Filter of Hope

What Filter of Hope does

Filter of Hope is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, founded in 2013 by entrepreneur Bart Smelley after he experienced major wealth management fraud. The organization manufactures and distributes point-of-use hollow fiber membrane water filters to families without reliable access to clean drinking water, primarily across Latin America, the Caribbean, and Unreached People Group (UPG) countries in Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia. Each filter uses 0.1 micron perforations (the same membrane technology used in kidney dialysis) to remove harmful bacteria and microorganisms; the units produce up to 250 gallons of clean water per day, last 10 years with simple back-flushing maintenance, install in approximately 15 minutes, fit inside a quart-sized bag, and operate on gravity alone with no electricity required. Filter of Hope pairs physical water access with evangelical gospel presentation, using the filter as a tangible illustration of "Living Water" and routing distribution through local church partners for follow-up discipleship.

The organization operates a diversified, donor-funded go-to-market model spanning six revenue streams: individual donations (one-time at $50 per family filter and recurring via the Community of Hope monthly program at $50/$100/$250 tiers), mission trip fees ($870 per person all-inclusive plus $200 for five filters, with a 12-person minimum across 11 Latin American countries), direct e-commerce sales of filter kits at $40, business partner cause-marketing programs, partner organization wholesale purchases for field missions, and tax-advantaged giving (Donor-Advised Funds, IRA QCDs, stock/mutual fund donations through Ameriprise). Distribution runs through mission teams, 500+ U.S. church partners, 25+ international Partnership Directors with field offices in Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Belize, Panama, and Guatemala, and an emerging business partner channel.

Operationally, Filter of Hope reports reaching over 2 million people across 70-80 countries, with 130,000+ filters in active daily use producing an estimated 32 million gallons of clean water. The organization holds Charity Navigator Four-Star rating, ECFA accreditation, Candid Seal, Mission Excellence accreditation, MinistryWatch Shining Light Award (2025), and Great Nonprofits Top-Rated Award (2026). It is governed by a board chaired by Todd Cowart and led day-to-day by Founder/CEO Bart Smelley with a 41-person staff across U.S. distributed locations (Fishers IN, Austin TX, Tuscaloosa AL, and others) plus international field staff in Latin America, South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.

Name

Filter of Hope

Legal name

Filter of Hope

Website

https://filterofhope.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2013

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Filter of Hope is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit distributing portable hollow fiber membrane water filters that deliver 250 gallons of clean water daily for 10 years to families in 70+ countries, pairing humanitarian water access with evangelical gospel outreach through 500+ church and mission partner networks.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Humanitarian Water Filtration

NAICS

Water Supply and Irrigation Systems (221310), Water Supply and Irrigation Systems (22131)

SIC

Water Supply (4941)

akta.pro primary industry

Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH) Solutions (BPAGALAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

WASH (Water, Sanitation & Hygiene) Organizations (HLAJAKAI), Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH) (BPAGABAC)

Keywords

• Clean water filters
• Humanitarian aid
• Water filtration
• Mission trips
• Nonprofit ministry

Headquarters

HQ city

Tuscaloosa

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: Individual donors make one-time or recurring donations to fund water filter purchases and distribution. Donors can give $50 to provide a filter to a family, or contribute to specific campaigns like Summer of Hope Cameroon. Community of Hope monthly giving program provides sustained funding.
2. Mission Trip Fees: Church groups, schools, and organizations pay fees to participate in organized mission trips. All-inclusive in-country cost is $870 per person plus $200 for 5 water filters, $50 cultural day fee, and variable airfare. Trip minimum is 12 participants.
3. Merchandise Sales: Water filter kits and merchandise sold through the Filter of Hope store (store.filterofhope.org). Water filter kit costs $40 to purchase.
4. Corporate Partnerships: Business partners engage customers through cause marketing programs. Companies link purchases to specific families receiving filters, rally communities for fundraising, or inspire employees to raise funds.
5. Partner Organization Filter Sales: Partner organizations around the world purchase filters for use in their own mission efforts. This provides revenue while extending global reach.
6. Planned Giving: Accepts Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) gifts, IRA Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs), and stock/mutual fund donations. These provide tax-advantaged giving options for donors.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

Filter of Hope manufactures and distributes point-of-use hollow fiber membrane water filters that produce up to 250 gallons of clean water per day for 10 years per family. The organization combines physical clean water provision with gospel outreach and local church partnership across 70+ countries, supported by recurring donor programs, mission trips, and partner church/business networks.

