What Waterspirit does

Waterspirit is a 501(c)-equivalent spiritual ecology nonprofit founded in 1998 in Rumson, New Jersey, by Sister Suzanne Golas CSJP and sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace (CSJP). The organization integrates contemplative and faith-based practices with environmental advocacy, treating water protection as both a spiritual and ecological imperative. It serves faith communities, educational institutions (pre-K through college), civic and community groups, corporate teams, and individuals across New Jersey, while also representing CSJP as an NGO at the United Nations in global climate, ocean, and biodiversity processes.

The organization's core products are programmatic rather than software-based: weekly Meditation for Earth sessions (in-person and via YouTube Live); the 10-Week Eco-Anxiety Support Group using the Good Grief Network methodology; the 13-module Climate Pastoral Care Course delivered on Thinkific with scholarship options; seasonal Equinox & Solstice celebrations; book clubs; Climate Cafés; a microplastic monitoring volunteer program; and customized educational and corporate events. Underlying "technology" is a content and methodology stack — proprietary course curricula, peer-support facilitation frameworks, and curriculum alignment with NJ Climate Change education standards — delivered through a conventional nonprofit tech stack (Squarespace, Mailchimp, YouTube, Kindful, Action Network, Bonfire).

Waterspirit's revenue model is donation-led and mission-funded. Streams include individual donations through the Kindful platform, CSJP sponsorship, program fees from schools, camps, and corporate groups, and tuition from the Climate Pastoral Care Course (with the Fr. Edward J. Ciuba Scholarship available). Pricing is overwhelmingly community-scaled: suggested donations for support groups, $5 yoga classes, and fee-based contracts for institutional educational programming. Go-to-market is community- and event-driven, combining weekly programming, faith-based outreach, coalition advocacy, and earned media (e.g., National Catholic Reporter's EarthBeat, WBAI radio) to acquire participants and donors.

Name

Waterspirit

Legal name

Waterspirit

Website

https://waterspirit.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1998

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Waterspirit is a Rumson, NJ-based nonprofit founded in 1998 that integrates contemplative spiritual practices with environmental advocacy, serving faith communities, schools, civic groups, and individuals across New Jersey while representing its sponsor (Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace) at the United Nations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Spiritual Ecology Nonprofit Services

NAICS

Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations (813312)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Environmental Education & Outreach (BPAGAGAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Water Resources & Watershed Protection (BPAGAGAK), Marine & Freshwater Conservation (BPAGAGAE), Environmental Education, Capacity Building & Community Engagement (BPADALAO)

Keywords

• Spiritual ecology programs
• Eco-anxiety support
• Climate pastoral care
• Water protection advocacy
• Environmental education

Headquarters

HQ city

Rumson

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations: Individual donations through the organization's website donation portal (Kindful platform)
2. Program Fees: Fees for educational programs, corporate events, and workshops provided to schools, camps, community groups, and corporations
3. Sponsorship: Sponsorship from Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace (CSJP), the founding and sponsoring religious organization
4. Course Tuition: Tuition fees for the Climate Pastoral Care Course, with scholarship available through the Fr. Edward J. Ciuba Scholarship

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Waterspirit is a spiritual ecology nonprofit that delivers eco-spiritual programs, education, and environmental advocacy centered on water protection, climate justice, and pastoral care for climate distress. Its core offerings combine contemplative practices (meditation, seasonal ritual) with practical environmental education and advocacy, including the weekly Meditation for Earth series, 10-week Eco-Anxiety Support Groups, the online Climate Pastoral Care Course, and group programs delivered to schools, faith communities, camps, and corporations. The organization also maintains UN NGO representation linking local New Jersey work to international environmental policy.

