For decades, philanthropy has worked alongside communities and advocates to address some of our country’s most pressing challenges through targeted funding. These investments have often been a lifeline, especially when public or private sector resources are unable or unwilling to keep up with growing needs.
Today, water and philanthropy are ripe for collaboration. The latter is crucial when it comes to our country’s water future. Every family, every community, and every place deserves clean, fresh water. Right now, that’s not guaranteed. Critical gaps in how we manage, share, and protect water prevent everyone and every place from having the water they need when they need it. That’s why investing in water stewardship, access to clean and safe drinking water, conservation, and resilience is critical as we look to secure our most vital shared resource today, tomorrow, and for generations to come.
Philanthropy can play a pivotal role in our country’s water needs by supporting community-led solutions, and serving as an honest broker between governments, nonprofits, and local leaders. It can fund infrastructure like new pipes and filtration systems, invest in sustainable water management and nature-based solutions, and help ensure vulnerable communities have access to the clean water we all need to eat, drink, and bathe.
Philanthropy is not the main character in this story; real change comes from people and organizations working together to create solutions that fit the needs of their community. Philanthropy nevertheless plays an important role by amplifying that work, resourcing leaders, and backing innovative solutions. Connecting resources and relationships is an essential part of solving water challenges, both big and small, across the country.
When we focus on water, we intersect with nearly every major issue facing society and the planet today. Our climate, economy, equity, and health; how food is grown and energy is produced; how we ensure equitable and affordable access to resources; how land is managed and fire, flood, and drought are addressed; the technology that powers our lives and the water it uses.
The challenges we face connect our communities and our country. The opportunities we unlock by working together will spark innovation, inform important investments, and build lasting solutions that protect our shared water resources. The Water Foundation is committed to connecting you with the changemakers whose work begins in one place and creates meaningful impact far beyond it.