Waves for Water
Waves for Water is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that delivers clean water access to underserved communities and disaster zones in 48+ countries through portable filters, bore-hole wells, rainwater harvesting, a traveler Courier Program, and a veteran-led Clean Water Corps.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2009
- HeadquartersLos Angeles, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Waves for Water does
Waves for Water is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2009 by professional surfer Jon Rose in Los Angeles, California, that provides clean water access to underserved communities and disaster-affected populations globally. The organization deploys three core technical solutions: portable water filtration systems (each unit serves up to 100 people for five years, delivering approximately 1,000,000 gallons), bore-hole well construction and renovation, and rainwater harvesting and storage systems. Operations are delivered through three primary program vehicles: the Courier Program, which mobilizes travelers to carry and implement filters in 90+ countries; the Clean Water Corps, a veteran-led task force of 40 personnel operating in West and East regions; and Disaster Relief Programs providing a three-phase response (immediate filtration, community water stations, long-term infrastructure). Across its operating history, the organization has implemented 155 clean water programs across 48 countries, impacted an estimated 3,750,000 people, and responded to 33 major natural disasters.
The organization monetizes exclusively through charitable giving and product sales: individual donations (with $45 funding clean water for 6 families), corporate CSR partnerships with 25+ brands including BMW, Dockers, TUMI, Nike, and PayPal, peer-to-peer fundraising pages, and Courier Program filter sales at $50 per unit. It maintains a small core team of 11–50 employees with country directors in Haiti and Peru, a public health director, and a board that includes Guga Ketzer and Zeb Stewart among others. Geographic footprint spans every populated continent with active programming in the Philippines, Nepal, Haiti, Brazil, Honduras, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Fiji, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and the United States. A monitoring and evaluation program uses customized digital surveys for baseline community water assessment and post-implementation household surveys.
The go-to-market model is community-led and hybrid: implementation occurs through local volunteer networks empowered by the "Help The Helpers" approach, supplemented by veteran-led rapid deployment teams and traveler-mediated distribution. Marketing leverages founder credibility, celebrity ambassadors (Neymar Jr., Quincy Davis), documentary content via Red Bull, organic social campaigns like #NoFilter, and corporate partner amplification. The organization is also officially registered as a charity in Australia, formalizing multi-jurisdiction operations.
Waves for Water firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Waves for Water
- Legal name
- Waves For Water, Inc.
- Website
- https://wavesforwater.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2009
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Waves for Water is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that delivers clean water access to underserved communities and disaster zones in 48+ countries through portable filters, bore-hole wells, rainwater harvesting, a traveler Courier Program, and a veteran-led Clean Water Corps.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Waves for Water industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Humanitarian Clean Water Access Services
- NAICS
- Water Supply and Irrigation Systems (221310)
- SIC
- Water Supply (4941)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH) Solutions (BPAGALAI)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH) Emergency Services (BPAGAAAE), Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH) Emergency Services (BPADADAD)
Keywords
Where Waves for Water is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Los Angeles
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Waves for Water business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Individual Donations: Individual donors contribute through the website's donation portal. A $45 donation can provide 6 families, or 30 individuals, with clean water for years. Donors can give one-time or recurring donations.
- Corporate Partnerships: Corporate partners such as BMW, Dockers, TUMI, Nike, and others fund specific programs, provide product donations, or engage employees in water projects. These include multi-year CSR initiatives and campaign-based support.
- Fundraising Campaigns: Supporters create personalized crowdfunding pages to raise funds for specific programs. 100% of funds raised are used towards Waves for Water programs.
- Courier Program Filter Sales: Couriers purchase water filters ($50/filter for MVP Water Filter, also available: Renegade Water Filter) to deliver during their travels. This serves as both a product sale and volunteer mechanism.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Donation/ grant-funded | One Time Donation | $45 donation provides clean water for 6 families (30 individuals) |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Water filters sold to couriers at $50 per filter |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
Waves for Water product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Waves for Water provides clean water access to underserved communities and disaster-affected populations through three core technical solutions: portable water filtration systems (each serving 100 people for up to 5 years), bore-hole well construction and renovation, and rainwater harvesting/storage systems. These solutions are delivered via the veteran-led Clean Water Corps, the Courier Program (traveler-volunteer distribution model), and rapid disaster response initiatives across 48+ countries.