Product overview

Waterspirit is a spiritual ecology nonprofit organization offering a portfolio of eco-spiritual programs and services rather than a unified software product. The core offerings include Meditation for Earth (weekly in-person/online meditation sessions), the Eco-Anxiety Support Group (10-week peer support program using Good Grief Network methodology), the Climate Pastoral Care Course (13-module online course on climate crisis pastoral care), Programs for Groups (educational programs for schools, corporations, and community groups on water conservation and ecology), Equinox & Solstice Celebrations (seasonal ritual events), Waterspirit's Book Club (monthly book discussions on ecological spirituality), and community events including City of Water Day celebrations and Climate Cafes. The organization also conducts microplastic monitoring and advocates for environmental justice, water quality, and renewable energy policies at the United Nations and in New Jersey state government.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Meditation for Earth Weekly Earth-centered meditation sessions held every Tuesday at 12:15 PM, offered in-person at 4 E. River Road, Rumson, NJ and online via YouTube; includes guided meditation, music, readings, and silence lasting 30-35 minutes, designed for individuals and small groups seeking contemplative spiritual practice.
• Eco-Anxiety Support Group A 10-week peer support group program using the Good Grief Network's '10 Steps to Personal Resilience and Empowerment in a Chaotic Climate' methodology to help participants cope with eco-anxiety, climate grief, and climate-related stress through community support, offered on a suggested-donation basis.
• Climate Pastoral Care Course A 13-module online course created by Blair Nelsen and Jessica Morthorpe that educates participants on the physical, emotional, mental health, and spiritual impacts of the climate crisis and how to address them through pastoral care practices in faith communities, delivered via Thinkific with global enrollment.
• Programs for Groups Educational programs for schools (pre-K through college), camps, clubs, and community groups covering water conservation, nature exploration, ecosystems, green infrastructure, youth civic engagement, and religion & ecology; also includes corporate team-building events and water cleanup activities.
• Equinox & Solstice Celebrations Seasonal celebrations marking equinoxes and solstices with prayer, contemplation, and music; inclusive of all faith traditions and designed to invite attendees into deeper connection with the meaning of each season.
• Waterspirit's Book Club Monthly book club exploring spirituality, nature, and action through discussions of books on ecological themes, spirituality, and environmental stewardship.
• City of Water Day Events Community events celebrating waterways and promoting climate-resilient waterfront access, including beach cleanups, kayaking, paddleboarding, meditation, and educational activities about local marine ecosystems.
• Keyport Climate Cafe Facilitated community conversations addressing local environmental health concerns and climate-related emotional impacts, providing a confidential, supportive space to explore feelings, strengthen community, and take effective action.
• Microplastic Monitoring Program Volunteer-based environmental monitoring program that samples local waterways for microplastics and nurdles (plastic pellets), educating community members about plastic pollution risks and impacts on marine ecosystems.
• Eco-Friendly Merchandise Store Online store offering eco-friendly merchandise including apparel and accessories, powered by the Bonfire platform.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 100 organizations and 450 individuals endorsed the Faith in the Ocean declaration
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

