A people-first approach to protecting the Mississippi

For Olivia Dorothy, co-chair of the Clean River Advisory Council (C-RAC), environmental advocacy isn’t just about protecting nature—it’s about recognizing that people are part of it.

“When my career started, the goal of environmentalism was to keep people out of nature,” she reflected. “The real growth in our field has been in understanding that people are nature. The responsibility is ours to work with nature and each other in a healthy and sustainable way.” 

That mindset shift is exemplified by groups like C-RAC, an advocacy and granting council formed in partnership with the Walton Family Foundation’s (WFF) Mississippi River Initiative and supported by the Quad Cities Community Foundation and Iman Consulting.

Olivia Dorothy

Dorothy, a longtime consultant now with One Mississippi, has spent more than 15 years helping groups along the river connect across state lines, engage with institutions, and broaden the tent of environmental action. But joining C-RAC gave her something different: a front-row seat to a grassroots vision built by new and nontraditional voices.

“From the beginning, C-RAC wasn’t steered by solely scientists or the ‘usual suspects’ who have traditionally taken the lead in these kinds of projects,” she said. “It brought in local community voices and committed to centering that perspective.”

C-RAC is preparing for a busy summer season. In May, the group celebrated Clean River Day with hands-on service events. Now, the group is relaunching QC River Connections Grants to support projects that address environmental and community issues along the Mississippi River. In 2023, C-RAC granted more than $350,000 to 12 local organizations.

“The grants are about finding nature-based solutions,” Dorothy said. “That means using natural resources to solve social problems. Think about wetland rehabilitation that reduces flooding, or green spaces that bring down urban temperatures. These projects begin with ecology and they extend to issues like public safety, mental health, and quality of life.” 

Dorothy said that many such projects are already happening. “Communities of color have been doing work like this for a long time,” she said. “C-RAC has helped me personally to interact with that history. As an organization, we’re highlighting those existing initiatives and partnerships and helping them advance their work.”  

QC River Connections Grants will open on August 1, 2025. Ahead of the opening, committee members will host information and networking opportunities where local organizations can connect with C-RAC and gain information about the grant process to collaboratively shape project proposals. Learn more here.

“Our vision for the Mississippi includes everyone,” said Dorothy. “We’re working to make these grants as accessible as possible. If you have an idea for making your river and community healthier, it’s time to bring it forward.”

For more information on C-RAC’s upcoming grant cycle and to get involved, visit QCCommunityFoundation.org/qc-river-connections-grants.