charity: water seeks to bring clean drinking water to every person on the planet. charity: water has been incredibly effective in funding 17,673 water projects in 24 countries.
More remarkable, however, is not what they have achieved but rather how they have achieved it in just 10 years.
The excellent book Transform your Nonprofit with Inbound Marketing – How to turn strangers into inspired advocates showcases charity: water as a shining example of Inbound Nonprofit. One of my favourite quotes is Scott Harrison speaking at Inbound 2013 “Many charities go and just ask people for money; We ask people for their voice.” They are the most followed charity on social media. There are now 1.4 million followers on Twitter, 328,000 likes on Facebook and 286,000 followers of charitywater on Instagram.
Like Sleeping Children Around the World to which we provided a previous charity spotlight, charity: water also uses 100% of public donations by covering their operating costs from private donations, foundations and sponsors. They call it the 100% Model. An amazing example of disruptive business model innovation.
Water changes everything
They state that there are a staggering 663 million people who do not have access to clean drinking water. They also produce an online Annual Report, the last can be seen here and the 2015 Annual Report is anticipated in quarter 2.
“For every dollar invested in water and sanitation, you get an $8-12 economic returns”
We’re a group of passionate and determined creative problem-solvers who want to make a difference. Our mission is to bring clean and safe drinking water to every person in the world.
We encourage you to learn more about charity: water. If you are also a nonprofit we recommend you follow charity: water very closely and learn from their fine example. Here Paull Young reflects on his 5 biggest lessons from 5 years leading the digital strategy. As you would expect their website is responsive, secure with clear call-to-action that has built this exceptional brand and cause. Finally, they have closed-the-loop by proving how the money is used.
You cannot help to feel deeply moved by the Rachel Beckwith story. We pledge to donate our anniversaries too.
Opencity Inc. thinks giving a spotlight to charities is important and one way we can be socially responsible.