Being able to participate in Drop in The Bucket is a tremendous honour. They are providing a dual service - fresh, clean water to people in remote parts of Uganda as well as the opportunity for education. The passion that both Stacey and John have for this leaves you in awe. It was an absolute pleasure touring the schools with them and personally witnessing the joy in the people's eyes from something so simple as water.
~C. Crucke
Drop in the Bucket is one of the most legitimate charities helping to bring clean water and sanitation to Africa. They spend the majority of their donations on the actual cause, versus promotions and branding. The work they are doing is focused, effective, and serves as a guide for other NGOs. I applaud their dedication, including spending a majority of the year in Africa doing the work alongside their local employees, and continuing to evolve as a charity when they see new needs.
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Drop in the Bucket is the kind of charity you can feel good about funding. I have witnessed firsthand how their donated money is spent, and it's done so brilliantly. They are on the ground in sub-Saharan Africa getting their hands dirty. Not only do they partner with the best and brightest innovators to make sure the wells and sanitation systems they are installing will be effective and long lasting, but they see beyond the immediate. They are now focusing on the need to keep women in schools and how having water and basic sanitary needs being met can accomplish that goal. They aren't just putting a band aid on the situation, they are working tirelessly to change the roots of it. I am proud to say I support DITB's commitment, and have even traveled to Uganda, Kenya and Souh Sudan with them to see how well they work in the field (including the native people they employ!). Donating to this organization is money well spent.
Drop in the Bucket was a dream around the breakfast table one morning about 12 years ago. Who would have thought that one petite girl could get something so big, so powerful, and so helpful off the ground and what it is today. Starting from drilling a few wells at African schools in remote communities from scarce donations to installing sanitation and empowering girls to stay in school and battling to persevere on this mission even during civil unrest and war and refugee zones is exactly what Drop in the Bucket founder and CEO Stacey Dowdy Travis has done. She's now living in Uganda about as much (if not more) that she lives in her comfortable home in Los Angeles because she knows she must be there to inspect what she expects. She and husband John have literally traveled the world soliciting support and remaining dedicated to the success of this nonprofit company that provides fresh, clean drinking water and sanitation services to schools in communities in the most remote areas of Uganda and South Sudan enabling people to avoid parasite infestations, live healthier lives, and stay in school.
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I've worked in nonprofits for over 20 years and Drop in the Bucket is the most efficient and effective charity I've seen. Because they are 100% mission focused and dedicated to finding the best solutions for as many lives as they can affect, there's no waste. If it doesn't work, they don't do it. If there's no money, they find it or they don't do it. If there's a need and they are in a position to help, they do it. In my opinion, this should be the defining characteristics of of any charitable organization, but it's rarely the case. Whatever you can do to support Drop in the Bucket will go further and more directly than almost any other organization engaged in the work they're doing.
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I've witnessed the work and growth of this non-profit for several years. Having worked for mega non-profits in international development, I can attest to the fact that Drop in the Bucket is the leanest and meanest charity I've ever seen. They do more with their resources than organizations 10x their size. Their work, integrity and efficiency is unmatched in a sector where there are many players and few shining stars. The world would be a much safer, healthier place if more organizations were like them.
I highly recommend supporting Drop in the Bucket. As a long time employee of a non profit that has collaborated with them on dozens of water and sanitation projects in Uganda and South Sudan, I can attest to the dedication and impact of their work.
We are currently working with them to help support new wells for the Palabek Refugee Settlement in Northern Uganda. Every day, between 2,000 and 4,000 people cross the border from South Sudan to Uganda seeking nothing more than survival. Drop in the Bucket has teams perfectly positioned to help with the crisis.
Drop in the Bucket continues to be a valuable partner to us and we hope to continue including them in our program for many years to come!
Drop in the Bucket is run by amazing people with a very altruistic approach to how they run their nonprofit. Their leadership is focused and their money is spent wisely with a focus on immeadiate issues while looking at long lasting solutions.
