Rivers are Life
Rivers are Life is a nonprofit conservation platform founded in 2022 that funds and executes river restoration projects globally through storytelling, corporate sponsorships, and a network of River Heroes. It serves individual donors, corporate ESG partners, and conservation NGOs.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2022
- HeadquartersMidland, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingServices
What Rivers are Life does
Rivers are Life is a private nonprofit organization founded in 2022 and headquartered in Midland, Michigan, with a remote operating team of 1-10 employees. Its mission is to protect, preserve, and explore the world's rivers through a stated goal of completing 1,000 impact projects by 2050. To date, 74 projects have been completed or are in progress across North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Central America, spanning habitat restoration, waste removal, clean water access, and species protection. Activities include river cleanups, borehole well installations, fisheries habitat work, and partnerships with conservation NGOs such as Friends of the Fox River, VeryNile, Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore, Kenai River Sportfishing Association, and Gulf of Alaska Keeper.
The core technology and product surface is a digital storytelling and community platform. It includes a documentary film library (e.g., Voices From the Water, Mr. Trash Wheel, Toxic Art), the 'River Runners' vlog series, the 'Current Conversations' podcast, an editorial blog, and the River Action membership platform and digital app launched in May 2025. The Rivers are Life Foundation operates as the nonprofit arm funding and executing conservation projects, while the parent entity handles content, community, and partnership orchestration. Dow is the disclosed founding corporate partner, with additional partnerships spanning LSU, Waypoint TV, Grizzly, Bass Pro Shops, EarthX, The Mitten State, and Wildrye Distilling.
Revenue is generated through individual donations, corporate sponsorships, project co-funding, merchandise sales, and limited-edition co-branded product partnerships (e.g., The Confluence Collection whiskey). The go-to-market is hybrid: community-led engagement through River Heroes, event-driven participation (film festivals, cleanups, community festivals), and sales-led corporate sponsorship outreach. The organization serves individual river advocates, corporate ESG partners, educational institutions (notably LSU), river communities, and media/event partners, with transparency and annual reporting as a core credibility mechanism.
Rivers are Life firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Rivers are Life
- Legal name
- Rivers are Life
- Website
- https://riversarelife.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2022
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Rivers are Life is a nonprofit conservation platform founded in 2022 that funds and executes river restoration projects globally through storytelling, corporate sponsorships, and a network of River Heroes. It serves individual donors, corporate ESG partners, and conservation NGOs.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Rivers are Life industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Environmental Conservation Services
- akta.pro primary industry
- Water Resources & Watershed Protection (BPAGAGAK)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Marine & Freshwater Conservation (BPAGAGAE)
Keywords
Where Rivers are Life is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Midland
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Rivers are Life business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Technology or R&D, Others
Revenue model
- Donations & Membership: Individual donors contribute through the membership platform and direct donations. The organization is developing a 'Make a Donation' program with funds supporting River Heroes and impact projects globally.
- Corporate Sponsorships: Business partnerships providing custom sponsorships aligned with corporate ESG goals. Sponsors receive visibility, employee engagement opportunities, and association with conservation outcomes.
- Project Co-Funding: Supporters can fund specific impact projects directly, with visibility into project outcomes. Focus areas include habitat restoration, waste removal, and river science advancement.
- Merchandise & Shop: The organization sells eco-friendly gear and apparel through a shop, with proceeds funding conservation projects and storytelling efforts.
- Limited-Edition Product Partnerships: Collaborative product releases such as 'The Confluence Collection' with Wildrye Distilling, featuring limited-edition whiskeys supporting river conservation in Montana.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | One-time or recurring | Individual Donations - Amount-based contributions |
| Other | Annual or multi-year contract | Business Sponsorships - Custom corporate partnerships |
| Unit Pricing | One-time purchase | Merchandise - Apparel and gear |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels8 records
Rivers are Life product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Rivers are Life is a global river conservation nonprofit that produces documentary films, podcasts, and digital content to raise awareness, and through its Rivers are Life Foundation funds and executes hands-on conservation projects including river cleanups, habitat restoration, and clean water access initiatives. The organization engages a network of River Heroes (individual advocates) and corporate sponsors to support its goal of completing 1,000 impact projects by 2050. It also generates supplementary revenue through eco-friendly merchandise and limited-edition co-branded products.
Product overview
Rivers are Life is a global conservation platform and foundation that operates as a multi-channel media and impact organization. The core offerings include documentary films and the River Runners vlog series for storytelling and awareness, the Rivers are Life Foundation for funding and executing conservation projects, and the River Action membership platform and digital app for community engagement. The Impact Projects program (74 projects completed toward a goal of 1,000 by 2050) and the Current Conversations podcast provide additional engagement channels. Together, these products create a connected ecosystem where storytelling inspires action, which funds measurable conservation outcomes.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- River Heroes: Local champions and community advocates who lead or inspire river conservation projects around the world.
