What is 1008 Wells Foundation

(Photo courtesy of World Neighbors)

What is 1008 Wells Foundation?

1008 Wells Foundation is a non-profit, non-sectarian, grassroots development organization supporting the rural poor of India by raising awareness and funding for freshwater wells and other drinking water systems. By supporting community self-reliance, leadership and organization, 1008 Wells Foundation develops sustainable water systems helping people address the root cause of hunger, poverty and disease.

How does 1008 Wells Foundation work?

On a global level, 1008 Wells Foundation works in partnership with other NGO’s to provide a synergistic impact on the individual Indian well projects. Just imagine tossing one small pebble in a pond and watching the small ripples it makes. Now, if you throw two or three pebbles at one, the impact is much great and the changes longer lasting. That the strength found in global partnerships.

On a grassroots level, the funding raised by 1008 Wells supports the local knowledge and talents of the village residents to develop and sustain a potable drinking source. By using low-cost technologies and locally available resources, listening to community leaders suggestions for improving the quality of their lives and working directly with the village population, confidence and skills in their own abilities strengthens before, during and long after the construction of the well has taken place. We assist individuals to work as a cohesive group to address community-wide water problems thereby improving each individual life in the village.

How does 1008 Wells Foundation decide where to work?

1008 Wells Foundation works in some of India’s poorest rural communities where there is an opportunity to make a profound impact on people’s lives with modest investments. Many of these locations are in ecologically fragile rural areas with little or no access to clean water causing rampant water-born illnesses. After feasibility studies have been performed, each project is placed under consideration for potential sponsorship. Each village must be ready, willing and able to participate wholly on the project after having gone through an extensive screening process. Once the ecological factors are assessed, the local community trained, and the funding is in place, the work can begin.

How does 1008 Wells Foundation choose other organizations to partner with?

1008 Wells Foundation seeks partnerships with other non-profit, non-governmental organizations that have the proven ability to organize and oversee human resource development and drinking water system construction aspects of the project. Commitment by the local community must show their ability and desire to provide the labor towards the construction of the project and the financial investment related to the perpetual maintenance of the water project equipment.

One of our strongest partners is World Neighbors (www.wn.org). 1008 Wells Foundation funds grants to World Neighbors in support of training and construction of drinking water systems in the Indian states of West Bengal, Bihar and Karnataka.

The first collaboration between the two organizations was through the sponsorship of a village in Sabrong West Bengal, India known as Sinji Gram Panchayat. Funded by a generous grant of $2500 from the Hindu University of America, (www.hindu-university.edu) this well was completed late September 2005 and became the first success story for the partnership! 1008 Wells Foundation has pledged an additional $32,000 from October 2005 through October 2007 for 22 additional drinking water systems to continue the work started with World Neighbors.

Is 1008 Wells Foundation affiliated with any individual faith or religious affiliation?

No. 1008 Wells Foundation was founded as a non-sectarian organization that celebrates the rich diversity and spiritual tapestry created by the many religions found throughout India. Our Directors, volunteers and supporters reflect a diverse fusion of faiths and spiritual practices ensuring that the mission of 1008 Wells Foundation stays focused on water only without bias of faith or politics. We respect and affirm the dignity and divinity of all people.

How can I get involved?

Anyone can join 1008 Wells Foundation! Make a donation. Attend a 1008 Wells Foundation fundraising event. Be a volunteer and promote 1008 Wells Foundation in your community. Invite a 1008 Wells Foundation partner to share the great news with your social or religious associations and help transform lives on the other side of the world. Adopt a village by sponsoring a local fundraising drive or special event. You can make a real difference in the lives of the thirsty in India by creating new worlds of opportunities one well at a time!

How do I contact 1008 Wells Foundation?

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