Dirty Water
ADDRESSING FAILING SOLUTIONS FOR THE MARGINALIZED
The global water crisis is on track to end within the next 30 years. We can’t stop short.
Every year we can shave off this goal will save hundreds of thousands of lives.
800,000 people didn’t need to die.
Waterborne diseases kill more than 800,000 people every year, and nearly 300,000 of those deaths are children under the age of five, according to the World Health Organization.
It is a painful thing to bury someone when you know that just underneath their feet was clean water they couldn’t access. The clean water that could have saved them.
Dirty water accelerates disease, negatively impacts the ability of children to attend school and adults to work, and results in millions dying each year from a definitively preventable cause. To provide clean water for all people, we create technology to clean and process water, educate about hygiene and treatment, and build companies committed to solving the crisis.
“And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.” Matthew 10:42
Water Mission believes that the global water crisis can be solved. They take a comprehensive approach to combating the crisis with water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) solutions.
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The Dirty Truth: 2 Billion People Lack Clean Water
In 2000, 61% of the world’s population had access to clean water. By 2022, 74% did. Low-income communities predominantly in Sub-saharan Africa comprise the remaining two billion people still lacking access to clean water.
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The Low Costs of Sun-Powered Clean Water
At World Water Week in Stockholm, Sweden, Water Mission presented ways declining solar costs create new opportunities to drive clean water solutions in remote communities.
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Topo Chico Harvesting Rain for 100 Schools in Mexico
From its global headquarters in Monterrey, Mexico, Topo Chico provides clean water access freely to the neighborhood, rehabilitated failing wells in the region, and built rain harvesting systems at 100 schools throughout Mexico.
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Flint Water Crisis: How Did This Happen?
After officials repeatedly dismissed claims that Flint’s water was making people sick, residents took action. Here’s how the lead contamination crisis unfolded—and what we can learn from it.
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How ATMs and Sesame Street Are Helping with Clean Water
Leveraging the best of technology, organizations such as World Vision solve some of the bigger water distribution problems by creating “water ATMs,” kiosks enabling 24/7 access to clean water and driving down prices due to automation.
Take action. Change lives.
Below you’ll find some of the best-in-class organizations that are working to renew the imagination. These organizations are trustworthy, effective and innovative. In a world full of choices, we want to make the complex accessible. So, we invite you to explore them and consider giving and investing. Or you might consider building your own venture.
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Why is improved water not enough...
Because people don't need improved water—they need safe water. Water Mission’s solutions are uniquely geared to provide sustainable access to safe water and then to protect that water and store it safely. Their most frequently used solution is an innovative patented water treatment system called The Living Water Treatment System (LWTS).
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How long does it take to do a water job right...
5-7 years. Living Water works in a pre-determined geographical location for 5-7 years allowing their teams to collect data on all projects and activities. Staying this long allows them to form partnerships with local governments drill deeper and more complex water systems change hygiene behaviors over long periods and form stronger relationships with local church leaders to expand God’s kingdom through disciple work. Will you join them?
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Why is sold water better than free water...
Economic sustainability is just as important as clean water. At Healing Waters International the local community owns and operates the purification and distribution system and turns a profit to make the whole program economically viable and sustainable. The water is sold at a cost that is accessible to all in the community.
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How did a 9-year-old raise $1.2 million for clean water after her death...
Rachel Beckwith had one wish for her 9th birthday: to raise $300 for charity: water so 15 people could have clean water. She fell just short, raising $220, and told her mom she would try harder next year. A month later, she was tragically killed in a car accident. After Rachel's death, thousands donated in her honor and raised over $1.2 million, granting clean water to 37,770 people. Charity:water partners with experienced local organizations who build sustainable, community-owned water projects around the world.
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How many people lack access to a toilet...
1 in 5. This is a critical factor for overall health and sanitation. Lifewater is providing access to safe water and improved sanitation and hygiene, on village at a time. Alongside their WASH work, they partner with local ministries to start Bible studies, plant churches, distribute Bibles, and more. They also serve in hard-to-reach places, pursuing the least and the last.
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What might be even worse than dirty water...
A broken well. Many villages get clean water for a time, only to see the well pump break. They are left with no choice but to go back to drinking dirty water. Water for Good knows sustainability is key to the success of any well, so they supply and train local technicians to maintain over 1,800 water wells in the Central African Republic, keeping wells working over 90% of the time.
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What two things happen when people pay for water...
First, customers value and use water wisely. Second, payment ensures that the enterprise can maintain and grow high-quality services all the time. Building with this end in mind is revolutionary. That's why Water4 builds businesses across Africa that create safe water networks, sell water at an affordable rate, train communities in health and hygiene, and share the gospel through relationships.
