By Rob Sisson
Water is essential—life simply cannot exist without it. That much is a given.
However, securing funding for sustainable water projects? That’s not always so straightforward. Let’s dive into some options that could support your next sustainable water initiative.
Partner with Rotary Experts – WASHRAG (1)
WASHRAG (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Rotary Action Group) is a group of dedicated experts with deep knowledge of WASH-related projects. They excel at designing impactful, sustainable water initiatives and provide valuable guidance on financing. WASHRAG members can also support your Rotary Global Grant applications and help ensure your water project is set up for long-term success.
Partner with Other Experts – Global Water Partnership (2)
With a global network of over 2,500 organizations, the Global Water Partnership (GWP) offers a reach almost as extensive as Rotary’s. Connecting with GWP’s local partners on the ground can significantly improve implementation and sustainability. Their expertise ensures your project will have the support needed to last.
Understand and Use “Blended Finance” (3)
Blended finance combines commercial investment with philanthropic and public funds to de-risk projects and attract more capital. It’s a broad topic—and a powerful tool—so it’s worth exploring further.
For a deeper understanding, check out OECD’s guide to blended finance for water (3) and this insightful webinar on mobilizing climate investment.
One specific opportunity is the Climate Bonds Initiative’s Water Infrastructure Criteria (5), which can be used to issue green bonds for water projects. While this route is more complex and typically suited for larger-scale efforts (or aggregated smaller ones), it can unlock significant funding.
Don’t Forget Global Grants! (6)
We need to submit more environmental Global Grants—and sustainable water initiatives are a perfect fit. While navigating the grant process alone can be challenging, partnering with groups like WASHRAG or GWP can provide essential guidance and support.
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