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How to Find the Best Water Charities


Wednesday, August 7th, 2024

a woman looks at a laptop, which displays a heart made of water
Made by Jamie Heminway using Canva Magic Media.

Introduction

When you donate to a clean water charity, you want to make sure your money makes a real impact. With many top-rated water charities asking for donations, it’s hard to know which ones are best. This blog post will help you find the best water charities by examining three important values: reliability, relationship, and trust.

We crafted the guidelines below to help anyone still deciding where to donate their hard-earned funds for the greatest—and most responsible—impact.

Reliability 

Making Sure They Do Good Work

1. Track Record and Transparency

A reliable charity has a history of doing good work over time. When you check out a water charity, look for proof that their projects have been successful and have made a lasting difference. They should be open about what they do and share detailed reports on their finances and impact.

2. Long-term Solutions

Good water charities focus on long-term solutions, not just quick fixes. They invest in local teams and solutions and involve community members to ensure people have clean water for a long time. Look for charities that include sustainability in their mission.

3. Accountability and Measurement

Reliable charities take responsibility for their work. They have clear goals and regularly check and report their progress. This includes counting how many people they help, the quality of the water they provide, and the long-term benefits for communities.

Relationship

Building Strong Connections with Communities

1. Community Involvement

A trusted water charity builds strong relationships with the communities it helps. This means talking to local leaders, understanding their culture, and involving community members in planning and carrying out projects. Charities that do this are more likely to create lasting solutions.

2. Empowerment through Education

Charities that teach communities how to manage their water systems help them become self-sufficient. Look for organizations that offer training in water management, hygiene, and maintenance.

3. Collaboration with Local Partners

Working with local governments is key to success. A good water charity partners with local leaders to share resources, knowledge, and networks. This ensures that projects are a good fit for the local culture and have local support.

Trust

Building Confidence through Integrity and Reputation

1. Transparency and Open Communication

Good charities are honest and open with their supporters. By being clear about their successes and challenges, these organizations build trust with donors. Honesty helps donors feel confident that their money is being used well.

2. Positive Reviews and Ratings

Websites like GreatNonprofits, Charity Navigator, GuideStar, and Excellence in Giving can help you see a charity’s reputation. GreatNonprofits lets users read reviews and testimonials. Charity Navigator evaluates charities based on their finances, accountability, and transparency. GuideStar offers detailed information on nonprofit organizations, and Excellence in Giving provides in-depth charity analysis. High ratings and positive reviews on these sites are good signs.

3. Third-Party Endorsements

Awards and recognition from respected organizations add credibility to a charity. Look for certifications, awards, and partnerships from well-known groups in the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) sector. These show that the charity operates with integrity and effectiveness.

Using Vetting Websites

1. Charity Navigator

Charity Navigator assesses nonprofits based on their financial health, accountability, and transparency. They assign ratings based on factors like program expenses, administrative costs, and governance practices. A high rating on Charity Navigator is a strong endorsement of a charity’s effectiveness and trustworthiness.

2. GuideStar

GuideStar provides detailed information about nonprofit organizations, including financial data, impact metrics, and governance practices. GuideStar’s profiles offer insights into a charity’s mission, programs, and long-term impact.

3. GreatNonprofits

GreatNonprofits is a platform where people share their experiences with different nonprofits. Users can write reviews, rate organizations, and give feedback. Positive reviews and high ratings indicate a well-regarded organization.

4. Excellence in Giving

Excellence in Giving offers detailed charity analysis with a focus on effectiveness and donor impact. They provide in-depth reports on an organization’s performance, sustainability, and strategic goals. Using Excellence in Giving can help donors understand a charity’s operations and potential for lasting change.

How The Water Project Stacks Up

1. Reliability

We have a strong history of providing sustainable water solutions in sub-Saharan Africa. Our projects focus on long-term impact. With each community we enter, we commit to always providing them safe, reliable water. We strive to be transparent, providing detailed reports on finances and impact metrics.

2. Relationship

We build strong relationships with the communities we serve. We involve local leaders and community members in every stage of our projects. This ensures our solutions are culturally appropriate and have community support. We also focus on education and training, empowering communities to manage their own water resources.

3. Trust

We always work to be transparent with our supporters (as well as everyone else we work with!). Knowing where we fail as well as where we succeed helps everyone get a full picture of the changes we’re making in our work areas, and how they’re impacting the people we hope to help.

Conclusion

By checking track records, community involvement, ethical practices, and reviews, you can make an informed decision about which charities best align with your giving goals. 

We thank you for taking the time to research and choose the best water charity. With such a measured approach, you’re sure to contribute to a future where everyone has access to safe water!

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Jamie Heminway

Jamie is a storyteller by nature. In joining the Water Project, she’s finally found a workplace where that pesky bleeding heart of hers can be put to use (and, less importantly, that BA in English Language & Literature from New England College).