Water for People

I am a big supporter of the Mission of Water for People. I am a bit interested on why Pope Francis is pushing Water.org? Any feedback on possible reasons.

The thing that sold me on Water For People is they are in the business of making the communities where they work NEVER need another NGO ever again. That is real development, and that is why I support them.

I saw a negative comment on here of 1 star and I wanted to make a statement to clarify that they are actually a LEAN organization and nowhere near a 1-star status. My cousin works for Water For People and she talks so highly of the organization that when I was looking to donate to a worthwhile organization I started doing my research on them, and I can say it, they are a GREAT transparent and accountable organization. They have never gone over 19% of overhead (Management and fundraising expenses). In fact, in reviewing the 990 from 2009 (which the 1-star comment refers too) they actually only spent 17% on overhead expenses. Even more, Water For People’s comment states they actually had 150 employees in 2009, I would say that many employees getting paid out of $3million alongside other management and fundraising costs… and with the impact they had in 2009 and continue to have in the places where they work…. Um, I would say THAT IS A HIGHLY EFFECTIVE ORGANIZATION and a FIVE-STAR status.

In response to Robroy, I am sorry you must have misunderstood the form, and it is something to be carefully read. Your facts may be inaccurate. This organization has fervently been helping and building itself to get crucial water for peoples of countries and areas that do not have the luxury of tap water at hand for the majority of us, or a quick stop at the convenient store for a bottle, or freely put on tables at restaurants, many of do not even drink! I suggest you watch "The Flow of Water" and rethink and reread this document. See how a major corporation who manufactures many of the products you probably consume, has bought so much land the water comes from in many regions of India, then charge them for it. India makes no money on this. Water for People is NOT a corporation and is of a humanity base. Strictly out of compassion and love for humanity. We should all be like this. Please read again and see it all deeper. I have seen the passion of Water For People.. Thank you.

This organizations recent (2009) Form 990 indicates that about $3 million goes to salaries, for an organization with 5 employees, out of their $8 million revenue. Something doesn't make sense here. Simply the fact that about 38 cents of every $1 of revenue goes to salaries in the organization is concerning- why the high overhead? And for only 5 employees? Where is the $3 million in salary & compensation going? This organization needs a full and transparent audit before I even consider donating.

Around the world, developing countries are littered with broken down wells and abandoned latrines. Clean water and safe sanitation are truly compelling needs. However, it does little good to meet these needs if systems quickly break; if girls have to return to a life of carrying water, and babies are again dying from preventable waterborne illnesses. Water For People goes beyond just counting how many people have services that first year. It places greater emphasis on how long those systems last—if they are truly sustainable in future years. Our family foundation has made several major gifts to Water For People. Our due diligence has revealed a well run, transparent, and honest organization However, the key differentiation is that their monitoring and evaluation results are compelling. The tangible proof of sustainability shows that our funds money and time are well invested.

Last spring I was fortunate to visit Uganda. While there, I had the opportunity to visit some of the rural communities where Water For People is working with local groups to provide safe water and sanitation. It was truly moving to see the respectful manner with which Water For People staff worked with the local community members. But even more moving was seeing the impact that clean water and sanitation had on the lives of people in the community. It really does change lives.