The Necessity of Professional Structures in Non-Profit Organizations. A Conversation with Oliver Schwan of Water Is Right

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COFERMIN

Building blocks for the success of non-profit organisations. A common misconception that donations are wasted on administrative costs is harmful and, in many cases, does not reflect reality. Effective charity work requires investment in professional management structures, which cost money.

Water Is Right is a foundation dedicated to providing clean and easily accessible drinking water and sanitation facilities worldwide. Through innovative self-financing models, such as renting out water dispensers through its own non-profit limited company, the income flows directly into water and sanitation projects in disadvantaged regions to improve living conditions in the long term.

During my time at COFERMIN, I have met many inspiring people and seen impressive projects. One of the most significant conversations I had recently was with Oliver Schwan, the managing director of the Water Is Right foundation. Our conversation focused on the challenges and professionalisation of non-profit organisations. Another topic that came up was the prejudices that many people harbour towards charity projects. I wrote about our view on charity beforehand (https://cofermin.deunsere-wahrheit-uber-charity/), and in this respect, I think it makes perfect sense to pick up where Oliver Schwan left off.

A common assumption is that a large portion of donations goes to administrative costs and thus does not benefit those in need. This notion is mostly incorrect and harmful to the effectiveness of charitable organizations. Oliver and I discussed extensively how important it is to overcome these prejudices and recognize the true value of professional structures.

Oliver shared how Rolf Stahlhofen, the founder of Water Is Right, realized the necessity of making clean water accessible to all through his experiences and time spent in Africa. However, this vision could only be realized through professional structures and sustainable financing models. In the early years, Rolf largely funded the projects himself, but as they grew, it became clear that sustainable and professional structures were essential.
A key point Oliver emphasized was the importance of professional structures within charitable organizations. These structures cost money but are necessary to work effectively and sustainably. This includes not only administration and organization but also funding experts, planning and executing projects, and essential public relations work.
Dan Pallotta, a renowned activist and fundraiser, emphasizes in his TED Talk that charitable organizations are often rewarded for how they invest—not for how much they achieve. He calls for a change in our mindset, to reward organizations for their big goals and achievements, even if it involves significant expenses. Pallotta argues that effective charity work requires professional management, which naturally also demands financial resources.

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Success through Professionalism

Water Is Right shows me how professional structures can lead to great success. The foundation aims not just to provide short-term help but to effect long-term change. This, however, requires sustainable financing and the involvement of experts. Oliver explained how the foundation is now funded through a mix of donations, public funds, and revenues from events and water dispensers.

These water dispensers, connected to the mains, are a central element of the foundation, generating not only 10% of the revenue for their water projects but also offering significant CO2 reductions for consumers compared to traditional bottled water, cost savings, and reduced use of plastic bottles. All this is supported by digital consumption tracking, making the savings in bottles and CO2 measurable and verifiable.

The dispensers were developed in collaboration with Michael Neeb from the company Mine Feuerfest. They are now used on major tours like those of Udo Lindenberg, Die Ärzte, Seeed, Apache207, and many more, already saving significant amounts of CO2.

Another important point Oliver raised was the importance of visibility and multipliers. Personalities from the music and cultural scene support the foundation and help to increase the reach and awareness of the cause. This support is necessary to spread the foundation’s message further and reach more people.

Another example of the effectiveness of professional structures and strategic partnerships is Water Is Right’s involvement in the OMR Festival. This event generated enormous visibility and demonstrated how effective these professional approaches can be in charity. By providing mobile water dispensers, Water Is Right was able to cover the water consumption of festival-goers, significantly improving the CO2 balance. Portions of the proceeds then go towards building and maintaining WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) projects, such as wells in Africa. Win-win-win-win.

COFERMIN supports the Water Is Right Foundation financially and by providing office space and logistical assistance. Our collaboration is based on shared values and a desire to promote sustainable solutions and help those less fortunate. And I know our employees are proud to be part of this important initiative and to contribute personally to the projects.

The foundation’s vision to provide 100 million people with improved access to clean drinking water and sanitary facilities is ambitious but achievable. Water Is Right leverages resources and expertise to make a positive social impact.

Clean water should be a given; it is our duty to take responsibility and support sustainable solutions. COFERMIN will continue to do everything possible to promote this mission and contribute our part.

