How we choose our incredible impact partners

There are hundreds, if not thousands of organisations doing amazing work in water and sanitation. Unfortunately, we can’t fund them all. So how do we choose which organisations to fund? Great question! So great, in fact, we’ve decided to write a whole blog post about it. You’re reading it right now, in case that wasn’t clear.

“Our mission is to help everyone in the world have access to a toilet as quickly and as sustainably as possible.”

We have 4 main considerations when choosing our impact partners.

1. Keeping it local

Creating change takes time, and requires a deep understanding of local landscapes. Every culture thinks about sanitation differently and every community has different power dynamics, communication styles and histories. Some places rain and some places don’t. Some places have hard soil, some don’t. Some say toe-may-toe, some say toe-mah-toe. All of these things have an impact on what kind of toilet will work best in a specific region. (Except the tomato thing, but you get the point.) That’s why we make sure that our partners have deep relationships with the places they work.

2. Helping the most vulnerable

The same inequalities that exist in our societies can be seen in our water and toilet systems. Some groups are further behind than others and face multiple barriers to even their most basic needs, like water. People living in extreme poverty, with disabilities, and women and girls are especially vulnerable.

If we want to ensure everyone on Earth has access to a toilet and clean water (which we do!), we know we need to invest in organisations that target the hardest to reach, the invisible, to bring them front and centre. Our mission isn’t accomplished if anyone is left behind.

“Our mission isn’t accomplished if anyone is left behind.”

3. A proven track record

It may seem obvious, but we look for organisations that have proven their ability to have a sustained impact. There are plenty of well-meaning groups who misjudge the challenges of working within certain communities and end up moving on to other projects. We want to make sure we’re donating to groups that are up for the challenge and in it for the long haul.

All of our partners have always delivered on their plans by doing the hard work to make change happen. And that’s saying a lot! It’s not easy to make a difference – we’re honoured to be along for the ride.

4. Sustainable change

In a dream world, toilets would pay for themselves. Maybe they’d have jobs and pay rent and keep furry pets. Actually, nevermind. That would be super weird.

The point is, we’re not just interested in building toilets, but toilet systems. This is important, because it’s the only way generations of people can continue to access clean water and sanitation. And it requires a more holistic approach: looking at government policies, regulations for the private sector, taxes, customer service and more. That’s what we’re here for - not just a moment, but sustained, life-giving access to clean water and toilets. We partner with people who are trying to build and strengthen these systems, instead of one-off projects.

At the end of the day, we look for organisations with the biggest impact. Our mission is to ensure everyone has access to clean water and a toilet. It’s important to us that our partners share that mission. That’s why we’re proud to work with WaterAid Australia, Fresh Life and Water For People – all incredible organisations that are changing the game in water and sanitation.