River Action
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1984
- HeadquartersDavenport, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
River Action firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- River Action
- Legal name
- River Action, Inc.
- Website
- https://riveraction.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1984
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
River Action industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Environmental Conservation Services
- NAICS
- Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions (712190), Inland Water Passenger Transportation (483212), Scenic and Sightseeing Transportation, Water (4872)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Water Resources & Watershed Protection (BPAGAGAK)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- River & Wetland Ecotours (Canoe/Kayak, Mangrove/Swamp Tours) (THAAAEAE), Whitewater Rafting, Kayaking & River Adventures (THAJABAB)
Keywords
Where River Action is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Davenport
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
River Action business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Membership fees: Annual membership dues at multiple tiers (Individual $55, Household $85, Action $140, Student $30) providing recurring revenue and including benefits like eddy magazine subscription and free Riverine Walks.
- Rain barrel sales: Sale of 60-gallon recycled rain barrels with accessories (diverter, spigot, mosquito netting, overflow attachments) for $90-95. Revenue from the Retain the Rain program.
- Event fees: Revenue from educational programs including Riverine Walks ($10/session), Channel Cat Talks ($20/session), and various signature events like Floatzilla, Taming of the Slough, and Golf Cart Tours.
- Conference registration and sponsorships: Annual Upper Mississippi River Conference generates revenue through attendee registration fees and corporate sponsorships at multiple tiers from $250 (Support) to $5,000 (Presenting).
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Individual Membership - $55/year |
| Subscription | Annual | Student Membership - $30/year |
| Subscription | Annual | Household Membership - $85/year |
| Subscription | Annual | Action Membership - $140/year |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Rain Barrel with regular diverter (2X3 in.) - $90-95 |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Rain Barrel with large diverter (3X4 in.) - $90-95 |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Riverine Walks - $10/session |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Channel Cat Talks - $20/session |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels10 records
River Action product offering
Product offeringCore offering
River Action operates environmental conservation, education, and community engagement programs for the Mississippi River and Quad Cities region. The nonprofit sells 60-gallon recycled rain barrels, hosts narrated boat tours (Channel Cat Talks) and guided walks (Riverine Walks), publishes the quarterly eddy magazine, and runs signature events including the annual Upper Mississippi River Conference and Floatzilla paddling event. It sustains operations through memberships, sponsorships, donations, and grants, and coordinates regional initiatives such as Retain the Rain, QC Wild Places, and the QC Flood Resiliency Alliance.
Product overview
River Action is a nonprofit environmental organization (founded 1984) focused on the Mississippi River and Quad Cities region. Rather than a commercial software product, it offers a portfolio of environmental programs, events, and educational resources. Core programs include the Retain the Rain initiative (rain barrels, green infrastructure demonstrations), the Explore the River Series (Channel Cat Talks and Riverine Walks), and the annual Upper Mississippi River Conference. Supporting programs include QC Water Trails, QC Wild Places, Floatzilla, Taming of the Slough, and the QC Flood Resiliency Alliance. The organization also publishes eddy Magazine and operates retail sales of rain barrels through its online store.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- RiverWay: A project focused on trail improvements, public art, river education, wetland restoration, and clean water programs, having raised over $15 million.
- Retain the Rain
- QC Wild Places
- Explore the River Series
- Upper Mississippi River Conference (UMRC)
- Floatzilla
Products and services
- Rain Barrels (Retain the Rain Program) 60-gallon recycled food-grade rain barrels with diverter systems, mosquito netting, spigot, and overflow attachments, priced at $90-95 with two diverter size options. Sold through the Retain the Rain Program to reduce stormwater runoff, prevent basement flooding, and conserve water. Pickup only at the Davenport office.
- Explore the River Series (Channel Cat Talks and Riverine Walks) Paid summer educational programming combining boat-based narrated tours (Channel Cat Talks, $20/session departing Riverbend Commons in Moline, IL) and guided walking tours of the Quad City riverfront (Riverine Walks, $10/session, free for members). Walks run Wednesdays 6:30-8 p.m. and Saturdays 9-10:30 a.m.
