How I Raised $700 Million: Charity: Water Founder: Scott Harrison | E153

Turning the Tide: Scott Harrison's $700 Million Journey from Nightlife to Life-Saving with Charity Water

In this episode of "The Diary of a CEO," Scott Harrison, founder and CEO of Charity Water, shares his transformative journey from a high-flying nightclub promoter to spearheading a non-profit that has raised over $700 million for clean water projects worldwide. His story is not just about personal redemption but also about innovating charity to ensure transparency and trust.

Scott Harrison introduces the philosophy behind Charity Water, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing clean and safe drinking water to people in developing countries. The core concept discussed is the "100% model," where all public donations directly fund water projects, while separate private donations cover operational costs. This model addresses common concerns about transparency in charity, ensuring donors know exactly where their contributions go.

Practical Strategies and Advice:

• Transparency with Donors: Ensure donors know exactly how their contributions are used.
• Engage Local Communities: Work with local partners on the ground to build and maintain water projects.
• Innovative Fundraising: Use technology and storytelling to connect with donors and raise funds.

Harrison cites the growth of Charity Water and its ability to fund over 24,000 water projects as evidence of the effectiveness of its business model. He also references the increase in donor engagement and repeat contributions facilitated by proving the direct impact of donations through GPS coordinates and project photos.

Scott Harrison shares his personal transformation from indulging in the hedonistic nightlife industry to finding purpose in philanthropy. He applies his understanding of marketing and event promotion from his past career to create compelling fundraising campaigns that engage a global audience.

Recommendations for Tools and Techniques:

• Digital Platforms for Engagement: Use of social media and digital tools to share stories and project updates.
• Transparency Tools: Implement tools like GPS tracking and photo sharing to show donors the exact impact of their contributions.
• Community Engagement Practices: Develop close ties with community leaders and local NGOs to ensure the sustainability of water projects.

This comprehensive look at Scott Harrison's approach with Charity Water not only reveals the power of a transparent charity model but also serves as a guide for leveraging personal transformation for global impact.