About us
We believe water is a right, and that lasting change is led locally.
Clearwater Trust funds and supports community-led water, sanitation and hygiene projects in nine countries. We've stayed small, local and accountable on purpose.
Our mission
To bring safe, lasting water to rural communities by backing the people who live there.
Our vision
A world where no child walks hours for water, and every tap keeps running.
Our story
Seventeen years, one village at a time
What started with one broken pump has grown into a network of partners, mechanics and committees, but the approach hasn't changed.
2009
A borehole and a promise
Founded in Portland after co-founder Grace Wanjiru's home village in Kenya asked for help fixing a broken well.
2012
Community committees
We make village water committees a condition of every project. Breakdowns fall by two thirds.
2015
First schools in Nepal
After the earthquake, we help 40 schools rebuild with rainwater harvesting built in.
2019
Sensors on every pump
Remote sensors flag breakdowns in hours. Repairs now average 3 days.
2023
One million people
Our partners reach the one-millionth person with safe, lasting water.
2026
Mechanics cooperatives
312 trained mechanics now run their own repair businesses across East Africa.
Leadership
The people behind the work
Grace Wanjiru
Programme Director
Daniel Okello
Chief Executive
Priya Shrestha
Head of Partnerships
Lucía Mamani
Field Lead, Bolivia
Board of directors
Our volunteer board meets quarterly and publishes its minutes. Two seats are held by community representatives from partner countries.
- Helen Abara, Chair
- Martin Kessler, Treasurer
- Dr. Ayesha Rahman
- Joseph Mwangi
- Carmen Vidal
- Tom Hargreaves
Financial transparency
Where your money goes
In 2025 we raised $18.6 million. Our accounts are independently audited every year, and every project is published with its cost and GPS location.
- Programs in the field84%
- Fundraising10%
- Management & admin6%
- Total income 2025
- $18.6M
- Cost to raise $1
- $0.12
Every $50 is a year of clean water for a family.
Give once or monthly. 84 cents of every dollar goes straight to the field.