Awards & recognition

  • International Peace Award from Community of Christ – 2019
  • Forbes 400 Lifetime Achievement Award for Social Entrepreneurship – 2017
  • World Economic Forum’s Global Agenda Council on Water – 2014
  • Schwab Foundation Social Entrepreneur – 2012
  • TIME 100 list of the world’s most influential people – 2011
  • Skoll Foundation Social Entrepreneur – 2009
  • Philanthropy World Hall of Fame – 2008

News, press & perspectives

For more of the latest news and press releases about our work in the water and sanitation sector, visit our New, Press & Perspectives page.

The Worth of Water book, written by Water.org co-founders Gary White and Matt Damon.

The Worth of Water

In their book, The Worth of Water, our Co-founders Matt Damon and Gary White share how access to safe water or sanitation has changed the lives of millions people around the world. We talked with Gary about the inspiration behind the book and the writing process.

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A cyclist and a horse-cart carriage pass each other in a flooded area after heavy rain caused a river overflow, submerging scores of homes in Bandung, Indonesia on March 16, 2025. Timur Matahari—AFP/Getty Images

Matt Damon and Gary White: The Key to Solving the Global Water Crisis

The global water crisis is one of the most urgent and complex challenges facing humanity today. This crisis undermines health and safety, education, and economic opportunity.

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Gary White speaking to a man in India.

An idea that is changing charity

Our smart solution has proven that if you invest in women, they’ll change their world. Hear more from Gary White about why we created WaterCredit.

Read Gary's perspective

Join Gary's vision of water and sanitation for all.

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