Water is Life Fund

The Water is Life Fund supports community-led water projects designed to fund creative, high-impact solutions developed by local change makers that provide access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) to people in the United States, U.S. territories, and sovereign tribal nations.

Funder Partnership: Program was designed with the Kohler Company.

Geographic Scope

• United States
• U.S. territories
• Sovereign tribal nations within U.S. borders
• Priority: Projects on the Navajo Nation will be prioritized, but other applicants may be considered depending on demand

Eligibility Requirements

• Project must be based in the U.S., U.S. territories, or on sovereign tribal nations within U.S. borders
• Project must measurably improve access to water, sanitation, and/or hygiene for target recipients
• Project must be designed to meet human needs
• If applying on behalf of an organization: organization must have an annual operating budget of less than $3 million

What the Fund Supports

• Repairs on vehicles to keep delivering water to elders in communities
• Water quality testing at local schools
• Deploying solar-powered water filtration systems
• Community-led, creative, and long-lasting WASH projects

What the Fund Does NOT Support

• Livestock or agricultural water projects
• Personal water bills
• Livestock troughs for community use
• Irrigation systems for crops

Contact Information

• Email: waterislife@digdeepwater.org
• Phone: (424) 285-0773
• Mailing Address: DigDeep, c/o Water is Life Fund, 110 W 11th St, Suite 400, Los Angeles, CA 90015

Background

The fund name "Water is Life" references the Lakota translation "Mní Wicóni," which became the rallying cry of Water Protectors against the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) at Standing Rock. DigDeep honors the Indigenous Water Protectors who have been stewards of the land and its resources.

How to Apply

Application Status: Open on a rolling basis

1. Online Application: Apply through the website portal
2. Mail Application: Download the application form or contact waterislife@digdeepwater.org and (424) 285-0773 to have an application mailed to you
3. Submission: Send completed applications to:
   • DigDeep, c/o Water is Life Fund
   • 110 W 11th St, Suite 400
   • Los Angeles, CA 90015

Application Materials Required: (Specific details not provided in website content)