Why support WaterAid?

With such a large number of worthy causes vying for their funds, many trusts and foundations emphasise the following among the reasons behind their decision to support WaterAid in particular:

• Meeting a basic need
  Access to water is not just a luxury or even simply a right; it is an absolutely fundamental necessity without which survival is impossible. While we might take such access for granted, one billion people around the world cannot. It is this basic need that all WaterAid's projects seek to address
  
  
• Using simple, low-cost technologies
  WaterAid recognises that it is often the simplest, lowest-cost technologies that are in fact most useful in meeting communities' water and sanitation needs. A well is far less likely to break down if it can be easily maintained and repaired, and if spare parts are locally available. By offering communities a range of options, so that they can make an informed choice about the technologies best suited to their needs and means, WaterAid is also able to offer donors the assurance that their gift will have the maximum possible impact for those most in need
  
  
• Involving and empowering local people
  WaterAid does not implement its projects directly, instead it works in partnership with local organisations and community groups, which are familiar with local conditions and customs. It is fundamental to the way WaterAid works to offer support and advice to these local organisations, enabling them to develop their skills so that ultimately they might no longer need WaterAid's help, and will be able to pass on their knowledge and experience to others
  
  
• Making projects sustainable
  Sustainability is a key factor in the design of all WaterAid projects. Sadly, many other water projects in developing countries have failed simply due to inappropriate technologies and lack of consideration for how schemes would be maintained. WaterAid does its best to ensure that the benefits of our water, sanitation and hygiene projects will last, by raising awareness about the key issues and generating demand for improved services. Our projects also emphasise community participation, so that all sectors of the community - including women, children and the poorest - are involved and making their voices heard

"The Trust supports those charities working in developing countries which help people to help themselves. WaterAid, which is much supported by the UK water companies, does exactly that. WaterAid does indeed improve the quality of many, many people's lives through lasting improvements to water, sanitation and hygiene, using local skills and practical technology."

The Ranworth Trust 1985

"The Foundation is pleased to be able to support WaterAid by funding its work in Tanzania providing safe water, sanitation and hygiene promotion projects. Having assessed WaterAid's original application for this project against our criteria, and in competition with other projects, the Foundation is confident that the money will make a real difference to people's lives and health in the region."

The Health Foundation [formerly The PPP Foundation]

If you would like to find out more information about how a charitable trust or foundation could help developing-world communities find their way out of poverty and gain hope for a better future, please email us, telephone 020 7793 4500, fax 020 7793 4545, or write to the address at the bottom of this page.