KAWS

What KAWS does

KAWS (Kansas Alliance for Wetlands and Streams) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit conservation organization founded in 1996 and headquartered in Newton, Kansas. The organization's mission is to protect and restore wetlands, streams, prairies, rivers, and wildlife across Kansas. KAWS delivers this mission through six Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategy (WRAPS) programs covering the John Redmond Reservoir, Upper Wakarusa, Toronto/Fall River, Milford Lake, Middle Kansas River, and Lower Kansas River watersheds, plus a portfolio of supporting programs including the Kansas Conservation Easement Program, cover crops, alternative watering systems, riparian buffers, livestock area improvements, small-scale streambank stabilization, the Sensitive Riparian Program, Playa Lakes conservation, and the Baker University Wetlands Partnership (a 927-acre site managed jointly with Ducks Unlimited and Baker University since October 2024).

KAWS does not operate a technology platform; its core deliverables are field-based conservation practices and program administration. Revenue is generated through a mix of government grants (EPA Section 319 funds via KDHE, USDA NIFA, North Central Extension Risk Management Education, National Recreational Trails), cost-share assistance programs (typically 70% of best management practice costs), individual donations (including the Dillons Community Rewards program), event sponsorships (Wetlands & Streams Symposium and Tour), and foundation grants (Sunderland Foundation, BNSF Foundation, Cargill Cares, R. Michael Rhoades Foundation, Global Water Challenge). The organization employs 9-11 staff distributed geographically across Kansas in field-coordinator roles.

KAWS functions primarily as a community-led, partnership-driven intermediary. Its customers and stakeholders include private landowners and producers receiving cost-share assistance, state and federal agencies (NRCS, KDHE, KDWP, EPA, US Fish and Wildlife Service), conservation NGOs (Ducks Unlimited, National Wild Turkey Federation, Quail Forever, PLJV), municipal partners (Newton, Wichita, Lawrence), and academic institutions (Baker University). The organization also operates as fiscal sponsor for emerging conservation nonprofits such as Great Plains Regeneration. Its go-to-market is built on boots-on-the-ground watershed coordinators, quarterly public meetings, workshops, field tours, an annual symposium, conference presentations, and a digital presence across website, email newsletter, and social channels.

Name

KAWS

Legal name

Kansas Alliance for Wetlands and Streams

Website

https://kaws.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1996

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

KAWS (Kansas Alliance for Wetlands and Streams) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1996 that delivers watershed restoration, wetland conservation, and cost-share programs across six Kansas watersheds, serving private landowners, government agencies, and conservation partners through field-based program delivery.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Watershed and Wetland Conservation Services

NAICS

Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations (813312), Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions (71219)

SIC

Agricultural Services (700)

akta.pro primary industry

Marine & Freshwater Conservation (BPAGAGAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Biodiversity & Habitat Conservation (BPAGAGAA), Land Trusts & Protected Areas (BPAGAGAC), Wetland, Riparian & Buffer Services (within forest landscapes) (AFAMAMAI)

Keywords

• Watershed restoration programs
• Wetland conservation services
• Cost-share assistance
• Conservation easement programs
• Habitat protection initiatives

Headquarters

HQ city

Holton

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Charitable Contributions: KAWS accepts one-time and monthly contributions from donors. The organization is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with tax identification number 04-3783861. They participate in the Dillons Community Rewards program.
2. Cost-Share Programs: KAWS provides cost-share assistance to landowners and producers for implementing best management practices (BMPs) to improve water quality. Typically provides 70% cost-share on most projects based on average cost of practices in the county.
3. Grants and Funding: KAWS receives grants from various sources including EPA 319 funds, North Central Extension Risk Management Education, USDA NIFA, National Recreational Trails grants, and various conservation partners like Ducks Unlimited, National Wild Turkey Federation, and others.
4. Event Sponsorships: KAWS sells sponsorships for events such as the Wetlands & Streams Symposium and Tour, with tiered sponsorship opportunities.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

KAWS (Kansas Alliance for Wetlands and Streams) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that delivers watershed restoration, wetland conservation, and environmental education programs across Kansas. Its core offerings include six WRAPS (Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategy) programs providing cost-share assistance to producers for best management practices, plus conservation easements, the Arkansas River National Water Trail, Playa Lakes conservation, the Baker University Wetlands partnership, and community education spaces such as the R. Michael Rhoades Wetlands Park.

