The McKnight Foundation's board of directors approved grants totaling nearly $2 million to four organizations to encourage citizen advocacy for the restoration of the Mississippi River.

Dubuque (Iowa) County Historical Society received a two-year grant of $450,000 for a communications campaign focusing on river restoration involving 33 other nonprofits, and River Action, Davenport, Iowa, received $600,000 over three years for a program that revitalizes industrial riverfront properties through education and recreation opportunities. The New York-based National Audubon Society was awarded a three-year grant of $800,000 for an integrated effort to expand its work along the Mississippi River. Hamline University received $75,000 for a program raising water quality awareness through community artistic performances.

"The efforts of everyday citizens are vital to the goal of increasing awareness of water quality issues affecting the Mississippi River," said Erika L. Binger, McKnight's board chair. "The creativity and energy our grantees bring to their work is truly inspiring. Their dedication provides a powerful catalyst to inform and involve people all along the river."

In total, the foundation awarded 199 grants adding to $20,391,500 in its fourth-quarter 2005 grantmaking. To see a complete list of grantees, visit the McKnight Foundation website.