Call for
Call for Proposals: Fair Water Action Fund
Application Deadline:
31 July 2025
About Organisation
Water Witness is an international organization committed to achieving water justice across the globe. With a focus on tackling the root causes of water insecurity, Water Witness works to strengthen governance systems, amplify local voices, and demand accountability from powerful institutions. The organization supports initiatives that directly challenge inequality and environmental degradation, especially in the Global South. Recognizing the disproportionate impact of climate change, poor water governance, and corporate exploitation on marginalized communities, Water Witness facilitates systemic interventions that lead to equitable water access and improved water resource management. Through its partnerships with civil society groups, research bodies, media, and advocacy organizations, Water Witness helps drive evidence-based advocacy and strategic action. It is deeply aligned with the principles of the Sustainable Development Goals, especially Goal 6, which focuses on clean water and sanitation for all. By enabling impactful grassroots work and connecting local realities with global policy dialogues, Water Witness ensures that communities are not only heard but empowered to influence meaningful reform. Their latest initiative, the Fair Water Action Fund, reflects this commitment by offering not just financial support but also legal and technical assistance to those fighting for water justice in their regions.
About the Grant
The Fair Water Action Fund is a dedicated grant initiative by Water Witness that supports civil society organizations, research groups, and media outlets working towards water justice in the Global South. The fund offers both financial aid and strategic support—including legal and technical guidance—for projects that address challenges such as unequal water access, weak governance, and the impacts of climate change. It prioritizes initiatives based in African countries where water scarcity is most acute, whether due to physical limitations or economic barriers. Projects that emphasize water governance reform and intersecting concerns like climate resilience, biodiversity, and social equity are especially encouraged.
This grant aims to strengthen accountability in the water sector, particularly by investigating and addressing the influence of multinational corporations, global supply chains, and government policies. Strong proposals will drive tangible changes in regulation, policy implementation, and stakeholder accountability, with the broader goal of improving both community and ecosystem water security. Grants range from GBP 3,000 to GBP 36,000 per project, with typical awards between GBP 3,000 and GBP 8,000. Funded projects must be completed within 12 months, although limited extensions may be considered. Non-eligible activities include academic-only research, event attendance without impact strategies, and general operating costs.
Who can Apply?
The Fair Water Action Fund welcomes applications from a wide range of entities committed to promoting water security and justice across the Global South. Eligible applicants include civil society organizations, advocacy groups, media outlets, investigative journalists, and research institutions actively engaged in water-related work. The fund strongly encourages proposals from Africa-based groups, particularly those addressing severe water scarcity challenges driven by poor governance, climate change, or economic barriers.
To qualify, applicants must demonstrate a clear connection to issues of water governance, local empowerment, and systemic accountability. Projects should aim to produce real-world impacts—such as policy reform, public awareness, or strengthened community resilience—rather than remain purely academic or exploratory. While investigative reporting and evidence-based advocacy are welcome, activities lacking direct outcomes for water security (e.g., conference travel, isolated research, or full-salary funding) are not eligible.
Applicants should also possess the capacity to implement and manage the proposed work within a 12-month timeframe. Collaborative efforts that bring together multiple stakeholders, such as journalists and advocacy networks, are encouraged. Overall, the fund seeks applicants with a strong track record or a compelling new idea that can catalyze change and hold governments or corporations accountable for water-related issues.
How to Apply?
To apply, eligible organizations must prepare a detailed project proposal outlining their objectives, methods, expected outcomes, and budget requirements. The proposal should clearly demonstrate the initiative’s relevance to water justice, policy reform, and community impact. Applications must align with the fund’s priorities and submission guidelines. Proposals will be reviewed based on design quality, feasibility, and transformative potential. Submit all required documents before the deadline through the designated application process.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the Fair Water Action Fund is 31st July 2025. All proposals must be submitted by this date to be considered for the current funding round.
Last Date To Apply
Interested applicants must submit their complete proposals by 31st July 2025. Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered under any circumstances, so early application is strongly advised.
Grant Amount
Grant awards range from GBP 3,000 to GBP 36,000, with typical funding between GBP 3,000 and GBP 8,000 per project. Projects should be completed within 12 months, with limited extension options.
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