More about WIR

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COFERMIN

Building blocks for the success of non-profit organisations. A common misconception that donations are wasted on administrative costs is harmful and, in many cases, does not reflect reality. Effective charity work requires investment in professional management structures, which cost money.

Water Is Right is a foundation dedicated to providing clean and easily accessible drinking water and sanitation facilities worldwide. Through innovative self-financing models, such as renting out water dispensers through its own non-profit limited company, the income flows directly into water and sanitation projects in disadvantaged regions to improve living conditions in the long term.

During my time at COFERMIN, I have met many inspiring people and seen impressive projects. One of the most significant conversations I had recently was with Oliver Schwan, the managing director of the Water Is Right foundation. Our conversation focused on the challenges and professionalisation of non-profit organisations. Another topic that came up was the prejudices that many people harbour towards charity projects. I wrote about our view on charity beforehand (https://cofermin.deunsere-wahrheit-uber-charity/), and in this respect, I think it makes perfect sense to pick up where Oliver Schwan left off.

A common assumption is that a large portion of donations goes to administrative costs and thus does not benefit those in need. This notion is mostly incorrect and harmful to the effectiveness of charitable organizations. Oliver and I discussed extensively how important it is to overcome these prejudices and recognize the true value of professional structures.

Oliver shared how Rolf Stahlhofen, the founder of Water Is Right, realized the necessity of making clean water accessible to all through his experiences and time spent in Africa. However, this vision could only be realized through professional structures and sustainable financing models. In the early years, Rolf largely funded the projects himself, but as they grew, it became clear that sustainable and professional structures were essential.
A key point Oliver emphasized was the importance of professional structures within charitable organizations. These structures cost money but are necessary to work effectively and sustainably. This includes not only administration and organization but also funding experts, planning and executing projects, and essential public relations work.
Dan Pallotta, a renowned activist and fundraiser, emphasizes in his TED Talk that charitable organizations are often rewarded for how they invest—not for how much they achieve. He calls for a change in our mindset, to reward organizations for their big goals and achievements, even if it involves significant expenses. Pallotta argues that effective charity work requires professional management, which naturally also demands financial resources.

You are currently viewing a placeholder content from YouTube. To access the actual content, click the button below. Please note that doing so will share data with third-party providers.

More Information
Unblock content Accept required service and unblock content

Success through Professionalism

Water Is Right shows me how professional structures can lead to great success. The foundation aims not just to provide short-term help but to effect long-term change. This, however, requires sustainable financing and the involvement of experts. Oliver explained how the foundation is now funded through a mix of donations, public funds, and revenues from events and water dispensers.

These water dispensers, connected to the mains, are a central element of the foundation, generating not only 10% of the revenue for their water projects but also offering significant CO2 reductions for consumers compared to traditional bottled water, cost savings, and reduced use of plastic bottles. All this is supported by digital consumption tracking, making the savings in bottles and CO2 measurable and verifiable.

The dispensers were developed in collaboration with Michael Neeb from the company Mine Feuerfest. They are now used on major tours like those of Udo Lindenberg, Die Ärzte, Seeed, Apache207, and many more, already saving significant amounts of CO2.

Another important point Oliver raised was the importance of visibility and multipliers. Personalities from the music and cultural scene support the foundation and help to increase the reach and awareness of the cause. This support is necessary to spread the foundation’s message further and reach more people.

Another example of the effectiveness of professional structures and strategic partnerships is Water Is Right’s involvement in the OMR Festival. This event generated enormous visibility and demonstrated how effective these professional approaches can be in charity. By providing mobile water dispensers, Water Is Right was able to cover the water consumption of festival-goers, significantly improving the CO2 balance. Portions of the proceeds then go towards building and maintaining WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) projects, such as wells in Africa. Win-win-win-win.

COFERMIN supports the Water Is Right Foundation financially and by providing office space and logistical assistance. Our collaboration is based on shared values and a desire to promote sustainable solutions and help those less fortunate. And I know our employees are proud to be part of this important initiative and to contribute personally to the projects.

The foundation’s vision to provide 100 million people with improved access to clean drinking water and sanitary facilities is ambitious but achievable. Water Is Right leverages resources and expertise to make a positive social impact.

Clean water should be a given; it is our duty to take responsibility and support sustainable solutions. COFERMIN will continue to do everything possible to promote this mission and contribute our part.

More about WIR

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