I was drawn to Drop in the Bucket because of their genuine, no-nonsense grassroots approach to getting relief to the people that need it most. It's a small but mighty non-denominational charity that really changes people's lives and why I wholeheartedly support their efforts. Great people, dedicated staff and clearly getting the intended results of their campaigns. Drop is a win.
As a repeated donor to Drop In The Bucket I am amazed at the work they do in Uganda and South Sudan. They are a transparent charity who have the steps in place to not only solve an immediate, deadly problem, but to also help the village(s) uplift themselves by various practices that allow for more of the youth to receive education.
Numerous water wells they have built have been active in communities for over a decade, providing clean, safe drinking water for generations .
I am proud to call myself a supporter of DROP.
When I walked into a café in Los Angeles anxiously anticipating a job interview with the President and Co-Founder of Drop in the Bucket, I did not know that moment would highlight Drop in the Bucket’s personality and mission. I was welcomed in to the non-profit casually and excitedly, as what defined the rest of my time there. We talked for a few hours about DROP and my potential role within the organization. Somehow, every sentence phrased dictated that the work DROP does in East Africa is vital for communities in need, and yet, also not needed, because the people they help are these amazing, vivacious, and innovative doers. Yes, many individuals in rural Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and South Sudan do not have clean running water, which affects their ability to stay healthy and become educated due to demanding and strenuous hours walking to get water that is oftentimes dirty from hand-dug wells. And yes, these people deserve the basic human rights of clean water and an education. But, the people DROP works with are not these swollen-belly, hands-out-begging-for-money type of people we should pity. DROP helps East African people because they are just like everyone else in the world and they deserve what we all deserve. Through the language DROP uses and the actual work done on the ground, DROP is trying to change the perception of Africa, bring awareness to everyone about the ongoing crisis, provide people with their deserved rights of clean water and education, and thus, make the world a better place.
DROP’s tireless efforts to raise money and to implement innovative solutions to the water crisis in East Africa are not without intelligent thinking and creative partnerships between people. DROP works directly with communities and schools asking what best works for each individual site, rather than taking a top-down, “this is what they all need” approach. Communities even have to set up savings organizations in which they learn about finances and loans, before DROP drills wells. This then translates into a long-term solution. Communities now have their own savings, in which they can repair wells when they inevitably break, hire people directly from their area, and even allow people the opportunities to start small business ventures, circling around to having complete self-sustainment. DROP uses this beautiful and necessary method of self-sustainment, which all non-profits should be doing. Drop in the Bucket is an organization that truly strives to help people who deserve everything we all deserve in this world.
I read reviews when I want to support a cause based organization, largely because I want to make sure my hard earned dollars are actually being used in the way I intend. This is funny to me, because I realize that although I read reviews all the time, I seldom take the time to write them. I do here realize now that my review could actually be read by someone like myself, who just wants to do a little more research. For this reason, I'm going to take that extra time to post this, because it's important. Drop In the Bucket is as authentic as it gets and is most worthy of all our support.
Drop In The Bucket is a well run organization with multiple, urgency based, result oriented projects, on the ground and operating at a superior level of efficiency. I found this is due to a combination of effective management, dedicated staffing, organized volunteers and most importantly - no "institutional drain" on funds. These people are boots on the ground and working directly in the field bringing immediate relief and educational support with an eye to implement long term results. It is truly grassroots at it's best and that is where I want to put my donations, In hands I trust will take the money to the field and not to some fancy dinner. I think if you take a deeper look you will see exactly what I mean.
I couldn't be happier to donate what I can here and encourage others to do the same.
Five Stars all the way.
Drop in the Bucket is an amazing organization. Primarily focused on water and sanitation, DROP's interventions also help girls to go to school and increase the general health and well being of communities. Furthermore, to support their well-drilling programs, DROP implements sustainability measures like village savings groups, water management committees, and pump mechanic training to keep the wells working- which really sets them apart from other water organizations. DROP's wells work because they give communities the tools to care and be responsible for them.
