How to make a donation

1. How do I make a donation to WaterAid America using my credit or debit card?
2. What are the other ways that I can donate to WaterAid?
3. Is my gift tax deductible?
4. Can I buy a well or fund a specific project?
5. Can you put a plaque on a well in recognition of our support?
6. How do I make a bequest gift to WaterAid?
7. Who can I contact with any other queries about donating to WaterAid?

1. How do I make a donation to WaterAid America using my credit or debit card?

WaterAid America has an easy to use, secure online giving facility where you can make one-time or regular donations using your Visa, American Express or Mastercard. To make your gift, simply visit our donate page.

The page offers you the option of making your gift in honor or in memory of someone. We will send an acknowledgment of your gift to whomever you request.

2. What are the other ways that I can donate to WaterAid?

If you would prefer to mail us your check, money order or credit card details, simply download, print and complete this form (PDF 23KB) and send it to: WaterAid America, 232 Madison Avenue, Suite 1202, New York, NY 10016.

Other options for supporting WaterAid America include:

• Make a bequest to WaterAid America.
• Contribute a gift of appreciated stock or mutual funds, which can provide many tax advantages including avoiding federal and state tax on capital gains and receiving an income tax deduction for the full market value of your gift.
• Find out if your employer offers a matching gift program – if so, ask for the company’s matching gift form, fill it out, and send it to us. We’ll take care of the rest!
• Set up a personal fundraising page where others can make donations to WaterAid America on your behalf if you are participating in a sponsored event or as an alternative to birthday, holiday or wedding gifts. 
• Buy or sell goods to support WaterAid America on eBay.
• Organize a fundraising event at your school, place of work or with your local group.
• Buy a virtual gift in WaterAid's SH₂OP for life
• Encourage all your friends, family, coworkers and neighbors to support WaterAid America too.
  
• Sign up for our monthly enewsletter and forward it on to spread the word.
  

3. Is my gift tax deductible?

WaterAid America is a nonprofit organization and contributions are fully tax-deductible under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

4. Can I buy a well or fund a specific project?

Rather than asking supporters to fund individual items, we prefer to direct funds to our work in general. Unrestricted funds allow us to respond quickly when situations change, and give us the security to plan future projects. We do however give cost examples on our website to show a range of items that your funds might be used for, and you can purchase virtual gifts such as faucets or handpumps in WaterAid's SH₂OP for life.

Larger donations can be linked to a particular country program or project. Once the donation has been linked, we can provide updates showing how the money has been used. For further information please contact us.

5. Can you put a plaque on a well in recognition of my support?

As a rule, we do not allow signs from our supporters at our project sites. WaterAid involves the community at all stages of the project to help ensure the community feels ownership of the project and assumes the responsibility for actively maintaining the facilities long after WaterAid and our project partners have left the area. We feel this sense of community ownership would be undermined by displaying supporters' names on the wells or other items of hardware.

6. How do I make a bequest gift to WaterAid?

Bequests are a wonderful way to make an impact on the work of WaterAid America and leave a meaningful legacy. A gift through your will or living trust is fully deductible from your estate and can significantly reduce taxes on the balance of your estate.

If you choose to name WaterAid America in your will, the suggested language is:

I give and bequeath to WaterAid America, Inc., 232 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10016, a New York not-for-profit organization, the sum of $____ (or ___ percent of my residuary estate) for such purposes as the Board of Directors of WaterAid America shall determine to be in the best interest of the organization.

Opting to make a residuary bequest is particularly valuable to us, as it generally increases in value over time, as opposed to an exact figure (specific bequest), which usually erodes over time due to inflation.

No matter how you choose to give, please ask a legal professional to check your Will to ensure it is valid and give you peace of mind.

We are very thankful for your support and would appreciate knowing if you include WaterAid America in your estate plans so that we may acknowledge your commitment.

Please see the planned giving webpage for further information.

7. Who can I contact with any other queries about donating to WaterAid America?

Please call us at (212) 683-0430 with any questions or queries. The office is open from 9am to 5pm EST Monday-Friday. Or you can email us.