- River Action
- Current Conversations
- River Runners
Products and services
- Impact Projects Hands-on conservation projects focused on river cleanups, habitat restoration, water quality monitoring, and waste removal, executed globally through the Rivers are Life Foundation. Available to donors and partners who fund specific projects and track outcomes.
- River Action Membership Platform & Digital App Membership program and digital community platform that fuels global river conservation projects, enabling River Heroes and supporters to engage, donate, and track project outcomes. Available to individual members and corporate sponsors.
- Documentary Films Award-winning documentary films and short films about river conservation featuring River Heroes working to protect waterways worldwide, including Voices From The Water, Keepers Of The North, Watershed Warriors, Mr. Trash Wheel, and Toxic Art. Distributed via streaming and film festivals.
- River Runners Vlog Series Vlog series following hosts Brooke and Taylor as they road-trip across Michigan's rivers and watersheds, featuring kayaking, fishing, hiking, wildlife encounters, and outdoor adventures. Available to the public via the Rivers are Life website.
- Current Conversations Podcast Podcast series featuring conversations with River Heroes, conservationists, and community leaders working to protect rivers and waterways. Available to the public via Rivers are Life website and podcast platforms.
- Rivers are Life Foundation The nonprofit arm of Rivers are Life that funds and executes hands-on conservation projects, community partnerships, and science-driven solutions to protect and restore rivers worldwide. Operates as the charitable entity accepting donations and disbursing funds to projects.
- Rivers are Life Merchandise Shop Online merchandise shop offering eco-friendly gear and apparel, with proceeds funding conservation projects and storytelling efforts. Available to the general public.
Quantifiable outcome
- 74 projects completed or in progress toward the 1,000 by 2050 goal
- +5 more outcomes
Companies that use Rivers are Life
Customer profileNamed customers8 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Rivers are Life technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature2 records
Rivers are Life partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
21 partnerships are on record, tiered product/co-branded, founding/flagship, core/educational, gear/product, minor, core/operational, core/distribution, regional/conservation, research/technical, regional/humanitarian and regional/operational.
- Wildrye Distillingproduct/co-brandedPartnership to release 'The Confluence Collection' - a limited-edition series of four unique whiskeys inspired by Montana rivers. Supports river conservation in Montana.
- Dowfounding/flagshipDow is a founding member of Rivers are Life, sharing the vision for a sustainable future. The partnership exemplifies collaborative efforts leading to significant advancements in river sustainability and innovation.
- Louisiana State University (LSU)core/educationalLSU serves as an educational partner, with multiple initiatives including field research in the Amazon and Netherlands, student internships, alternative spring break programs, and microplastics research collaboration.
- Grizzlygear/productGrizzly is a gear partner providing high-quality outdoor equipment for those committed to river conservation and adventure. The partnership combines rugged gear with conservation passion.
- Bass Pro ShopsminorBass Pro Shops supports river conservation efforts, aligning their outdoor recreation audience with Rivers are Life's mission.
- Trout Unlimited Expeditionscore/operationalCleanup partner organizing expedition cleanups. Sponsorship supports river cleanup activities and conservation education efforts.
- Waypoint TVcore/distributionStreaming partner and fastest-growing channel for outdoor lifestyle, fishing, and hunting programming. Partnership includes Earth Day events and content distribution.
- EarthXminorEarthX partnership for environmental events and expanded reach to conservation-minded audiences.
- Living Lands & Waterscore/operationalEnvironmental organization led by Chad Pregracke that hosts the Study Aboard program where students clean up McKellar Lake and learn about ecology on a barge.
- Kenai River Sportfishing Association (KRSA)regional/conservationKRSA has stepped up with habitat restoration, fisheries management, and education, raising millions through events like the Ted Stevens Kenai River Classic to protect salmon.
- Waterfront Partnership of Baltimoreregional/conservationSupported the development of Mr. Trash Wheel, Baltimore's solar- and hydro-powered trash interceptor that has removed 2,300+ tons of waste from the harbor.
- VeryNileregional/conservationVeryNile's Reviving Cairo Fishermen project pays fishermen fair wages to remove plastic waste from the Nile - nearly 40 tons each year. Collected plastic is transformed into useful products.
- Gulf of Alaska Keeper (GoAK)core/operationalGoAK tackles ocean pollution on remote Alaskan coastlines, removing thousands of pounds of debris and turning waste into durable building materials through innovative partnerships.
- Tennessee River Gorge Trustregional/conservationPartnership supporting young activist Cash Daniels ('The Conservation Kid') who began cleaning the Tennessee River at age 7 and now engages communities globally.
- Friends of the Fox Rivercore/operationalFOTFR leads decades-long mission to protect and restore the Fox River in Illinois and Wisconsin, organizing cleanups and bringing thousands of students into the watershed.
