2026 Community Shares of Wisconsin Collaboration Award

At the 2026 Community Change-Maker Awards, Midwest Environmental Advocates, River Alliance of Wisconsin, and Wisconsin Conservation Voices were presented with the Community Shares of Wisconsin Collaboration Award. Even at extremely low levels, exposure to PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) has been linked to an increased risk of cancer and other serious health problems. To take action on PFAS pollution, Midwest Environmental Advocates, River Alliance of Wisconsin, and Wisconsin Conservation Voices collaborated on multiple public education and legislative advocacy campaigns since 2021. At the center of all the efforts has been the people living in communities most impacted by PFAS, where the water is not only undrinkable but often poisonous. The three CSW member nonprofits worked side-by-side with local advocates to learn about their experiences, listen to their needs, and follow their lead on messaging and policy solutions. In 2026, the collective efforts of these CSW member nonprofits, dozens of other nonprofits, and thousands of dedicated individuals resulted in two unanimously passed bills in the Wisconsin legislature. These victories are the direct result of the sustained grassroots movement to address PFAS. The bills provide $133 million in state funding for testing and remediation efforts and grant programs to treat or replace contaminated private drinking water wells.