A donation to DROP is really an investment in people. DROP is dedicated to helping communities to become self-sustaining, educated, self-actualized and healthy.
Drop in the Bucket is a wonderful organization to work with. Through Drop I was able to design my own campaign to build a clean water well in Uganda. Once the funds were raised, Drop maintained communication and let me know the exact village where the well was built. I was sent pictures of the actual people that were helped and I was even given the option of choosing a word to display on the well once it was completed. The personal touch and transparency is what makes this non-profit so special.
I have been working with Drop in the Bucket for a couple years now and have found them to be an organization of genuine and hard working individuals. Their passion and strong desire to make an impact is evident. They are grassroots, have little overhead costs, and spend much of their time with the people, rather than just throwing 'aid' their way. They have full teams of locals in Uganda and South Sudan to do work, which is just a wonderful side-benefit and indicative of what they stand for. Money goes directly to the cause and I would sooner call them a partner and friend than anything else.
I work with an organization that educates students in the US about the global water crisis and inspires them to take action. Drop in the Bucket has been a fantastic partner in providing potential projects for our youth to support. The photos, information and follow up from Drop has been crucial in helping US youth see that they truly can change the world, One drop at a time!
I am the Coordinator of the Community Service Program at Greens Farms Academy in Westport, Connecticut. Last year, one of our eleventh graders gave a presentation to our upper school students on the Drop in the Bucket program as it relates to their collaborative efforts with Us International. Based on this presentation our school dedicated the proceeds from it's yearly upper school concert, "Harmony for the Homeless" to Us International (approximately $6,000) to help build wells in Africa. We are very pleased with this relationship and the end result of seeing our dollars helping students in other countries less fortunate than our own.
Drop in the Bucket is the real deal. It's such a nice feeling to know that when I donate, my money goes directly to the cause. Drop in the Bucket is THE example of a "grassroots" nonprofit organization. Everything is in house, they raise the money and dig the wells. (with a lot of details in between)
They run their business with transparency, integrity, compassion and purpose.
It has been a pleasure watching this organization grow and I am excited to see how big it can become.
They understand that People & Planet come before profit. I am a lifetime supporter of Drop in the Bucket.
I am an educator, and I often take for granted the most basic things our children have here in America (even in low SES areas). Drop in the Bucket is a fabulous organization aiming to bring basic needs to all children. What could be a more noble goal? I hope that I can one day become more of an active part and go help these children achieve all their dreams and goals!
I'm a donor and a volunteer with Drop in the Bucket. I believe whole heartedly in their mission, values, and execution. They consistently prove to me that all their efforts are focused on making the greatest impact and saving lives. I will continue to do all I can to support their endeavors and encourage others to do the same.
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I am a volunteer and donor with Drop in the Bucket. I got involved close to two years ago and have been completely impressed every step of the way. Everyone involved is passionate, driven, focused on the goal, and great to work with. The more I get involved the more I want to be involved.
I'm continually inspired by the work that's being done and the way it's being done. I have full faith and confidence that every minute or dollar I put into the organization ends up where it needs to be - saving and improving lives. I have and will continue to recruit people to join in and help Drop in the Bucket any way they can.
This organization does amazing, life saving work bringing water to areas of need in sub-Saharan Africa. Having clean water and improved sanitation allows many girls to return to school and get an education. As a believer in the Girl Effect, I'm a big fan of this organization.
We really admire this organization and the wonderful and passionate people that are dedicated to it. We feel confident that the contributions we have made and the related events we have attended are helping those in need.
This non profit does great things in South Sudan and Uganda by providing clean water and sanitary toilets for the people. Stacey Travis one of the founders does the ground work herself making sure all money donated is spent on wells and toilets with very little on administration. her husband, John spends countless hours maintaining the web sight, making speaking engagements and coordinating fund raisers. The children in these countries now have clean water and toilets at their schools but there is much more to be done. they are dedicated to making a better life for the people of these two countries. It is not easy especially because South Sudan is in a lot of turmoil with a lot of unrest and fighting. But Drop in the Bucket is determined to continue their great work for the people.
