The nonprofit WHOlives is getting more high-profile recognition for its success in spreading access to clean water to millions of people.
Public Interest Registry (PIR), the people behind the .ORG domain, named WHOlives as a finalist for the 5th annual .ORG Impact Awards. The field was highly competitive, with PIR announcing “35 innovative, mission-driven organizations and changemakers (were) selected from almost 1,000 applicants from more than 70 countries.”
WHOlives eliminates water poverty and child slavery in developing countries. Founder John Renouard’s invention, the human-powered Village Drill, has created more than 13,000 wells in about 40 countries, securing clean water, better health and economic opportunities for more than 12 million people.
“We hope that this recognition will fuel donations that will allow us to help even more people,” Renouard said. “We show villages how they can get a lifetime of clean water without waiting on the government or an NGO to fund it. Our approach fosters self-reliance, which is the first step to empowering and transforming these communities.”
John Renouard and his wife, public relations director Nicci Renouard, will travel to Washington, D.C., for the .ORG Impact Awards celebration on Nov. 16.
“We are honored to welcome our 2023 .ORG Impact Award Finalists into our growing community of changemakers, who inspire us to make the world a better place,” said Jon Nevett, president and CEO of Public Interest Registry. “We created the awards to celebrate those within the .ORG Community who work tirelessly to uplift their communities—and this year’s finalists represent hope for a brighter future.”
WHOlives is one of five finalists in the Hunger and Poverty category. The honor includes a donation of at least $2,500, with winners receiving up to $50,000.
WHOlives has taken top prize at international competitions before, including the World Water Challenge 2021. The organization was also named one of the Top 30 Water Innovators in the World at the 2019 Paris Tech Convention.
People who’d like to support WHOlives can donate by visiting WHOlives.org or texting DRINK to 71777.