Water.org is an American nonprofit developmental aid organization resulting from the merger between H2O Africa, co-founded by Matt Damon, and Water Partners, co-founded by Gary White. Its goal is to provide aid to regions of developing countries that do not have access to safe drinking water and sanitation.
Water.org's approach to implementing water projects involves four key components:
1. orging 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.
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. 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. 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, The Michael and Susan Dell Foundation, and Open Square Foundation (previously called the Agora Foundation).
 | |
| Formation | 2009 (1990 as WaterPartners) |
|---|---|
| Type | Developmental aid organization |
Executive Director
| Gary White |
Key people
|
|
| Website | www |
