of Fresh Water Initiative, with an overall goal of $20 million.

Five Major Aspects of the Future of Fresh Water Initiative


Bern Sweeney, Ph.D.

Executive Director’s Fund

Goal $5M

Provide funds for critical centerwide initiatives. This fund honors the legacy of Bern Sweeney’s more than 40-year career and dedication to research, education, and restoration for decades to come.


Three scientists with nets sample fish in a stream.

Scientific Research Fund

Goal $8M

Empower renowned scientists to further their work and recommend ways to deliver clean fresh water around the world for generations to come.


A group of smiling children observe a caterpillar.

Environmental Education Fund

Goal $2M

Enable educators to utilize technology to enhance and expand science beyond the classroom. Create, refine, and explore new programs and associated curricula.


A man and woman stand in front of a newly planted riparian buffer on a farm.

Watershed Restoration Fund

Goal $4M

Implement collaborations and partnerships necessary to achieve the highest level of freshwater conservation and watershed restoration.


Brick pathway with fish sculptures leading to the main entrance at Stroud Water Research Center.

Unrestricted Fund

Goal $1M

Affords institutional leadership the flexibility to apply funds where they are needed most, such as capital projects, conferences and meetings, and technology enhancements.


Please contact Director of Development Jessica Provinski to inquire about multiyear pledges, stock transfers, challenge matches, naming opportunities, and more. The Stroud Center operates with the help of research grants from public agencies and private foundations, through contracts with corporations and government bodies for specific projects, and through the generosity of donors.


About Stroud Water Research Center
Stroud Water Research Center advances knowledge and stewardship of freshwater systems through global research, education, and watershed restoration and to help businesses, landowners, policymakers, and individuals make informed decisions that affect water quality and availability around the world. Stroud Water Research Center is an independent, 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.

A copy of the Stroud Center’s official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll free within Pennsylvania 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement. EIN: 52-2081073. The Stroud Center has earned GuideStar’s Platinum Transparency Seal and GreatNonprofit’s Top-Rated Nonprofit Award.

Future of Fresh Water Initiative News

Local Artist Donates Proceeds From Show to Benefit Future of Fresh Water
Local Artist Donates Proceeds From Show to Benefit Future of Fresh Water
Matthew Shackelford's donation to the Future of Fresh Water Initiative will help foster and train future generations of freshwater stewards.
Young Men and Women in Charge explore STEM
$50,000 Challenge Match Grant Generously Sponsored by the Colket Family Foundation
This challenge grant will enable us to sustain and expand our community-wide education and training programs, curricula, and instructional technologies.
Why I Give to the Future of Fresh Water Initiative: William LaFond
Why I Give to the Future of Fresh Water Initiative: William LaFond
With the world’s need for clean fresh water more pressing than ever, we must increase our capacity to pursue our mission.
Ensuring Programmatic and Research Stability During Uncertain Times
Ensuring Programmatic and Research Stability During Uncertain Times
We have come a long way since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic but our financial losses of program fees and donations are substantial setbacks.
Why I Give to the Future of Fresh Water Initiative: Nathan Hayward III
Why I Give to the Future of Fresh Water Initiative: Nathan Hayward III
“Life, as we know it, depends on water. The Stroud Center was founded to learn all we can about ways to preserve fresh water for health and sustenance as well
Why I Give to the Future of Fresh Water Initiative: Penny Wilson
Why I Give to the Future of Fresh Water Initiative: Penny Wilson
“Thanks to the Future of Fresh Water Initiative, the public is being educated, awareness is being heightened, and streams are being restored."