Donate to support our work.
Who We Are
Imagine Water Works is reimagining the future through art, science, and connection. Our core focus areas are climate justice, land stewardship, and disaster readiness and response / mutual aid.
Since our founding we’ve worked at the intersections of reducing risk from flooding, pollution, and natural hazards, prioritizing those who are systemically forgotten or pushed to the margins. We also knew that the best solutions were multidisciplinary — so we've consistently integrated science, history, identity, and art into our work.
In 2019, we launched the Mutual Aid Response Network (Imagine Mutual Aid) to practice reciprocal and collective care. At the frontlines of our shared climate crisis and systemic oppression, we are reimagining the future together. In 2023 we officially launched the Imagination Farm: a permanent physical space to reconnect, organize, and practice collective care for years to come.
NOTE: Checks can be made out to "Imagine Water Works" and mailed to 2718 Painters St., New Orleans, LA 70122. For questions, email [email protected].
What We Do
We create resources, learning opportunities, and mutual aid networks to survive and thrive both today and in the future. In all of our work, we honor the fact that people who have been pushed to the margins are the exact same people who know how to build a better future for themselves and their communities, even when the future feels uncertain. As such, we're holding space for who are too often pushed out: Indigenous people, Black and Brown folks, LGBTQ and nonbinary people, two-spirits, farmers and artists, immigrants, young people and the elderly, disabled people, writers and filmmakers, poor people, those with less formal education, and everyone living at the intersections of these identities.
Some of our current projects and resources include:
Mutual Aid Response Network
The Imagination Farm
Imagine Mutual Aid
New Orleans Community Resource Guide
Community Power Map
Hurricane Season Checklist
COVID Guide to Hurricane Season
Queer/Trans Guide to Hurricane Season
Storm Zine Project
Anonymous Storm Prep Q&A
July Supply 2023: Barrier-Free Groceries and Storm Prep Supplies
Saltwater Intrusion Response
More about us:
We're a small team of women and non-binary folks who do this simply because we believe in our communities and in a better future. We are Creole Indigenous, native, and trans-led. We are multi-generational Louisianans, and all of us have our own unique relationship to water, climate, and community. Our full time staff are born and raised in New Orleans. Learn more about our team: https://www.imaginewaterworks.org/who-we-are/
Learn more about our projects on our website: www.imaginewaterworks.org
Donor Wall271
Megan | $1,000
Thank you for everything you're doing to support folks in New Orleans. I'm a freelance writer, editor, and teacher, and I'm donating 25 percent of what I'm paid for all classes I teach to nonprofits. This was raised from a horror-writing class I'm teaching - I'm so glad to be able to contribute. Love and gratitude to everyone at Imagine Water Works.
Phillip Moran | $500
From everyone at Trader Joes Chicago (688), thank you for your dedication to your community and their wellbeing.
Dion | $470
Wishing everyone the best! -LAMARVSA
Oscar S | $816
Hey guys chef Oscar with Birria TaTaTacos we Are a pop up restaurant in Chicago. We recently had our one year anniversary and we are donating money from profits to you guys. Wish you guys the best of luck. Peace and love ✌🏽💕
Emmett Crockett
Elza Burkart | $1,460
With love, from Trespassers Group Show❤️
Sally
Thank you for all of your hurricane efforts. I hope this helps. Sending love
Jordyn
#nolastrongforever💚💙
Melissa Vandiver | $20
Donation made on behalf of Courtney Viloria.
Renda | $52.23
Thank you for your incredible work!
Sherri | $52.23
Inspired by my beautiful friend Devin who was impacted by Ida.
Melissa Vandiver | $20
This donation made on behalf of Amy Nyitray!
Sandra Adamson | $29.39
Elisa Ringholm | $779.13
From the Grassroots Grants Program of The Story of Stuff Project
Bunnia (North Carolina) Tyler | $25
Thanks for all you do for those in need especially currently for Ida relief!
Jacqueline Mulvey | $104.15
Love from Connecticut
alex ebert
Thank you for your work on Ida relief!
Anonymous
Luisa
Man-made activities have contributed to the current climate crisis. And it is man-made activities that will help us to survive the current climate crisis. Thank you for the work you do.
Anonymous
Much love to NOLA from Denver, CO!
Melissa Vandiver | $170
This donation made with contributions from Carol Stubbs, Laura Himel Theriot, Valerie Piet, Nicole Jackson, Alec Regitsky, Scott Terrio, Carolyn Scofield, Colleen May, Nicole Deshotel, & Ashley Lownik.
Kateri Roybal | $10.70
Thank you for providing hurricane relief!
Roy and Debbie | $52.23
April | $25
I may not have much but I had even less in the year I spent living there. New Orleans gave me a sense of being and I know it will rebuild it's own character again soon.
The Raven's Wing | $519.52
Vann
Emily Tear | $715
On behalf of: Ryan Kaya, Kristen Kaye, Alan Singleton, Jordan Maiden, Alyson Escude, Lindsay Harris, Ross Wagner, Anna Overton, Carly Walker, Kat Matekovic, Molly Eastlake, Sarah Roland, Amy Panter, Taylor Tear, Rachel Duchene, & Brandi Thompson.
Nick | $208
Sending <3
Alexander Hollis | $1,000
Halle | $50