International Rivers Wins Prestigious MacArthur Award

Date: 
Thursday, February 28, 2013
International Rivers Staff, 2012
International Rivers Staff, 2012

International Rivers is one of only 13 nonprofit organizations around the world to win this year’s MacArthur Award for Creative and Effective Institutions. The award recognizes exceptional grantees who have demonstrated creativity and impact. The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation sees this sizable one-time grant as an investment in International Rivers' long-term effectiveness.  

"If we think of forests as the lungs of the planet, then rivers most surely are the arteries of the planet. They nourish ecosystems and communities. Yet these arteries are being clogged by destructive big dams. International Rivers has worked for over 25 years to support communities fighting these misguided projects and to propose better alternatives for meeting energy and water needs. We are thrilled to receive the prestigious MacArthur Award, which will help us build the global movement for rivers and rights, strengthen our regional offices, and ultimately advance a just and sustainable approach to development," said Jason Rainey, Executive Director of International Rivers.

"From New York to New Delhi, these extraordinary organizations are making a real difference in the lives of people and communities," said MacArthur President Robert Gallucci. "MacArthur recognizes their importance and impact, and we hope our investment will help ensure that they continue to thrive and to increase their reach in the future."

International Rivers will use the $750,000 MacArthur Award for Creative and Effective Institutions to build our reserves, strengthen our regional offices in Asia, Africa and South America, and expand global awareness and support for the movement for healthy rivers and human rights.

According to the MacArthur Foundation, the Award is not only recognition for past leadership and success, but also an investment in the future. For these Awards, the Foundation does not seek or accept nominations. To qualify, organizations must demonstrate exceptional creativity and effectiveness; have reached a critical or strategic point in their development; show strong leadership and stable financial management; have previously received MacArthur support; and engage in work central to one of MacArthur’s core programs.

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