Product overview

Filter of Hope is a humanitarian nonprofit organization that manufactures and distributes life-saving point-of-use water filters to families in need. The core product is the Hollow Fiber Membrane Water Filter, which provides up to 250 gallons of clean water daily for 10 years. The organization operates several digital platforms including a Donor Portal for managing monthly giving and a Online Store for purchasing filter kits. Service offerings include Mission Trips to Latin American countries where volunteers distribute filters and share the gospel, a Fundraising Platform for supporters to raise money for filters, the Kids' Clean Water Project educational program for churches and families, Community of Hope monthly donor program, and Unreached People Groups outreach in 18 countries. The water filters serve as a physical illustration of the gospel message while addressing the critical need for clean drinking water.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Hollow Fiber Membrane Water Filter Point-of-use water filter using hollow fiber membrane technology with 0.1 micron perforations; removes 100% of harmful bacteria and microorganisms including E. Coli; produces up to 250 gallons of clean water per day and lasts 10 years with simple back-flushing maintenance. Kit fits in a quart-sized bag, installs in about 15 minutes, and requires no electricity.
• Mission Trips to Latin America Custom 7-day short-term mission trips for church groups, schools, clubs, and organizations to 11 Latin American countries (Belize, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama). Teams distribute water filters and share the gospel. All-inclusive in-country cost is $870 per person plus $200 for 5 filters, $50 cultural day fee, and airfare; minimum 12 participants.
• Community of Hope Monthly Giving Program Monthly donor subscription program where supporters give $50, $100, or $250 per month to provide clean water to 1, 2, or 5 families respectively each month. Donors receive updates on specific families and locations their contributions support; first 3 months of giving are matched.
• Personal Fundraising Platform Online fundraising tools enabling individuals and groups to create personal fundraising pages with customizable goals and end dates to raise money for water filters and clean water projects.
• Kids' Clean Water Project Free educational program for K-6 children with a Church Edition (for children's ministry) and Home Edition (for families). Teaches children about the global water crisis and how they can help, including lessons, crafts, games, videos, and stories. Every $10 a child raises provides another child with clean water for 10 years.
• Unreached People Groups (UPG) Outreach Program Outreach initiative bringing clean water and the gospel to unreached people groups in 18 countries (Christians <2% of population) through partnerships with local Christian ministries such as Josiah Venture and Send Relief. Adoption model: $2,100 funds a village with 42 filters for 10 years; $25,000/year funds 500 filters in a country.
• Water Filter Kit Direct Sale Direct purchase of the hollow fiber membrane water filter kit for $40 through the Filter of Hope online store (store.filterofhope.org). Entire kit fits inside a quart-sized bag.
• Adopt a Village Program Sponsorship package providing a village with 42 water filters (1 shipping box) for 10 years along with gospel outreach, for a one-time $2,100 donation.
• Adopt a Country Program Annual sponsorship of $25,000 per partner to fund 500 filters in a country for unreached people group outreach. The organization seeks 10 partners per country to reach 5,000 filters/year.

Quantifiable outcome

• 130,000+ filters producing 32 million gallons of clean water daily
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

