Water.org

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Water.org
Water.org logo.png
A video by Water.org
Formation2009 (1990 as WaterPartners)
TypeDevelopmental aid organization
Executive Director
Gary White
Key people
Websitewww.water.org

Water.org is an American nonprofit developmental aid organization resulting from the merger between H2O Africa Foundation, co-founded by Matt Damon, and WaterPartners, co-founded by Gary White. Its goal is to provide aid to developing countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America that do not have access to safe drinking water and sanitation.

History[]

In 2009, WaterPartners, founded in 1990, and H2O Africa Foundation, founded in 2006, merged to form Water.org.[1] In 2017, Water.org created the WaterEquity investment fund. By 2019, the charity had "provided more than 16 million people throughout India, Indonesia, Cambodia and the Philippines with access to safe water and sanitation."[2]

Approach[]

Water.org's approach to implementing water projects involves four key components:

  1. Forging partnerships with local partner organizations in the countries it serves
  2. Involving the community at each stage of the project
  3. Selecting technology appropriate to the local community and their particular situation
  4. Integrating all projects with health and hygiene education.

The organization conducts monitoring, evaluation, and original research programs. It has initiated third-party evaluations of its programs to determine how it is fulfilling its mission.[3][dead link]

WaterCredit[]

Water.org's projects are funded through grants, loans, or a combination of the two. Its loan program, known as WaterCredit, utilizes microcredit to fund water sanitation projects.[4][5] Funding water supply projects through a combination of grants and loans is a new approach to the water sector. This strategy helps these people in need build credit for the future and also builds confidence in commercial institutions that are considering lending.[6] Until recently, almost all water projects facilitated by other nongovernmental organizations have been funded entirely by grants, even when the individuals served by the project have the means to share costs.[citation needed]

Prior to its merger with Water.org, WaterPartners received grants from organizations such as the PepsiCo Foundation,[7] The Michael and Susan Dell Foundation,[8] and Open Square Foundation (previously called the Agora Foundation).[9]

Water.org and Stella Artois Partnership[]

Since 2015, Stella Artois has teamed up with Water.org to provide access to clean water to people in the developing countries. In January 2018, their new commercial, which premiered during the Super Bowl, encourages its audience to take part in this initiative by purchasing a limited edition Stella Artois chalice. Each purchase helps Water.org provide up to 5 years of clean water for 1 person in the developing world.[10][11]

Reviews[]

As of September 2019, Charity Navigator gives the organization 4 out of 4 stars, with an overall score of 95.75 out of 100.[12]

Award[]

2019 Global Global Water Awards: Water Company of the Year[13]

See also[]

References[]

  1. ^ Sudekum Fisher, Maria (July 15, 2009). "Damon joins K.C. organization to provide for developing communities". Associated Press. Retrieved May 2, 2021 – via Missourian.
  2. ^ Booth, Barbara (January 24, 2019). "Matt Damon's water crusade has helped 16 million people so far". CNBC. Retrieved May 2, 2021.
  3. ^ Community Water Systems Sustainability Study, Lempira, Honduras, Emory University, October 1, 2006[dead link]
  4. ^ Water Projects Sustain Hope and Life in Developing Countries, Voice of America, March 28, 2006
  5. ^ A Thirsty World, Trans World Features India, January 24, 2007
  6. ^ "WaterCredit - A Microfinance Solution". Water.org. Retrieved 2019-05-29.
  7. ^ Coalition Pledges $400 Million For Clean Water, Sanitation, Wall Street Journal, September 27, 2008
  8. ^ Firm Decisions, Wall Street Journal, December 10, 2007
  9. ^ Grants to Aid Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Education Overseas: a Sampling, Chronicle of Philanthropy, October 18, 2007
  10. ^ "Stella Artois And Water.org Team Up To Encourage Beer Lovers To 'Make Your Super Bowl Party Matter'". www.prnewswire.com. Archived from the original on 2018-01-16. Retrieved 2021-04-12.
  11. ^ "Stella Artois Chalices". Water.org. Retrieved 2019-05-29.
  12. ^ "Charity Navigator: Water.org". Retrieved 12 October 2020.
  13. ^ "GWI Announces Winners of the 2019 Global Water Awards". WWD Magazine. April 25, 2019. Retrieved May 2, 2021.

External links[]

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