- Deltaresresearch/technicalDutch independent research institute specializing in water and subsurface research. Zack Godshall met with scientists at Deltares during Netherlands field research trip.
- TU Delftresearch/technicalDelft University of Technology in the Netherlands, where filmmaker Zack Godshall met architects studying water management and the Room for the River approach.
- Brother Bill Evans and Leonard Marondaregional/humanitarianZimbabwe-based water access project providing 44,000+ gallons of fresh water daily through borehole wells to drought-affected communities.
- Dr. Todd Osborne and Captain Blair Wigginsregional/conservationLeading Florida's Indian River Lagoon restoration through 'super clams' breeding program to revive the ecosystem once on the brink of collapse.
- Chippewa Nature Centerregional/operationalMichigan-based nature center partnering on sturgeon tagging and monitoring, and community river events including Midland Area River Days.
- Little Forks Conservancyregional/operationalLocal conservancy partner for Cedar River cleanup and stream sampling events using aquatic macroinvertebrates to assess water quality.
Scale indicators11 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Rivers are Life competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Conservation International: Global environmental NGO funding freshwater, ocean, and biodiversity programs with corporate partners—directly comparable in mission scope and corporate ESG sponsorship GTM.
- Ocean Conservancy: Major international marine/water pollution nonprofit that runs the International Coastal Cleanup and significant advocacy—comparable in donor base, volunteer mobilization, and corporate ESG partnership model.
- The Nature Conservancy: One of the world's largest environmental NGOs with significant freshwater/river programs globally. A broad incumbent competitor for both individual donations and corporate ESG partnerships in the same conservation space.
- National Geographic Society: Science- and storytelling-driven conservation nonprofit producing films, articles, and grants around ecosystems including freshwater—comparable storytelling-plus-science engagement model.
Direct peers
- Trout Unlimited: National U.S. nonprofit dedicated to coldwater river and stream conservation through habitat restoration, cleanup, and education—directly comparable mission and a current Rivers are Life partner via Trout Unlimited Expeditions.
- Living Lands & Waters: Founded by Chad Pregracke, this is an environmental nonprofit that organizes large-scale river cleanups, conservation education, and student barge programs—directly comparable to Rivers are Life's project model and is already listed as a Rivers are Life operational partner.
- Friends of the Fox River: Regional nonprofit running decades-long river cleanups and student watershed education in Illinois/Wisconsin—an incumbent peer on the same river-cleanup + education model and a 2025 Rivers are Life World Rivers Day Impact Award winner.
Emerging players
- VeryNile: Egypt-based NGO that pays fishermen to remove plastic from the Nile and upcycles it—directly comparable river plastic-removal impact model and a current Rivers are Life regional conservation partner.
Regional players
- Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore: Baltimore-focused nonprofit behind Mr. Trash Wheel and harbor cleanup; comparable in river/waterway cleanup execution and a current Rivers are Life regional partner.
- Kenai River Sportfishing Association: Alaska-based river conservation nonprofit focused on habitat, fisheries management, and education—comparable regional river conservation model and a current Rivers are Life partner.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Rivers are Life social profiles
Digital presenceRivers are Life financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Rivers are Life leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Rivers are Life subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
Rivers are Life funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Rivers are Life 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 Rivers are Life
What does Rivers are Life do?
Rivers are Life is a global river conservation nonprofit that produces documentary films, podcasts, and digital content to raise awareness, and through its Rivers are Life Foundation funds and executes hands-on conservation projects including river cleanups, habitat restoration, and clean water access initiatives. The organization engages a network of River Heroes (individual advocates) and corporate sponsors to support its goal of completing 1,000 impact projects by 2050. It also generates supplementary revenue through eco-friendly merchandise and limited-edition co-branded products.
Is Rivers are Life a public or private company?
Rivers are Life is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Rivers are Life founded?
Rivers are Life was founded in 2022. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Rivers are Life based?
Rivers are Life is headquartered in Midland, United States, in the North America region.
How does Rivers are Life make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Donations & Membership is the primary driver. The others are corporate Sponsorships, project Co-Funding, merchandise & Shop and limited-Edition Product Partnerships.
Who are Rivers are Life's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Conservation International, Ocean Conservancy, The Nature Conservancy and National Geographic Society. Direct peers are Trout Unlimited, Living Lands & Waters and Friends of the Fox River. VeryNile is listed as an emerging player. Regional players are Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore and Kenai River Sportfishing Association.
Does Rivers are Life have an API?
No public API is recorded for Rivers are Life.
What industry is Rivers are Life in?
Rivers are Life's product category is Environmental Conservation Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGAGAK, Water Resources & Watershed Protection, with a secondary code of BPAGAGAE, Marine & Freshwater Conservation.