- Floatzilla Annual community paddling event on the Mississippi River featuring kayaks and canoes, serving as a flagship fundraiser and awareness event for River Action.
- Taming of the Slough Annual adventure race combining kayaking, mountain biking, and trail running through the Quad Cities riverfront and slough areas.
- Upper Mississippi River Conference (UMRC) Annual two-day conference bringing together conservationists, government officials, researchers, and regional stakeholders to discuss river and climate issues. Features keynote sessions, breakout presentations, field tours, and the Next Gen Summit for young professionals. Funded through attendee registrations and corporate sponsorships from $250 (Support) to $5,000 (Presenting).
- eddy Magazine Subscription Quarterly magazine covering River Action programs and Mississippi River conservation activities, included as a benefit with all membership tiers and available as a standalone subscription purchase.
- Senior RiverWay Golf Cart Tour Annual fall guided golf cart tours providing senior citizens access to the Quad Cities riverfront, trail developments, and River Action's stewardship work.
- Citizen Science Program Free field trip program for 4th-6th grade students teaching natural resources, watersheds, water quality testing, and citizen science through visits to natural areas. Includes bus transportation, water quality testing kits, lesson packets, and guest speakers.
- Retain the Rain Program Stormwater management initiative featuring 14 demonstration projects (green roofs, raingardens, bioswales, porous pavement), the rain barrel distribution program, the 'Six Simple Things You Can Do to Save the Mississippi River' home project handbook, and an interactive education kiosk.
- Annual Membership Program Annual membership program with four tiers (Student $30, Individual $55, Household $85, Action $140) providing recurring revenue and benefits including eddy magazine subscription, free Riverine Walks, discounts on the Annual Fish & Fire Friendraiser Dinner and Upper Mississippi River Conference, and Action-tier 2 tickets to a River Action event.
Quantifiable outcome
- Distributed nearly 5,000 rain barrels since 2002
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use River Action
Customer profileSegments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
River Action technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
River Action partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
14 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.
- Bi-State Regional CommissioncoreAgency partner providing regional coordination for the Quad Cities bi-state area. Collaborates on riverfront planning and development initiatives.
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island DistrictcoreKey government partner for Mississippi River management, navigation, flood control, and ecosystem restoration projects. River Action collaborates with USACE on educational programs and restoration initiatives.
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Illinois-Iowa OfficecoreGovernment partner for wildlife conservation and habitat protection along the Mississippi River corridor.
- The Nature ConservancycoreNational conservation organization partnering on river protection, habitat restoration, and land conservation in the Quad Cities region.
- Rock Island County Forest Preserve DistrictmajorPartner for managing and enhancing forest preserves and natural areas in Rock Island County, Illinois.
- MetroLINKmajorRegional transit authority that now operates the Channel Cat Water Taxi service, initially funded and operated by River Action to link riverfront trails.
- Partners of Scott County WatershedsmajorNonprofit partner focused on watershed protection and water quality in Scott County, Iowa.
- R.I. County Soil and Water Conservation DistrictmajorGovernment partner for soil conservation and water quality management in Rock Island County.
- WVIK (Public Radio)majorLocal public radio station partnering on RiverWay Stories broadcast series and community outreach. WVIK broadcasts 2:45-minute stories about environmental concerns, conservation, history, and recreation.
- Quad Cities Bicycle ClubminorCommunity cycling organization collaborating on bike events and riverfront trail advocacy.
- National Wildlife FederationcoreNational partner collaborating on climate change assessment reports for the Quad Cities, including 'Navigating Climate Challenges in the Quad Cities' report.
- Discovery Partners Institute (University of Illinois System)coreUniversity research partner co-authoring climate resilience reports and providing scientific expertise for Quad Cities environmental initiatives.
- Prairie Rivers NetworkcoreRegional conservation partner focused on river health and water quality, collaborating on climate challenges assessment and river advocacy.
- Nahant MarshcorePartner organization operating the 513-acre urban wetland complex; River Action helped develop Nahant Marsh Master Plan. Home to diverse reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and plants.
