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 or project?
- Can I volunteer?
- Are you accepting project proposals?
Who Are You?
The Water Project, Inc. is a non-profit, charitable organization that works to bring relief to people in communities around the world who suffer needlessly from a lack of access to clean water.
Most of our work in advancing the effort to help bring clean water to countries in Africa and India happens online. We have very few administrative expenses. So, every dollar donated to a water project site is sent directly to organizations who are doing actual construction.
The Water Project, to date, has helped over 60,000 people improve their access to clean water.
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%?
The Water Project, Inc. works to keep our administrative costs very low. But, there are still bills to pay.
Generous "Sponsors Team" donors who recognize the importance of supporting these administrative costs make donations specifically for these purposes. It is a vital role to play and we sincerely appreciate their investments in this work. These donations are multiplied by enabling The Water Project to do a more effective job of telling the story of water and inspiring others 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?
Go see! (ok, stay and see, but going would be fun too...) 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.
- Visit our "Project Updates" page to see updates and photos from the field.
- We post updates in near real-time of all our activities as they happen. You can see that on our Community Page.
- Another example is on our Cameroon project site, where you can read comments from the families who received filters from this program. Visit Cameroon.TheWaterProject.org
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 $4,500 and $35,000. We regulary 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 aim to provide water for $10 for 1 person's water lasting up to 10 years.
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?
In some cases, yes. If you are planning a group fundraiser or are looking to make a generous donation, please contact us for a list of potential water project sites. We have many projects waiting for funding. We'll work hard to provide you a complete community profile(s) to review.
Can I Volunteer?
YES! Currently we are seeking individuals who are inspired to act.
First, we are looking for writers with an interest in the issue of access to clean water. One of our primary goals is to build a site that educates and motivates. Anyone who would like to "blog" water for us is encouraged to contact us.
Second, we are looking for anyone who is willing to tell others about TheWaterProject.org. Connecting people to this "idea" is the key to 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!
Are You Accepting Project Proposals?
Yes, but on a very limited basis. Please fill out our Partner Request Form to get started.
Share and Comment
Home | Site Map | Privacy Policy | About Us | FAQ | Contact | Give Water
Recently Recommended
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