This organization has achieved challenging goals and should be supported and promoted to continue its worthwhile efforts.
Drop in the Bucket is a clean water charity that focuses much of it's efforts in Uganda and South Sudan. There is very little overhead, with most of the administrative work coming from extremely dedicated volunteers. You can be confident that any money given to DitB will actually go to providing clean water and sanitation to schools and communities -- and the change that will bring to people's lives will be significant, tangible, and expand outward as they, too, improve the lives of others. What's more, DitB is careful to make sure that the partner schools and communities are deeply involved in the building and maintenance of the wells and facilities so that they are invested and empowered.
The most powerful thing we can do for Africa is to educate its people. But first they need the basic necessities of life. Drop in the bucket does both by bringing life-saving water to communities and schools. I organized a local group to fund the building of a well in Uganda though Drop in the Bucket. It was such a positive experience that I continue to make personal monthly contributions. I cannot overstate how impressed I have been with the accomplishments and dedication of this small organization. I consider it the best possible use of my money. This work is truly a labor of love.
Drop in the Bucket is the most outstanding non-profit organization I have ever encountered. The Director, Stacey Travis, is passionate about the cause, compassionate beyond belief, and a very careful steward of the organization's resources. I had the good fortune to witness Drop's outstanding results first-hand in Uganda in July, 2014, and I was utterly impressed. They have helped so many people, especially children, with the most basic need of human existence: water. Thank you, Drop in the Bucket, for your tireless efforts to solving this critical need!
Review from Guidestar
I'm always amazed by the efficacy of Drop in the Bucket's work and the commitment of its founders and volunteers. It's truly an outstanding example of how a small group of people with vision, knowledge, and the ability to understand a complex problem can come up with real world solutions and make a tangible impact.
The great thing about Drop in the Bucket is the passion that everyone involved brings to the organization. Not only are they doing incredible work, but their level of dedication and integrity is unparalleled. They build wells and sanitation systems in underserved areas of Africa, and they do it in a way that is efficient, practical and maximizes their effects. By building wells and sanitation systems at a local school, not only does the entire local village receive clean water (and therefore it dramatically improves health), it also encourages girls to attend school who would otherwise be spending their days fetching water from largely non-potable sources. In the few short years this organization has been around, they have built hundreds of wells in some of the most difficult areas in the world to get to, and improved tens of thousands of lives.
Drop in the Bucket is my favorite charity to GIVE my time and money to. They are a boutique organization and are VERY HANDS ON (read: they know exactly where every dollar gets spent - which I appreciate.) With a focus and commitment to water wells and sanitation projects, I feel good giving to an org that is making a huge impact on entire communities. Personally, I also appreciate that their specific focus drastically improves the quality of life for the young girls in those communities.
Drop in the Bucket is an incredible organization, founded by a small group of people who cared so much they didn't want to just be donors themselves - they wanted to take action and make a difference. This, years later, still shows through on every level. Working with bottomless energy to provide clean water and sanitation systems in Sub-Saharan Africa, as well as their ability to steadily grow into new regions, proves that this group of people who work tirelessly and to whom this non-profit has become their way of life, are one of the most inspiring and effective I have encountered.
H2O for Life and Drop in the Bucket have been collaborating on WASH in Schools projects for the past 4 years. Drop in the Bucket is doing amazing work in sub-Saharan Africa. The mission of H2O for Life is to engage youth to learn about the global water crisis. Drop in the Bucket has been our “go-to” organization for compelling photos, information and stories that are essential for our service-learning projects. When we suggest developing country school projects for US school partners, Drop in the Bucket is on the top of our list. Our schools then go into action to raise funds to support water, sanitation and hygiene education implemented by Drop in the Bucket. They are reliable, develop sustainable projects and deliver reports on time, but more importantly, are doing great work at schools that is changing lives.
