Become a Waterkeeper

At the core of every Waterkeeper organization is a commitment to grassroots advocacy and an unfaltering belief that everyone has a right to clean water.  

Prospective Waterkeeper organizations must submit a comprehensive proposal that highlights why they are the right person for this challenging endeavor. In the proposal, the prospective organization must specify how, over time, they will meet Waterkeeper Alliance’s Quality Standards—a set of licensing requirements that help new programs become sustainable and effective in their community; provide consistency in the Waterkeeper movement; and demonstrate to the world that the licensed trademark users and the trademark holders are vigilant in ensuring that all Waterkeeper programs are fulfilling the expectations of a Waterkeeper and are complying with the requirements of the trademark.

Our Support staff will assist applicants through the preliminary proposal process. Approvals are based on compatibility with Waterkeeper purposes and goals, the likelihood of building a sustainable organization, and an overall evaluation that the proposed Waterkeeper organization is beneficial for the watershed.

Click to download a proposal template.  Or for more information on starting a Waterkeeper organization contact us at startawaterkeeper@waterkeeper.org.

Thanks again for your interest in joining Waterkeeper Alliance!