Leave a Legacy of Charity

Zakat Foundation of America performs water well construction in a variety of countries in East and West Africa in areas of greatest need, and hand pumps in Southeast Asia.

The construction of an entire well is $3,000 with a 6% overhead cost included per well, and $500 for one hand pump. It may take up to one year to complete the construction of a well and up to 8 months to construct a hand pump; however, this is rare, and, under extreme conditions such as political turmoil, the time frame may be prolonged.

As part of a collaborative process, our team’s on-the-ground partner with local organizations who work alongside individuals in their respective communities to successfully complete the construction of each water project.

Each well has a lifespan of up to 30 years and each pump has a lifespan of up to 15 years, depending on the maintenance, the weather conditions, and the material with which it had been constructed.

Water well types vary from country to country based on preference. Mali, Mauritania, and Cambodia utilize a pulley. Kenya, Ghana, and India work with a pump on top of the well. Furthermore, beneficiaries range from region to region. If your water is well constructed in a more metropolitan region, there will be more traffic and more beneficiaries (ranging anywhere from 500-1000). If it is in a more rural region there will be fewer beneficiaries (150-300).

All water projects take anywhere from 6 - 8 months* to complete.

*Subject to varying time frames, due to various reasons such as weather, access, equipment, paperwork, health outbreaks, and human resources.

A Legacy of Blessings

Zakat Foundation of America provides each donor the option of dedicating their water project. A plaque with the donor’s name or the name of a loved one can be added at no extra cost. Many dedicate a water well or pump to a loved one in memory or honor, thereby creating a Sadaqah Jariyah - ever flowing blessings.

Upon completion, our donors will receive photos of their water project along with coordinates so they can one day visit themselves and see the impact of their gift.

Fill old, used plastic water bottles with loose change to help support water projects with Zakat Foundation. Any amount helps provide clean water to those in need.

Send us your tally and pictures or videos to [email protected].

The team with the most funds collected will be given special recognition on all our social media channels, website, and will receive an honorable mention from our Executive Director. If your school participates, your school will receive a plaque recognizing their contribution. See full rules here.

Did you know that 200 million hours are spent collecting water by children instead of going to school?

Make a video of yourself shining a light on this issue. Tell us what is at risk for these children? What are they losing out on? Most importantly, be sure to tell us how we can all help with our water crisis.

Follow @zakatus and share your video to social media (Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter).

• Be sure to tag @zakatus and;

• use #waterambassador #zakatfoundationofamerica

You can also submit your video to [email protected].

Implement 3 easy water-saving habits into your daily routine. You could be sure to turn off the water when brushing your teeth, or reduce your showering time, or use a refillable water bottle instead of buying disposable water bottles.

Follow @zakatus and share your video or picture to social media (Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter).

• Be sure to tag @zakatus and;

• use #waterambassador #zakatfoundationofamerica

You can also submit your video or picture to [email protected].

Water is life.

Write up to a 500 word blog post telling us what that statement means. Submit your blogs to [email protected]