Frequently Asked Questions
- Who are you?
- Are you a 501c3 organization? (is my gift tax deductible)
- Are you a religious organization?
- How can you give away 100%?
- Where does the money go?
- How do I know the money was well spent?
- Do you help dig wells?
- How much does a well cost?
- Can I sponsor a specific village of my choosing?
- Can I volunteer?
- Are you accepting project proposals?
Who are you?
The Water Project, Inc. is a non-profit, charitable organization working to bring relief to people in communities around the world who suffer needlessly from a lack of access to clean water and proper sanitation.
The Water Project, to date, has helped over 125,000 people improve their access to clean water and sanitation. We have funded or completed more than 250 projects.
Are you a 501(c)(3) organization? (is my gift tax deductible)
YES. The Water Project, Inc. is a public charity under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.
How can you give away 100%?
For those donors who choose to give using our "100% towards construction" option, we're able to forward those donations entirely to our partners thanks to our Sponsors Team.
Generous "Sponsors Team" donors recognize the importance of supporting operational costs. They make donations specifically to cover the costs of a water project not funded by "100%" donors. It is a vital role to play and we sincerely appreciate their investments in this work. These donations are multiplied as they enable The Water Project to inspire newer donors to give.
If you would like to support the administrative costs of The Water Project, Inc. please read more here.
Are you a "Religious Organization"?
No. We are simply a Christian non-profit.
Religious organizations are organized and recognized differently than public benefit charities. The work we do through The Water Project is for the good of the general public. The reason we do this work is because we are Christians. We believe that important distinction allows us to work with people of all backgrounds and faiths for the benefit of all people. Our projects do not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, ethnic or religious backgrounds. We serve others.
Where does the money go?
Funds raised for water project construction are sent to an implementing organization who administrates the projects overseas and reports back regularly on progress. Our relationships with these partners help us carefully monitor the projects and how funds are being used.
How do I know the money was well spent?
We have devoted the largest portion of our web initiatives to telling the story of each project as it is implemented. We are building tools everyday to better connect supporters, aid workers on the ground, and the communities we help. Here's just a few ways to stay connected.
- We post updates in near real-time of all our activities as they happen - both successes and failures. Visit our Project Updates page to see updates and photos from the field.
- We also maintain a Project Directory of all our projects and allow you to see the results over time.
- We are committed to organizational transparency and financial accountability as well. See our Financial Statements for more details.
Do you help dig wells?
Yes we do. Click to learn more about sponsoring a well.
How much does a well cost?
The cost to dig a well in Africa varies greatly from one site to the next. On average the cost is between $6,500 and $35,000. We regularly fund well projects of all sizes. The variance in cost often has to do with the depth of the water and the number of people served.
We're also excited about other water solutions too. Water tanks, sand dams, biosand filters, and other water solutions all have value too.
Can I sponsor a specific village of my choosing?
Generally no. We work with our partners in specific and limited areas of Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Sierra Leone and Sudan. Within those regions, our partners work to identify communities who have demonstrated both a desire and a readiness for a water project. Working outside of these areas is too expensive and time consuming. Individual or "one off" projects are also nearly impossible to monitor long-term.
Can I volunteer?
YES! Currently we are seeking individuals who are inspired to act.
We are looking for anyone who is willing to tell others about The Water Project. Connecting people to this story is the key to our shared success. Everyone has the ability to tell someone else. If you have a Facebook account, MySpace Profile, blog, or any other social networking connections, please involve everyone you know. This is perhaps the single most important way any one person can help!
Start by creating a personalized fundrasing page...
Are you accepting project proposals?
No, not at this time.
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about "The Water Challenge"
“Our school-wide goal was $4000, just enough to build a well for a community... after counting all the money, we had raised a grand total of $9038.06!”
- Devika, H.S. Junior
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