GLOBAL WATER CENTER RECEIVES $149,500 GRANT FROM THE COCA-COLA FOUNDATION TO EXPAND SERVICES, DECREASE WATER POVERTY 

CHARLESTON, S.C., February 25, 2024 —The Coca-Cola Foundation has awarded Global Water Center a $149,500 grant to support the delivery of online courses, create new capacity building material, and provide technical assistance. This will enable Global Water Center to further its mission to utilize training, technology, and relationships to create sustainable, local solutions for water problems worldwide.  

“The Coca-Cola Foundation’s generosity has significantly accelerated Global Water Center’s ability, and that of our partners, to help more people have access to safe and reliable drinking water,” said Thomas Johnston, Chief Executive Officer of Global Water Center. “This grant will allow Global Water Center to more effectively share knowledge and resources with individuals, organizations, and governments that will strengthen their ability to deliver safe water where it is most needed.” 

In 2024, the funding will expand Global Water Center’s courses in three ways: 1) Support the delivery of two solar-powered water system courses (SPWS 101 and 201) in both English and French; 2) The translation of the two existing SPWS courses into Spanish, enabling these courses to reach new global audiences; and 3) The development and design of a SPWS operations and maintenance guide, which will equip operators with the ability to sustainably deliver safe and reliable water.  

In addition, the grant will support technical assistance to The Coca-Cola Foundation implementing partners who are designing, installing, and operating rural water systems.  

Through the partnership of The Coca-Cola Foundation, Global Water Center will rapidly expand its courses and technical assistance to address water scarcity and energy challenges in regions where people have limited access to safe and reliable water. Ultimately, the funding will be used to help decrease water poverty worldwide. 

About Global Water Center  

Global Water Center believes everyone deserves access to safely managed water. We utilize training, technology, and relationships to create sustainable, local solutions for water problems worldwide. As the go-to resource for the rural water sector, our safe water training courses have reached people in 81 countries. In addition to training, we also use technology to make water projects more effective and reliable. All of our efforts are rooted in collaboration with non-profits, governments, and other entities. Together, we are solving the global water crisis.

About The Coca-Cola Foundation  

The Coca-Cola Foundation’s mission is to make a difference in communities around the world where The Coca-Cola Company operates and where our employees live and work. We support transformative ideas and institutions that address complex global challenges and that leave a measurable and lasting impact. Our giving is focused on sustainable access to safe water, climate resilience and disaster risk preparedness and response, circular economy, economic empowerment, and causes impacting our hometown community. Since its inception in 1984, The Coca-Cola Foundation has awarded grants of over $1.5 billion in service of its mandate to strengthen communities across the world.