This week my spotlight is on an organisation called Charity: Water. Operating from New York, Charity: Water was founded by Scott Harrison in 2006 + aims at providing clean drinking water to people in developing countries.

There are 748 million people on the planet who don’t have clean water. It’s hard to imagine what 748 million people looks like really, but one in nine might be easier. One in nine people in our world doesn’t have access to the most basic of human needs. Something we can’t imagine going 12 hours without.

Read more about their brilliant mission here. They’ve funded over 13,000 water projects + have provided clean water to over 4 million people. It takes 21 months to fully complete + report back on a Charity: Water project. Check out all the places they’ve helped on their digital world map. The organisation depends on private donors, foundations and sponsors to cover everything from staff salaries to basic office systems to office rent and supplies. Read more about how they are funded here. I met with their Community Manager to get his personal view on why working for the NPO is so meaningful, as well as how members of the public can get involved by initiating a campaign to raise money for Charity: Water. Over 49, 000 people have begun successful campaigns, and you can too! Watch videos on their water projects here. Read some stories from the field here.

Tamika: What has been the biggest challenge for Charity: Water, would you say?

Cubby: Figuring out a way to ensure 100% of donations go directly towards water projects, and nothing is deducted from your donation to fund our operating costs. We find that money elsewhere.

Tamika: In your opinion, what country needs the most help?

Cubby: Mali in West Africa.

Tamika: What is the future of Charity: Water?

Cubby: Growth. We are moving into a new space soon. It’s amazing to think we started out with 9 people + now we have over 70 in the organisation!

Tamika: What’s been the most original campaign?

Cubby: It’s hard to say, there’s been so many good ones! A few that stick out in my mind are the polar plunges + dying of hair.

Tamika: What was your campaign?

Cubby: I started a Charity: Water campaign to either shave or save my beard 🙂 I thought it might be a fun way to help raise support + awareness for the organisation. I think campaigns are a great way to engage people. It was a real conversation starter + a way for people to support a central cause in a fun way. Between the two camps (‘shave it’ or ‘save it’), we raised $6,000 in donations + were able to provide clean drinking water to hundreds of people. Ultimately team ‘shave it’ won! Watch the video below!