CID Blue Wall - Wings2Water

Wings2Water Opens 2026 Grant Applications to Support Water Quality Projects

Wings2Water, an environmental nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring water quality in the Mississippi River watershed, is now accepting grant applications for 2026. Since its founding, Wings2Water has funded more than $200,000 in water-quality and conservation initiatives, from wetland creation and prairie restoration to local creek cleanups.

“Supporting projects that improve water quality is central to our mission,” said Marty Lenss, Wings2Water founder and board president. “Thanks to the generosity of our community partners and travelers, we’re pleased to fund impactful projects and educational programs.” 

“Water quality is an issue that’s top-of-mind for many Iowans,” said Hailee Sandberg, Wings2Water board member. “These grants help us lead the conversation and contribute to the betterment of our environment.” 

Wings2Water raises funds through “impact investors,” including travelers at the Eastern Iowa Airport who round up their purchases at airport vendors. Local and international businesses also support the nonprofit, with key partners including GreenState Credit Union, TrueNorth Companies, New Leader Manufacturing, and SSP America.

The grant process is open to:

  • Educational organizations or school groups
  • Nonprofit organizations
  • Farmers or individuals committed to water quality practices
  • Government agencies focused on conservation and the environment
  1. How to Apply: Information on the grant process and the application link can be found here.
  2. Key Dates:  Grant applications due by March 6, 2026.

Awarded grants announced in April 2026.

Jim O'Connell

Jim O’Connell named latest “Water Warrior” for farm practices protecting water quality

With the issue of water quality gaining increasing traction in Iowa and the Iowa Legislature, Wings2Water is proud to recognize Cedar Rapids Farmer Jim O’Connell as its newest “Water Warrior” for his continued work to improve water quality through innovative conservation farming practices.

“Oftentimes, farmers get a bad rap for implementing practices that hurt water quality,” said Marty Lenss, Wings2Water Board President. “But Jim O’Connell is a leader in showing that you can farm the land and still be a good steward of our water resources.”

Building on practices his father began in the late 1970’s, Jim is mindful of the impact his farm has on the water downstream. Some of the farming practices he has implemented include:

  • Cover crops to improve soil health and filtration
  • Maintaining a wetland that naturally filters and slows runoff from nearby fields
  • Bioreactors and riparian buffers to filter drainage and remove pollutants
  • No-till farming to minimize soil erosion and nutrient loss

O’Connell’s farming practices play a significant role in maintaining the City of Cedar Rapids’ drinking water quality, as his farm is located just upstream of the source of Cedar Rapids’ drinking water.

As part of the Water Warrior recognition, O’Connell is now featured on custom signage throughout the Eastern Iowa Airport, which recently reported a record-shattering passenger count in 2025. Thousands of winter and spring break travelers will see the signage and be reminded about the need for all of us to do what we can for water quality. O’Connell is also being spotlighted across Wings2Water’s digital platforms, including social media and newsletters.

“We’re honored to recognize Jim O’Connell for all their efforts to clean our rivers and educate volunteers,” said Tara Wachendorf, GreenState Credit Union VP/Public Relations Director. “GreenState has a goal to invest $5 million in conservation causes over the next decade. We hope that by recognizing those making a difference in water quality, others will follow suit and duplicate their transformational efforts.”  

Jim O’Connell discusses farming practices and what he’s doing to help the City of Cedar Rapids achieve cleaner drinking water.

Interested in nominating a Water Warrior? Nominations taken here: https://www.wings2water.org/water-warrior/