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TrustBridge Giving Space
Keep discovering vetted opportunities at TrustBridge Giving Space, which helps donors send money to charities around the world.
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Can venture capital solve the water crisis...
Yes, it can. HealthCap Africa is committed to creating economic value through investing in assets that make the continent of Africa a healthier place. Their infrastructure investments strategy is centered on clean water, healthcare, and clean energy. The healthcare and clean water projects are executed almost exclusively as public-private partnerships (PPP), and clean energy investments are private-sector focused.
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Which continent has the fastest-growing population...
Africa. Its population is extremely young and growing rapidly. Its economies are getting stronger, and with over $500B needed to meet its power goals, Africa’s power need is enormous and getting bigger. That's why Fortis Green Renewables provides capital to small-scale renewable energy assets across Sub-Saharan Africa. This market has large capital gaps, which Fortis Green Renewables' Green Fund I is addressing in order to unlock more clean power for Africa.
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What was essential for every health care institution in Cambodia during Covid-19...
Soap. Precisely what Soapbox provided them. Specializing in crafting naturally-derived, aesthetically-designed personal care products, Soapbox ensures affordability without compromising impact. Introducing proper handwashing sees a remarkable 60% surge in childhood attendance in schools, while WASH interventions lead to a 50% reduction in childhood mortality. Every purchase of a Soapbox soap bar initiates a ripple effect; as another is donated to homeless shelters and food pantries in areas of urgent need worldwide.
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Is the water we have now the same water from the beginning of time...
Yes—it's all we've got and that's why we need to keep it clean. Current water treatment solutions are complex, expensive, and often harmful to the environment. Searen offers an innovative solution: Val, a vacuum airlift that drastically simplifies the complexity of water management. It's easy to learn and operate, it requires little or no maintenance, and best of all, there are no filters to change or moving parts that wear out.
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What's like Shark Tank for faith-driven entrepreneurs without being cutthroat...
The Faith Driven Investor Marketplace. This platform is a free tool for accredited, faith-driven investors looking to put capital to work. Funds and deals that go on the platform are at the discretion of a group of faith-driven investors with experience ranging across all different asset classes. Whether a multi-million dollar real estate venture or a small business, concessionary capital or a high financial return profile, Marketplace connects investors and entrepreneurs.
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What if Christian entrepreneurs didn't have to be alone...
Now, they don't have to be. Faith Driven Entrepreneur helps Christ-following entrepreneurs find their community and fulfill their God-given call to create. They do this by providing inspiring content and sparking meaningful connections between like-minded entrepreneurs and investors.
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What's wrong with doing things right...
It’s not enough. The ethical way says, “I win, you win.” But the redemptive way says, “I sacrifice, we win.” To this end, Praxis is a venture-building ecosystem advancing redemptive entrepreneurship. They support founders, funders, and innovators motivated by their faith to address the major issues of our time.
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What is limiting to a leader's potential...
Isolation. Faith-driven, results-minded CEOs and executives meet in C12 Business Forums monthly to encourage and challenge one another. These groups of peers work together to make better decisions, avoid costly mistakes, and create solid plans for business growth, all while striving to create eternal impact far beyond the bottom line.
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What happened to the family macademia nut business...
Sinapis' business training turned this business on the brink of failure into a source of livelihood for Kenyan workers. Sinapis provides training, ongoing opportunities ,vibrant community, and faith-based principles to Christian entrepreneurs in Africa, Asia, and Central America. Its alumni report an average increase of 138% in revenue 1 year after graduation.
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What percent of startups fail...
90%. One out of 10 startups fail within the first year. And most of them fail due to avoidable mistakes. Founders navigating potential pitfalls on their own is hard, though. OCEAN is a training community for entrepreneurs that integrates practical business skills with biblical wisdom so that entrepreneurs can start and lead a sustainable business without the pressure of figuring it out alone.
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What if you had to leave your kids for 2,555 nights...
This is the reality for many Filipinos who leave to their families to build a brighter future for their kids. What if they didn’t have to? Dream Bigger Ventures empowers Filipino Founders to grow as leaders who will have the character, community, and competency to solve seemingly impossible problems with sustainable ventures.
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What does "ziwani" mean in Swahili...
"At the lake." In the same vein, the nonprofit Ziwani represents a place of refreshment, community, and commerce for Christian business leaders in Africa. It equips and partners with the Christian business community so that they can meaningfully and practically live out their marketplace calling on the African continent.
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What continent has the world's youngest and fastest-growing workforce...
Africa. Future Africa is working to increase the continent’s 3% contribution to global GDP by investing in global businesses that will lead the digital economy. They've raised 2 unicorns, have 6 exits, deployed $10M+ in 106 portfolio companies and $1B+ in follow-on capital.
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