Poverty (2011 Q2)

Poverty
Featured beneficiary in the POVERTY category for second quarter 2011:
WATER FOR PEOPLE

WATER FOR PEOPLEWater For People helps people in developing countries improve quality of life by supporting the development of locally sustainable drinking water resources, sanitation facilities, and hygiene education programs. Around the world, 884 million people do not have access to safe drinking water and 2.6 billion are without adequate sanitation facilities.

Every day, nearly 6,000 people who share our planet die from water-related illnesses, and the vast majority are children. But the real failures are all the broken pumps, filled latrines, and solutions that don't address the problem. We want to change all that.

The solution? Programs that last and examine entire districts and regions rather than purely households and villages. Create solutions that last, and not only do people benefit for a long period, but organizations don't have to expend time and energy going back again and again to the same location. Our vision is a world where all people have access to safe drinking water and sanitation, a world where no one suffers or dies from a water- or sanitation-related disease. That vision is within reach and we hope you'll join us.

What's an FBB ENCORE?

encoreEach year, beneficiaries drawing the highest level of member support and enthusiasm are featured again the following year as Encores. There is no limit to the number of years an organization may receive an "Encore" from the Foundation. After receiving the single highest vote total in our member poll, Water for People returns this year as one of eight Encore beneficiaries from 2010.


LEARN MORE ABOUT WATER FOR PEOPLE
Website: waterforpeople.org
Annual Expenses: $8.2 million
Charity Navigator review: WFP

ABOUT THE SELECTION PROCESS

Foundation Beyond Belief highlights ten charitable organizations per quarter. Among other considerations, beneficiaries are chosen for efficiency, effectiveness, moderate size (annual budget under $10 million), compatibility with humanist focus on mutual care of this world and this life, and geographic diversity. All categories feature secular organizations with the exception of "Challenge the Gap," which gives members the option of supporting one progressive, non-proselytizing religious organization each quarter.

Active members can help us choose future beneficiaries by researching and nominating charities and by discussing, debating, and advocating for the causes of their choice through our social network and discussion forums. Final decisions are made by the Board, but collective member input is among the most important considerations.