Product overview
Waves For Water is a 501(c)(3) humanitarian organization that provides clean water access through three core solutions: portable water filtration systems, rainwater harvesting systems, and bore-hole well construction/renovation. The organization operates several interconnected programs including the Courier Program (DIY volunteer model enabling travelers to distribute filters), the Clean Water Corps (veteran-based task force), and Disaster Relief Programs. Additional offerings include a Fundraising Platform for supporters. The organization has implemented 155 clean water programs in 48 countries, impacting an estimated 3,750,000 people.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Clean Water Corps (CWC): A veteran-based clean water task force within Waves for Water, operated entirely by veterans combining guerrilla humanitarianism with military organization, discipline, strategy and planning to combat global water-borne disease.
Products and services
- Portable Water Filtration Systems
- Rainwater Harvesting Systems
Quantifiable outcome
- One filter provides 100 people with clean water for up to 5 years, delivering 1,000,000 gallons/3,785,410 liters per lifespan
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Waves for Water
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Waves for Water technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature2 records
Waves for Water partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
25 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- DockerscoreMulti-year partnership addressing water crisis on two fronts: water conservation in developed world and clean water access in developing world. Humanitarian-focused program targeting factory workers and communities in Dockers' supply chain across India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Cambodia.
- BMWcoreCare4Water CSR Initiative - BMW's largest CSR initiative with Waves for Water. Engages 8,000+ global employees to support water projects. Implemented over 11,000 water filtration systems across Thailand, Mexico, India, South Africa, Brazil, and Mongolia.
- TUMIcoreAnnual World Water Day fundraising event partnership. In 2018 alone, implemented 4,381 filtration systems, 28 rain catchment systems, and 12 wells, impacting 300,000+ people worldwide.
- HurleyminorPartner from 2011-2019. Focused on engaging the masses to raise awareness of global water crisis and solutions through Waves for Water, providing platform and monetary support.
- NikeminorGame Changer Kit partnership - disaster response kit combining sports equipment and clean water filters. Engages youth through soccer balls while teaching water filtration. Sport and water equals health and happiness.
- Red BullminorFeature-length documentary about founder Jon Rose and Waves for Water's mission to bring clean water access to everyone. Documentary available on Red Bull TV platform.
- H&MminorLet's Reuse campaign in Philippines - customers charged PhP 2.00 for paper bags, proceeds go to Waves for Water Philippines clean water projects. Multiple implementation locations including Porac, La Union, Tawi-tawi, Bohol, and others.
- PaneraiminorPartnership with Clean Water Corps targeting Honduras and Colombia. Luxury watch maker partners to bring clean water to isolated communities, staying true to military heritage.
- PayPalcoreCompetition for Good - World Cup partnership with Neymar Jr. Institute. 5,000 water filters implemented, impacting 125,000+ people across 12 cities in Brazil during 2014 World Cup.
- Dakar RallyminorSocial impact project using Dakar off-road rally as footprint to implement water filtration systems for schools and families in Pisco, Marcona, and Arequipa, Peru.
- Free PeopleminorCapsule collection of clothing - t-shirt purchases contributed to Free People's $50,000 donation to W4W. Campaign shot with ambassador Quincy Davis during W4W implementations in Puerto Rico.
- AmBevminorProject Amazon - surfed Pororoca wave while implementing water filtration systems to riverside villagers along the way in the Amazon.
- Global Shapers CommunityminorInitiative of World Economic Forum - network of young people under 30 partnered on projects throughout South and Central America, currently impacting 18,500 people.
- Mitsubishi MotorsminorRally Dos Sertoes partnership - annual off-road rally in Brazil. Mitsubishi provided 4x4 truck loaded with filters for implementation in villages along the course.
- Hope For HaitiminorHurricane Matthew Response - large-scale clean water program in Southwest Haiti devastated by the hurricane. Implemented 1,875 systems in five communities with local team over two months.
- San MiguelminorClean water for every Filipino - commitment to provide clean water access in underserved communities in the Philippines through sustainable development.
- World Surf Leagueminor2 full seasons of clean water activations in parallel with 18 events globally, impacting 100,000 people. Also supported disaster relief in Viti Levu, Fiji after Cyclone Winston.
- 30 Seconds OutminorDeploying veterans globally - joined forces with Clean Water Corps to support deploying veterans in the global water crisis.
- Neymar Jr. InstitutecoreInstituto Projeto Neymar Jr. partnered on World Cup clean water initiative in Brazil, providing access to clean water in underserved communities in all host cities.
- Panerai Clean Water ProjectsminorTargeting Honduras and Colombia with clean water initiatives through Clean Water Corps, bringing access to isolated communities.