Drop in the Bucket, to me represents something so much more than just a metaphor. Starting out small, Drop has really evolved into one of the more effective teams working directly with the people and students living in Sub-Saharan Africa. Drop in the Bucket sees first hand what is needed and Find a way to solve problems effectively. Drop operates under the radar of some larger water charities but at the forefront of change and positive impact.
Great organization that works tirelessly to provide clean water in Africa. First became aware of them through one of their spokespersons Henry Rollins. They keep growing and putting the spotlight on a huge problem, the lack of clean water and the grueling task for girls and women responsible to walk to and from the wells. I will always be a supporter and do my little part and help the way i can to better the situation in Africa.
This is an amazing cause I can stand behind. They are providing Water a basic necessity to life with proper sanitation to those that desperately need it. Education to empower their minds and water to fuel their lives. So many of societies take these necessities for granted and DITB is paying attention to those who don't. Bravo!!
A few years ago, I traveled to Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania with Drop in the Bucket, and had the opportunity to observe their work first hand. Many of my friends and I have questioned how our money is spent once we donate it to various organizations, but I have no such concern with DITB. I saw it myself, and all of their donations go to their projects of changing/saving lives by installing sanitation systems and water wells in Africa. Also, DITB is a hands-on operation. Stacey Travis, the co- founder, spends approximately 6-months a year in Uganda, personally supervising projects, scouting new locations, developing relationships, and improving DITB projects. Their mission is important, and they have so far installed hundreds of wells and sanitation systems, but intentions are meaningless without
meaningful application, and DITB uses their time and resources to the benefit of the people they serve
100%.
Drop In The Bucket is one of the most inspirational water charities I have had the opportunity to interact with. They do so much more than provide clean water - they change lives through building wells and sanitation systems, micro-loans, and implementing girl's clubs to empower females. The organization does an excellent job of looking at the big picture and then figuring out local ways to implement sustainable and long-term change. The best part is that I know exactly where my donation is going. Drop in the Bucket wants to keep their donors in the loop and keep them connected to what is happening, and they do so through yearly newsletters, recent photos, and real stories. There is no doubt in my mind that what they are doing has a positive and influential impact on children's lives.
I believe that water is a fundamental human right for every being on this planet. I have come across many organizations that help do this and I am so glad I found Drop in the Bucket. They have such a precise execution program that leaves no loop holes. Eliminating water issues region by region. I have enjoyed seeing the photographs of the schools in which we have raised enough money for a water well. I think that is the best part is having an organization that is so transparent and you know with all your heart that the money is being put in for good use and the hard work of raising money provides concrete results. The staff is readily available if anyone has questions or concerns, and have also made time to speak at my fundraising events. I am not sure you can find another organization that is all around wonderful in every level. Keep up the great work!
A great charity that has done amazing work. They have done a tremendous amount of work in bringing clean water and even more importantly water education to Africa. They help remote areas get clean water, keep the wells clean and many of their wells are setup near schools.
As a volunteer writer, I have been helping Drop In The Bucket build water wells and sanitation systems to benefit the children of Sub-Saharan Africa. Of all the volunteer work I have done, this has been the most inspiring and rewarding. The children in this region have suffered through years of conflict and deprivation. They want to attend school so they can build a better future for themselves and their families. The lack of nearby clean water and sanitation means that they either spend part of the school day hiking and carrying heavy containers of water or, in many cases, they must remain home because of illness related to unsanitary water sources. Drop In The Bucket has helped thousands of these children by providing fresh water and sanitary toilet facilities right at their schools, enabling the kids, their families and the surrounding communities to enjoy the benefits we take for granted. The organization works directly on-site with the beneficiaries to be sure they are involved in the process at every step. Sustainability is emphasized through the establishment of local water councils and an innovative savings and loan program. These people are extremely dedicated and committed to helping the children of Africa stay healthy and realize their dreams.
Review from Guidestar
