10 Grants to Support Water Access in Underserved Communities

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Access to clean and safe water is a fundamental human right, yet millions of people around the world, particularly in underserved communities, still lack access to this essential resource. Water scarcity, poor infrastructure, and inadequate sanitation continue to plague regions in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, leaving many without a reliable source of potable water. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs), community groups, and governments are working tirelessly to change this reality, and grants play a significant role in making these efforts possible. In this article, we'll explore ten grants that support water access in underserved communities and provide insight into how these funds are being used to improve water security, sanitation, and hygiene.

These grants are an essential part of the global effort to combat water insecurity, and they highlight how various organizations, foundations, and governments are coming together to provide clean water solutions to those who need it most. Whether you're part of an organization working to improve water access or simply interested in how funding is supporting global water initiatives, these grant programs can provide valuable inspiration and opportunities for funding.

### 1. The Water for People Grant Program

Water For People is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing clean water and sanitation solutions in underserved communities across the globe. Through its grant program, the organization partners with local communities and governments to improve water access and create long-term, sustainable water systems.

Water For People works primarily in countries such as India, Uganda, Honduras, and Malawi, where water scarcity and sanitation challenges are prevalent. The grants provided by Water For People support the building of community-managed water systems, the installation of piped water networks, and the improvement of sanitation facilities. By empowering local communities to take ownership of these systems, Water For People ensures that water access remains sustainable and equitable for generations to come.

### 2. The USAID Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Program

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has long been a key player in global efforts to address water insecurity. Through its Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) program, USAID provides funding to organizations that work to improve water access, sanitation, and hygiene practices in underserved regions.

The WASH program offers grants to NGOs and community organizations operating in countries with limited access to safe water. These grants are used to support a wide range of projects, including building water infrastructure, promoting hygiene education, and implementing sanitation facilities. The program also supports the development of innovative technologies to address water challenges in rural and remote areas.

USAID's WASH program is an essential resource for organizations working to improve water access in places like sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and parts of Latin America. The grants help enhance the health, education, and economic opportunities of the communities they serve, providing individuals and families with the tools they need to thrive.

### 3. The Wellspring Foundation for Education Grant Program

The Wellspring Foundation for Education is an NGO that works to improve education and water access in communities in Rwanda. In addition to providing educational support, the foundation has launched several initiatives aimed at increasing access to clean water in rural and underserved areas.

Through its grant program, the Wellspring Foundation funds projects that focus on the construction of rainwater harvesting systems, wells, and water filtration systems in schools and communities. These projects ensure that students have access to clean water during the school day, while also benefiting the wider community. The Wellspring Foundation's grants help provide sustainable water solutions, with a particular emphasis on rural areas where access to clean water is often limited.

### 4. The Coca-Cola Foundation Water Grants

The Coca-Cola Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Coca-Cola, has long been committed to supporting global water sustainability initiatives. Through its water grants program, the foundation provides funding to projects that aim to improve water access, sanitation, and hygiene, particularly in underserved communities.

The Coca-Cola Foundation has funded numerous water projects worldwide, ranging from the construction of water wells and filtration systems to supporting watershed protection and water conservation efforts. The foundation's grant programs are designed to promote long-term sustainability, with a focus on community-based solutions that provide reliable access to clean water. Coca-Cola Foundation grants are typically awarded to NGOs and other community organizations working on water-related issues in developing countries.

### 5. The Global Water Partnership (GWP) Grants

The Global Water Partnership (GWP) is an international network that works to promote integrated water resources management (IWRM) and ensure water security for communities around the world. GWP offers grants to organizations and initiatives that focus on water conservation, sustainable water management, and improving access to water in underserved regions.

GWP's grants support projects that aim to address water scarcity, improve water governance, and increase access to clean water for vulnerable populations. The organization collaborates with governments, NGOs, and local communities to implement water-related solutions that promote equity, sustainability, and resilience. GWP's funding is instrumental in helping communities in regions like Central Asia, the Middle East, and sub-Saharan Africa access reliable water sources.

### 6. The African Water Facility (AWF) Grants

The African Water Facility (AWF) is an initiative of the African Development Bank that aims to improve water access across the African continent. Through its grant program, the AWF funds projects that address water scarcity, improve water supply infrastructure, and enhance sanitation in underserved communities.

AWF grants are awarded to African governments, NGOs, and regional organizations that are working to address the continent's water challenges. These grants support the development of water infrastructure projects, such as the construction of water storage systems, piped water networks, and rainwater harvesting systems. AWF also funds initiatives that focus on capacity building, knowledge sharing, and strengthening water governance across Africa.

### 7. The IKEA Foundation Water Access Program

The IKEA Foundation, known for its commitment to social responsibility, also provides grants to projects that aim to increase access to clean water in underserved communities. The foundation's water access program supports projects that focus on both water supply and sanitation, with an emphasis on sustainability and community involvement.

The IKEA Foundation works with local partners to implement water access projects in regions where clean water is scarce. The foundation's grants help fund water filtration systems, wells, and sanitation facilities, particularly in rural areas of India, East Africa, and Southeast Asia. Through these projects, the IKEA Foundation is helping to improve health and quality of life for millions of people by providing them with reliable access to safe water.

### 8. The UNDP Water and Sanitation Program

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) supports water and sanitation initiatives around the world through its Water and Sanitation Program. The program provides grants to governments, NGOs, and community-based organizations that work to improve water access in underserved regions, with a particular focus on low-income and rural communities.

UNDP's water and sanitation grants fund a range of projects, including the construction of water systems, the rehabilitation of existing infrastructure, and the provision of sanitation facilities. The program also supports capacity-building efforts to help communities manage their own water resources. UNDP's grants are instrumental in supporting countries to meet the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, which aims to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

### 9. The Rockefeller Foundation Water Resilience Grants

The Rockefeller Foundation is dedicated to promoting resilience in vulnerable communities, and water resilience is a key component of this mission. The foundation provides grants to organizations that are working to address water insecurity and improve water access in regions affected by climate change, drought, and population growth.

Through its water resilience program, the Rockefeller Foundation funds initiatives that focus on sustainable water management, water conservation, and water reuse technologies. The foundation partners with NGOs, research institutions, and governments to implement projects that enhance water access in regions like sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia. These grants support innovative solutions that help communities adapt to changing water availability and improve their overall water security.

### 10. The Water.org Grant Program

Water.org is a nonprofit organization focused on providing affordable access to clean water and sanitation to underserved communities, especially in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Water.org provides grants to local organizations, NGOs, and community-based groups that are working to improve water access through innovative financing models, including microfinance loans.

Through its grant program, Water.org helps organizations expand water access by building wells, installing water filtration systems, and supporting community-driven sanitation initiatives. By leveraging grants, Water.org has been able to empower local communities to take charge of their own water access and improve overall public health and sanitation.

### Conclusion

Water access remains a pressing challenge in many underserved communities around the world, and grants are playing a crucial role in addressing this issue. Whether it's through providing direct funding for water infrastructure projects, promoting innovative water management practices, or supporting community-driven solutions, grants are making a tangible difference in improving water access and sanitation. The 10 grants highlighted in this article represent just a small sample of the funding opportunities available to organizations working on water issues. By securing these grants, NGOs and community groups are helping millions of people gain access to clean, safe water, and working toward a future where everyone has access to this essential resource. If you're part of an organization focused on water access, these grants could provide the resources needed to make a meaningful impact on the communities you serve.

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