28 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Josiah VenturecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMinistry working in Ukraine and surrounding countries. During Ukraine war crisis, Josiah Venture pivoted from food relief to water filter distribution, delivering 5,000 filters through 12 churches in 7 settlements including Druzhkovka, Kostiantynivka, Kramatorsk and surrounding villages.
• Send ReliefcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHumanitarian arm of the Southern Baptist Convention. Partnered with Filter of Hope during Ukraine crisis relief efforts to deliver water filters to affected populations.
• Independent Evangelical Ministries (Lahore, Pakistan)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUPG country partner led by Shakeel Din, executive director. Distributed over 1,000 filters in Pakistan with 304 people receiving Christ. Local partnerships with five different churches. Expansion to Quetta near Afghan border.
• The Sister Project (San Antonio, Texas)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWomen's ministry group where 100 women each gave $1,000/year pooled to help women and children. Donations designated to Filter of Hope funded 450 water filters for 3,150 women and children. Participated in Guatemala mission trip.
• Evelo Team (Keller Williams Realty)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerReal estate business partner committed to giving back a portion of profits to provide people with clean drinking water. Shows clients faces of families receiving clean water. Led by Hannah Perkey, CEO.
• Carmel OrthodonticsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDental practice business partner donating a Filter of Hope water filter on behalf of each new Invisalign patient. Links dental care to clean water provision worldwide.
• Odwar AcevedominorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartnership Director based in Belmopan, Belize.
• Jacobis AldanaminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartnership Director based in Santa Marta, Colombia.
• Arnie AndinominorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartnership Director based in La Paz, Honduras.
• Daniel AugustinminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartnership Coordinator based in Haiti.
• Evelyn CevallosminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartnership Coordinator based in Ecuador.
• Clint CoyanminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartnership Director based in Ecuador.
• Marcelo DiezminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartnership Director based in Baní, Dominican Republic.
• José EscobarminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartnership Director based in Cartagena, Colombia.
• Oscar FuentesminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartnership Director based in Pasaco, Guatemala.
• Rony LaRoseminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartnership Coordinator based in Haiti.
• Bossuet LexiusminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartnership Coordinator based in Haiti.
• Juanpi MulminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartnership Director based in Punta Chame, Panama.
• Jim Murphy and Sandra MurphyminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartnership Co-Directors based in El Yoro, Honduras.
• Samuel PabonminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartnership Director based in Las Juntas, Costa Rica.
• Olter PerézminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartnership Co-Director based in Dominican Republic.
• Javier PicominorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartnership Coordinator based in Ecuador.
• Otto SalcedominorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartnership Director based in Barranquilla, Colombia.
• Heather Sánchez and Victor SánchezminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartnership Co-Directors based in Puebla, Mexico.
• Samuel SierraminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartnership Director based in Zambrano, Honduras.
• Giselle Soto de PerézminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartnership Co-Director based in Dominican Republic.
• Rodrigo WaveminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartnership Director based in La Libertad, El Salvador.
• Kim WeilerminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartnership Director based in Guazacapán, Guatemala.

Scale indicators13 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• The Water Project: Christian nonprofit focused on sustainable clean water access in sub-Saharan Africa. Comparable in faith-based WASH identity and donor base, with similar scale and individual-donor-driven revenue model.
• Living Water International: Faith-based WASH nonprofit drilling wells and distributing filters in developing countries. Most directly comparable peer — similar evangelical Christian identity, comparable filter-based distribution model, and overlapping church partner networks.
• Blood:Water Mission: Christian nonprofit partnering with African organizations for clean water access. Comparable in faith-based identity, partnership-driven distribution model, and donor base overlap with evangelical community.
• Healing Waters International: Faith-based WASH nonprofit providing water filters and sanitation systems with a similar church-partnership GTM model. Directly comparable in evangelical Christian identity and humanitarian-plus-spiritual mission framing.

Broad incumbents

• Compassion International: Large evangelical child sponsorship nonprofit with overlapping evangelical donor base and church network. Not a direct WASH competitor, but competes for the same donor dollar and uses similar church-based sponsorship and recurring-giving model.
• Samaritan's Purse: Major evangelical relief organization (Franklin Graham) running disaster response and ongoing humanitarian programs including WASH. Operates Send Relief (a Filter of Hope partner) at much larger scale, making it both a peer and a channel.
• charity: water: Largest U.S.-based WASH-focused nonprofit with hundreds of millions raised and brand-led marketing. Comparable in mission (clean water for developing regions) but secular and far larger in scale, serving as the dominant donor mindshare competitor.
• Water.org: Co-founded by Matt Damon, Water.org focuses on financial solutions for water access globally. Overlaps in WASH mission but uses a market-based financing model rather than point-of-use filter distribution; significantly larger scale.
• WaterAid: Major international WASH nonprofit operating in dozens of countries with institutional donor base. Overlaps in mission but at much larger scale with secular identity and emphasis on systemic/infrastructure solutions.

Emerging players

• Wine To Water: Smaller faith-based WASH nonprofit focused on filter distribution and water access. Comparable in mission and faith-based identity but smaller scale; serves as a benchmark for emerging players in the same niche.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCwJdnW6ba9_vDCukDjuQYrw
• Facebookfacebook.com/FilterOfHopeH20
• Instagraminstagram.com/filterofhope
• TikToktiktok.com/@filterofhope?lang=en
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/filter-of-hope

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles30 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Filter of Hope