Product overview

KAWS (Kansas Alliance for Wetlands and Streams) is a non-profit conservation organization offering a portfolio of watershed restoration, wetland conservation, and environmental education programs rather than a traditional product platform. The core offerings include six WRAPS (Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategy) programs spanning watersheds across Kansas, the Kansas Conservation Easement Program for voluntary land protection, the Arkansas River National Water Trail management initiative, Playa Lakes conservation for aquifer recharge, and the Baker University Wetlands Partnership. Supporting programs cover cover crops, alternative watering systems, riparian buffers, livestock area improvements, streambank stabilization, and the Sensitive Riparian Program. KAWS also operates the R. Michael Rhoades Wetlands Park as a community education space. The organization does not offer a technology product platform but rather delivers conservation services through partnerships with landowners, government agencies, and conservation organizations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategy (WRAPS) Programs Sponsorship and coordination of six WRAPS watersheds across Kansas, providing cost-share assistance (typically 70%) to producers for best management practices to improve water quality.
• Kansas Conservation Easement Program Voluntary conservation easements that limit development on properties to achieve conservation purposes, including protecting water quality, wildlife habitat, and agricultural land.
• Arkansas River National Water Trail Management and promotion of the 192-mile National Water Trail, including access signage, paddling guides, and community engagement along the Arkansas River.
• Playa Lakes Conservation Conservation and restoration of more than 22,000 playas (shallow wetlands) across Kansas that recharge the Ogallala Aquifer and provide wildlife habitat.
• Baker University Wetlands Partnership Joint management with Ducks Unlimited and Baker University of nearly 1,000 acres of highly biodiverse upland and riparian habitat including over 600 acres of wetlands.
• R. Michael Rhoades Wetlands Park Community wetland park in Newton, KS transforming land adjacent to wastewater treatment wetlands into an educational, rainwater-fed community wetland space along the Central Flyway.
• Cover Crops Program Cost-share and technical assistance for cover crop implementation across all watersheds to improve soil health and reduce nutrient runoff.
• Alternative Watering Systems Programs to move cattle out of creeks and ponds through alternative livestock watering systems to improve water quality downstream.
• Buffers and Riparian Buffers Conservation buffers using permanent vegetation to slow water runoff, trap sediment, enhance infiltration, and filter fertilizers, pesticides, and pathogens.
• Livestock Area Improvements Best management practices including alternative water systems, feed site relocation, grazing cover crops, and livestock relocation from riparian areas.
• Small Scale Streambank Stabilization Demonstration projects using cedar revetments and other techniques to stabilize streambanks and prevent erosion.
• Sensitive Riparian Program Financial assistance program for establishing riparian vegetation buffers in sensitive areas along tributaries in the Middle Kansas River watershed.

Quantifiable outcome

• Provides 70% cost-share assistance for best management practices on average
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

20 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Baker UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 October 2024Partnership to manage the Baker University Wetlands - nearly 1,000 acres of highly biodiverse upland and riparian habitat including over 600 acres of wetlands. KAWS brings watershed protection personnel and resource interpretation staff.
• Kansas Ducks UnlimitedcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor conservation partner collaborating on wetland projects. Multiple NAWCA grants have been developed between KAWS and Ducks Unlimited to advance Kansas wetlands conservation.
• Playa Lakes Joint Venture (PLJV)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKAWS first became a PLJV Capacity grantee in 2002 and has continued partnership through grant programs supporting wetland conservation in the PLJV area.
• Friends of the KAWminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization working on Kansas River conservation. Dawn Buehler serves as Kansas Riverkeeper and Executive Director of Friends of the KAW.
• Kansas Forest ServiceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerState agency partner contributing to watershed and conservation projects including streambank stabilization and riparian area management.
• Evergy Green TeamcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor partner with overlapping priorities focused on water quality and quantity. Evergy invests in KAWS to support efforts preserving John Redmond Reservoir water for Wolf Creek Generating Station. The Green Team also builds and installs signage for the Arkansas River National Water Trail.
• Great Blue Heron OutdoorsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner hosting public meetings with KAWS on wetland restoration, river development, water quality, and recreation opportunities.
• Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerState agency partner for wildlife habitat projects, recreational trails grants, and watershed planning. KDWP wildlife biologists help prescribe practices for private land habitat development.
• Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerState agency administering the WRAPS program and providing funding through EPA 319 funds. Also partner on playa conservation and water quality initiatives.
• KDA Division of ConservationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerState agency partner contributing to conservation programs and funding for watershed protection projects.
• Kansas Water OfficecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerState agency partner for water resource management and watershed planning, participating in soil health and grazing workshops.
• Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederal agency partner providing technical assistance and conservation programs. KAWS partners with NRCS on Conservation Easement Program and Farm Bill programs including CRP, EQIP, and CSP.
• City of WichitaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMunicipal partner for Arkansas River access and signage projects, including support for river recreation and cleanups.
• City of NewtonminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMunicipal partner for R. Michael Rhoades Wetlands Park project, providing community wetland space.
• City of LawrenceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMunicipal partner for Arkansas River access and Baker Wetlands Education Center projects.
• US Fish and Wildlife ServiceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederal agency partner with office and equipment storage in John Redmond Watershed, working to maintain and improve wildlife habitat, water quality and quantity.
• National Wild Turkey FederationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInvests in KAWS to support efforts accelerating wildlife habitat development in the John Redmond Watershed.
• Neosho Valley Quail ForeverminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInvests in KAWS to support efforts accelerating wildlife habitat development in the John Redmond Watershed.
• Ducks UnlimitedcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWorld's largest nonprofit waterfowl conservation organization. Partners with KAWS on Baker University Wetlands management and multiple wetland restoration projects across Kansas.
• Prairie Band Potawatomi NationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTribal partner participating in Middle Kansas River WRAPS Stakeholder Leadership Team.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Market position

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/kaws_ks
• Facebookfacebook.com/KAWSKS
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/kaws

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about KAWS