Frequently Asked Questions
Is my organization eligible to receive funding through the Foundation?
Please refer to our Eligibility page for more information.
How much money do you spend in a year?
As the Foundation was recently established in 2007, there is not yet a precedent for average funding given per year. Thus far, we have committed over $1,400,000 FJD (approx. $700,000 USD) but we base our funding decisions on each individual project, its needs and merits.
What is the funding limit for a given project?
FIJI Water Foundation is looking to fund innovative and sustainable projects that maximize positive outcomes for beneficiaries and produce measurable results. Thus we do not place limits on the funding that could be available for a given project. That said, the foundation board will take into consideration the dollar-to-beneficiary ratio when weighing eligible projects. In addition, we hope that communities and organizations will demonstrate commitment to their proposals by agreeing to provide at least 25% of the project costs in cash or kind.
My community cannot afford to provide 25% of the project cost. Can we still apply for a grant?
We do not require your community or organization to provide 25% in dollars only. Your contribution could be in the form of supplied materials (sand, gravel), administrative items (paper, telephone bills), transport, volunteered labor, meals provided to workers or participants, and other such project necessities. The main purpose of the community contribution is not to tax the community, but to ensure that beneficiaries have a stake in the implementation, planning, and success of the projects.
What is your funding cycle?
We accept proposals year round. Our board meets twice a year to deliberate and select projects which meet our funding criteria. Our funds usually become available in February and September. See Apply for further details.
I am an individual seeking financial assistance, or a student looking for a scholarship. Am I eligible for a grant?
In keeping with our values, we do not provide funding to individuals, and at this time the FIJI Water Foundation does not grant scholarships. We do, however, invest in programs which help individuals, such as the Children’s Heart Foundation, which facilitates the medical evacuations of children with correctible heart conditions. Click here to learn about other agencies that might be able to provide assistance.
What volunteer opportunities are associated with the foundation?
FIJI Water Foundation is mainly a funding organization; it is the organizations to whom we give grants (and many others like them) that have the greatest need for volunteers. We may have volunt-tourism opportunities coming up in the future, so stay posted. Meanwhile, to get started now, visit our How You Can Help page.
Does the foundation accept donations?
Our Foundation is self-sufficient and does not actively fundraise or accept donations except from our own employees. If you are interested in helping Fiji, we recommend that you visit the websites or otherwise contact some of our grantee organizations, as seen in the Our Projects and How You Can Help pages.
I've heard about your company's work in the Sovi Basin. Do you fund environmental projects?
While the Foundation does not explicitly seek out environmentally focused projects, any projects which fit into one of our three priority areas (education, health, and water/sanitation) and also have an environmental or conservation component would be appealing to us. Our company places a strong emphasis on environmental stewardship, conservation, waste management, and researching energy alternatives.
Would the Foundation be able to sponsor an education, health, or water related awareness campaign or public event?
The FIJI Water Foundation is focused on providing resources, training, and facilities direct to beneficiaries. We are not able to fund events or campaigns which would propose to use funding for the following activities: tent, venue, or equipment hire; newspaper, radio, or television advertisements; printing of T-shirts, banners, posters etc.
The funding we received from Fiji Water Foundation was not sufficient to complete our project. Can we apply for more funding for the same project?
If you were unable to complete the project with the funding provided, you will have to find the additional funding needed from another source. FIJI Water Foundation is unable to provide additional funding for projects already in progress.
My community or organization has received a grant in the past and completed the project successfully. Can we apply for another grant for another project?
If your project was a success, you may be interested in applying for funding for other priority projects in your community. We ask that recipients of grassroots project funding (benefiting individual schools, settlements, villages, or communities) wait one year from the date of Final Report submission before applying for a new project for the same community, school, or medical facility.
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) may apply annually funding for repeat projects which benefit multiple or new communities. In addition to funding project by project, FIJI Water Foundation also welcomes proposals for longer-term (2-4 year) funding partnerships with NGOs benefiting Fiji citizens.
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) may apply annually funding for repeat projects which benefit multiple or new communities. In addition to funding project by project, FIJI Water Foundation also welcomes proposals for longer-term (2-4 year) funding partnerships with NGOs benefiting Fiji citizens.