- CanvaminorCanva for Non-Profits partnership since 2021, providing access to clean water to remote communities across the Philippines. Multiple implementation locations including Camarines Sur, Davao Del Sur, Mindoro, Palawan.
- Project PargominorAustralia's first Drinkware company - every purchase provides funds to implement clean water filters. Projects in Indonesia and Philippines including Sumbawa, Zambales, Pangasinan, Isla Verde, Brooke's Point.
- AvedaminorShow You Care campaign supporting Waves for Water Philippines. Earth Month celebrations and employee engagement in clean water projects in La Union and Quezon.
- Sunnies Studiosminor1% of all sales through 1% for the Planet commitment goes to Waves for Water. Supported provision of water filters to over 3,500 households across 12 provinces in Philippines.
- World Surf League Fiji ReliefminorDisaster relief support in Viti Levu, Fiji after Cyclone Winston hit the island on February 20th, 2016.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves5 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Waves for Water competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Water.org: Global nonprofit co-founded by Matt Damon and Gary White tackling the water crisis through market-based financing (WaterCredit) and infrastructure. Highly comparable as a brand-led, donation-funded WASH organization working across multiple developing countries.
- charity: water: A US-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit exclusively focused on providing clean and safe drinking water to people in developing countries via funded water projects. The most direct comparand to Waves for Water by mission, donor model, and geographic footprint.
- WaterAid: International nonprofit focused exclusively on clean water, sanitation, and hygiene in the world's poorest communities. Comparable mission, multi-country footprint, and donor-supported operating model.
- Lifewater International: Faith-based nonprofit providing clean water and hygiene education to rural villages in Africa, Asia, and Central America. Comparable community-led WASH model with bore-hole well construction and long-term monitoring programs.
- WaterMission: Christian nonprofit engineering clean water, sanitation, and hygiene solutions in developing countries and disaster zones. Directly comparable WASH deployment model with both sustainable and emergency response programs.
Broad incumbents
- Mercy Corps: Large global humanitarian agency working in conflict zones, disasters, and developing countries, with water/sanitation among its core sectors. Comparable in disaster deployment capability and global WASH programming, but at materially larger scale.
- International Rescue Committee: Major humanitarian NGO providing emergency relief, post-conflict support, and long-term development, including WASH programming. Comparable as a disaster-driven humanitarian org with multi-country footprint, much larger staff and budget.
- Concern Worldwide: Larger international humanitarian organization addressing extreme poverty through programs including water and sanitation. Comparable in disaster response, multi-country operations, and donation-based funding at greater scale.
- UNICEF (WASH Programs): United Nations agency with the largest global WASH mandate, funding and implementing water and sanitation programs across 150+ countries. Comparable in WASH focus and disaster response scale, but operates as an intergovernmental body rather than a small nonprofit.
Regional players
- Hope for Haiti: Haitian-based nonprofit delivering clean water, food security, education, and health programs in southern Haiti, with active WASH deployment similar to Waves for Water's Caribbean disaster response work (e.g., Hurricane Matthew). Comparable as a boots-on-the-ground WASH nonprofit; smaller and Haiti-specific geographically.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Waves for Water social profiles
Digital presenceWaves for Water financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Waves for Water leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles10 records
Waves for Water funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Waves for Water M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Waves for Water
What does Waves for Water do?
Waves for Water provides clean water access to underserved communities and disaster-affected populations through three core technical solutions: portable water filtration systems (each serving 100 people for up to 5 years), bore-hole well construction and renovation, and rainwater harvesting/storage systems. These solutions are delivered via the veteran-led Clean Water Corps, the Courier Program (traveler-volunteer distribution model), and rapid disaster response initiatives across 48+ countries.
Is Waves for Water a public or private company?
Waves for Water is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Waves for Water founded?
Waves for Water was founded in 2009. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Waves for Water based?
Waves for Water is headquartered in Los Angeles, United States, in the North America region.
How does Waves for Water make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Individual Donations are the primary driver. The others are corporate Partnerships, fundraising Campaigns and courier Program Filter Sales.
Who are Waves for Water's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Water.org, charity: water, WaterAid, Lifewater International and WaterMission. Broad incumbents are Mercy Corps, International Rescue Committee, Concern Worldwide and UNICEF (WASH Programs). Hope for Haiti is listed as a regional player.
Does Waves for Water have an API?
No public API is recorded for Waves for Water.
What industry is Waves for Water in?
Waves for Water's product category is Humanitarian Clean Water Access Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGALAI, Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH) Solutions, with a secondary code of BPAGAAAE, Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH) Emergency Services. Its NAICS code is 221310 and its SIC code is 4941.