Scale indicators9 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights4 records
River Action competitors and assessment
Company assessmentEmerging players
- Rock Island County Forest Preserve District: A government entity managing forest preserves and natural areas in Rock Island County, Illinois. Listed as a core partner of River Action; comparable in scope (trails, conservation, environmental education) but funded by tax revenue rather than donations/memberships.
- Upper Mississippi River Conservation Committee: A regional committee coordinating fish and wildlife management on the Upper Mississippi River. Overlaps with River Action's Upper Mississippi River Conference and conservation advocacy mission; operates at a multi-state interagency level rather than community-led.
Broad incumbents
- American Rivers: A national nonprofit focused on protecting and restoring America's rivers. Operates at national scale with policy advocacy, on-the-ground restoration, and membership programs directly analogous to River Action's work but at significantly broader scope and capacity.
- National Wildlife Federation: The largest private nonprofit conservation organization in the U.S., with state affiliates and a strong focus on climate resilience, habitat, and water resources. A current River Action partner; provides a comparable member-supported, education-and-advocacy conservation model.
- The Nature Conservancy (Iowa): A global conservation organization with active Iowa operations focused on land and water protection, habitat restoration, and partnership-based conservation. Listed as a River Action partner and operates comparable science-based, partnership-heavy conservation programs.
Direct peers
- Prairie Rivers Network: An Illinois-based nonprofit focused on river health, clean water, and watershed protection. Listed as a core strategic partner of River Action and operates as a regional conservation peer with overlapping river-protection, water-quality, and policy-advocacy missions.
- Nahant Marsh Education Center: A 513-acre urban wetland complex in Davenport, Iowa operated as an environmental education and conservation nonprofit. River Action helped develop its Master Plan; directly comparable as a Quad Cities-based conservation nonprofit offering citizen science, education, and habitat programming.
- Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation: An Iowa-based nonprofit focused on land conservation, watershed protection, and public access to natural areas. Comparable as a regional conservation nonprofit with similar member/donor-supported model, public access programs, and conservation focus in Iowa river corridors.
- Partners of Scott County Watersheds: A local nonprofit focused on watershed protection and water quality in Scott County, Iowa. Operates in the same Quad Cities geography with overlapping stormwater and watershed programs; current River Action partner and a peer in mission and scope.
- Mississippi River Network: A nonprofit coalition of more than 60 organizations dedicated to protecting and restoring the Mississippi River system. Directly comparable as a Mississippi River-focused advocacy and education organization operating across multiple states, though operating at a larger geographic scale.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
River Action social profiles
Digital presenceRiver Action financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
River Action leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
River Action funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors1 record
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
River Action M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about River Action
What does River Action do?
River Action operates environmental conservation, education, and community engagement programs for the Mississippi River and Quad Cities region. The nonprofit sells 60-gallon recycled rain barrels, hosts narrated boat tours (Channel Cat Talks) and guided walks (Riverine Walks), publishes the quarterly eddy magazine, and runs signature events including the annual Upper Mississippi River Conference and Floatzilla paddling event. It sustains operations through memberships, sponsorships, donations, and grants, and coordinates regional initiatives such as Retain the Rain, QC Wild Places, and the QC Flood Resiliency Alliance.
Is River Action a public or private company?
River Action is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was River Action founded?
River Action was founded in 1984. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is River Action based?
River Action is headquartered in Davenport, United States, in the North America region.
How does River Action make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Membership fees are the primary driver. The others are rain barrel sales, event fees and conference registration and sponsorships.
Who are River Action's main competitors?
Emerging players on record are Rock Island County Forest Preserve District and Upper Mississippi River Conservation Committee. Broad incumbents are American Rivers, National Wildlife Federation and The Nature Conservancy (Iowa). Direct peers are Prairie Rivers Network, Nahant Marsh Education Center, Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, Partners of Scott County Watersheds and Mississippi River Network.
Does River Action have an API?
No public API is recorded for River Action.
What industry is River Action in?
River Action's product category is Environmental Conservation Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGAGAK, Water Resources & Watershed Protection, with a secondary code of THAAAEAE, River & Wetland Ecotours (Canoe/Kayak, Mangrove/Swamp Tours). Its NAICS code is 712190.