Water.org meets the 20 Standards for Charity Accountability.
BBB Wise Giving Alliance Comment
In finding that Water.org meets Standard 8, which calls for a minimum of 65% of total expenses be spent on program service activities, BBB Wise Giving Alliance considered that, although the audited financial for the year ended September 30, 2020 report total expenses of $14,797,820 or 58% of its total expenses, program expenses were significantly affected by COVID-19 restrictions. As stated by the charity, "Our ability to execute our work was significantly impacted in 2020 due to lockdowns in the countries where we work and strains on their economies because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, our programmatic spending decreased while fundraising and administration expenses increased. We incurred unforeseen operational costs as a result of the pandemic, such as transitioning staff across the globe to a remote work environment and increasing our work and messaging related to handwashing."
Water.org reports that it works in 11 countries to help people get access to safe water and sanitation through affordable financing. The organization states that it, along with its 154 partners, raise awareness about the global water crisis and address the financial barrier of those living in poverty and having access to safe drinking water. Water.org and its partners work with local governments and public sector institutions to increase capital for household water and sanitation solutions. In 2020, the organization reports that it distributed 81 grants for water projects that directly affected 6,730,143 individuals.
For the year ended September 30, 2020, Water.org's program expenses were:
| Water programs |
$14,789,577 |
| Outreach |
$8,243 |
| Total Program Expenses: |
$14,797,820 |
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Chief Executive
Gary White, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer
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Compensation*
$363,723
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Chair of the Board
Hilary Schneider
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Chair's Profession / Business Affiliation
Chief Executive Officer, Shutterfly
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Board Size
15
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Paid Staff Size
102
*2019 compensation includes annual salary and, if applicable, benefit plans, expense accounts, and other allowances.
Method(s) Used:
Direct mail appeals, Grant proposals, Internet, Planned giving arrangements, Print advertisements (newspapers, magazines, etc.), Cause- related marketing (affinity credit cards, consumer product sales, etc.)
Fundraising costs were 19% of related contributions. (Related contributions, which totaled $18,753,575 are donations received as a result of fundraising activities.)
This organization is tax-exempt under section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code.It is eligible to receive contributions deductible as charitable donations for federal income tax purposes.
The following information is based on Water.org's audited financial statements for the year ended September 30, 2020.
| Source of Funds |
| Foundations, corporations, and other organizations |
$12,116,888 |
| Contributions |
$6,421,815 |
| Investment income |
$438,864 |
| Federated/workplace campaigns |
$196,404 |
| Other income |
$131,793 |
| In-kind contributions |
$18,468 |
| Total Income |
$19,324,232 |
- Programs: 59%
- Administrative: 28%
- Fundraising: 13%
| Total Income |
$19,324,232 |
| Program expenses |
$14,797,820 |
| Fundraising expenses |
$3,536,676 |
| Administrative expenses |
$7,153,051 |
| Other expenses |
$0 |
| Total expenses: |
$25,487,547 |
| Income in Excess of Expenses |
$-6,163,315 |
| Beginning Net Assets |
$20,286,029 |
| Other Changes In Net Assets |
$0 |
| Ending Net Assets |
$14,122,714 |
| Total Liabilities |
$8,297,455 |
| Total Assets |
$22,420,169 |
Note 1: According to Water.org's audited financial statements for the year ended September 30, 2020, the organization received $18,468 in contributed goods and services.
Note 2: In finding that Water.org meets Standard 8, which calls for a minimum of 65% of total expenses be spent on program service activities, BBB Wise Giving Alliance considered that, although the audited financial for the year ended September 30, 2020 report total expenses of $14,797,820 or 58% of its total expenses, program expenses were significantly affected by COVID-19 restrictions. As stated by the charity, "Our ability to execute our work was significantly impacted in 2020 due to lockdowns in the countries where we work and strains on their economies because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, our programmatic spending decreased while fundraising and administration expenses increased. We incurred unforeseen operational costs as a result of the pandemic, such as transitioning staff across the globe to a remote work environment and increasing our work and messaging related to handwashing."