26 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace (CSJP)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1998Waterspirit was founded in 1998 by Sister Suzanne Golas CSJP and is sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace. CSJP provides ongoing sponsorship, and Waterspirit represents the congregation at the United Nations as an NGO.
• NJ Shines CoalitioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerA diverse coalition of community-based, social justice, environmental, industry and faith organizations united by the vision of a resilient and equitable solar powered New Jersey. Waterspirit promotes accessible, affordable solar for all NJ residents through this coalition.
• NJ Wind WorkscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoalition working to support a 100 percent clean energy New Jersey with a robust offshore wind infrastructure. Waterspirit participates in advocacy for offshore wind development.
• Flood Defense New JerseycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoalition to galvanize stakeholders of all backgrounds to protect every New Jersey community from damaging floods and harmful, hazardous stormwater pollution. Helps local communities set up flood defense programs.
• Jersey Water Works CollaborativecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDiverse organizations and individuals embracing common purpose of transforming New Jersey's water infrastructure. Waterspirit participates in the Sewage Free Streets and Rivers campaign and PFAS and Emerging Contaminants Committee.
• Northern Monmouth Watershed AlliancecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCounty collaborative working locally toward stormwater management goals and a stormwater utility. Co-sponsored City of Water Day 2026 with Waterspirit.
• Lead Free New JerseycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoalition focused on protecting NJ and NY waterways from lead and other pollutants through strong advocacy and action. Waterspirit participates as member helping grow the effort.
• Plastic Pollution CoalitioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal alliance of individuals, organizations and businesses working to reduce plastic pollution. Waterspirit is a member and monitors local waterways for microplastics.
• Faith in the Ocean CoalitioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational coalition of faith-based organizations mobilizing for ocean protection since UNOC1 in 2017. Waterspirit's Blair Nelsen attended UNOC3 with this coalition. Coalition launched declaration endorsed by 100+ organizations.
• NGO Mining Working GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational NGO coalition at the United Nations. Blair Nelsen serves as chair of the water committee. Coalition advocates for protections against deep sea mining and extractives impacts on water.
• Faiths for BiodiversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoalition at UN working on biodiversity issues. Waterspirit and CSJP were featured case study in the 'Uniting for Nature' report launched during CBD COP16 in Colombia.
• NJ Poor People's CampaigncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPart of national Poor People's Campaign, a moral fusion movement led by the poor. Core policy demands include climate justice and water affordability.
• Drinking Water Coalition New JerseycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoalition addressing drinking water contamination issues in NJ due to history of manufacturing and industrial bases. Waterspirit is a member working on safe drinking water advocacy.
• Save Coastal WildlifecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional wildlife organization. Co-sponsors seal monitoring project and City of Water Day events with Waterspirit. Board member Charlene Kiley is also Northern Monmouth Watershed Alliance member.
• Clean Ocean ActioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional environmental organization focused on ocean protection. Partnered with Waterspirit for City of Water Day 2026 and anti-pipeline advocacy campaigns.
• EmpowerNJ CoalitioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoalition ensuring fossil fuel projects are done responsibly with respect for all life by securing community-rooted public process. Successfully prevented methane gas pipelines including CPV plant in Woodbridge.
• DivestNJcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborative urging NJ's state pension to invest in renewable energy and divest from fossil fuels. Waterspirit participates as member organization.
• Mid-Atlantic Hydrogen Hub (MACH2) ExchangecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoalition sounding the alarm on dangerous hydrogen power that relies on fracked gas energy. Waterspirit coalescing with this group focusing on northeast region water impacts.
• Decommissioning Working GroupminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational collaborative seeking to illuminate real risks and impacts of radioactive nuclear waste. Waterspirit participates given nuclear energy's water intensity.
• Committee on Religious NGO's Climate Working GroupminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUN-based working group of religious NGOs focused on climate issues. Blair Nelsen participates as Waterspirit's UN-NGO representative.
• Religious at the UNminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoalition of faith-based organizations engaged with UN processes. Part of broader faith community participation in UN climate and environmental proceedings.
• Good Grief NetworkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganization providing multi-modal techniques for processing heavy feelings related to climate change. Waterspirit hosts 10-Step Eco-Anxiety Support Groups using their methodology.
• Rutgers University Cooperative Extension Water Resources ProgramcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity program offering Green Infrastructure Champions training. Waterspirit has certified champions on staff capable of identifying and supporting green infrastructure projects throughout NJ.
• Waterfront AllianceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganizer of City of Water Day, a region-wide day championing climate-resilient NY and NJ harbor. Waterspirit participated in Monmouth County's first City of Water Day 2026.
• NY-NJ Harbor & Estuary Program (HEP)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProgram organizing City of Water Day events across NY-NJ region. Waterspirit hosted first Monmouth County event in 2026.
• NJ Environmental Justice Advisory CouncilcoreOthersRachel Dawn Davis, Waterspirit's Public Policy & Justice Organizer, has been serving as representative of faith-based organizations since June 2025.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Peers

• 350.org:

Direct peers

• Catholic Climate Covenant: Catholic-focused national nonprofit working on climate education and advocacy in line with Laudato Si'. Comparable in faith-rooted environmental mission and educational programming, serving Catholic communities specifically.
• GreenFaith: Interfaith environmental organization that mobilizes religious communities for climate action and environmental justice. Directly comparable to Waterspirit in combining faith-based organizing with environmental advocacy and education, though operating at a larger national scale.
• Interfaith Power & Light: A national religious response to climate change coalition with state affiliates engaging faith communities on renewable energy and climate advocacy. Highly comparable mission and constituency, with a network model rather than single-organization delivery.
• Creation Justice Ministries: Ecumenical Christian organization representing 38 denominations and communions on environmental justice and care of creation. Comparable faith-environment intersection and advocacy work, with broader denominational reach.
• Earth Ministry / Washington Interfaith Power & Light: Interfaith organization engaging faith communities in environmental advocacy in the Pacific Northwest. Comparable faith-rooted environmental education and advocacy model, though regionally focused.

Emerging players

• Good Grief Network: Organization whose 10 Steps methodology Waterspirit licenses for its eco-anxiety support groups. Comparable in addressing emotional dimensions of climate change through peer-based support, with a more focused training-of-facilitators model.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@waterspiritorg
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/waterspirit

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 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 Waterspirit