Fresh Water Friends
Q. What is Fresh Water Friends about?
A. Fresh Water Friends (FWF) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization recognized as a public charity. “Fresh Water
Friends” is also a federally registered trademark. Steve Surprenant serves as the Executive Director of the
ministry and is fully accountable to the Board of Directors which is responsible for the oversight of the entire
organization.
The main focus is to develop independent FWF Teams across the US and Canada. Each team raises money to purchase deep water wells for Indian churches in remote villages. Then, when a well is installed, all the teams get a report and pictures emailed to celebrate. You don’t have to join a team in order to donate. We simply ask people to: “Give any amount, at least once a year".
Q. Are there administrative costs with running this corporation?
A. We deeply value our relationship with our friends and partners and are very grateful for the funds that have been entrusted to us. Like all nonprofit organizations, we must cover basic administrative expenses to operate successfully. We are seriously committed to keeping administrative costs down. That commitment is shown by the fact that 100% of donations that are designated for a water well goes to a well. However, donations to the General Donations Fund are absolutely needed and help us cover the necessary costs to run the entire operation.
Q. Are you seeking certification from the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability?
A. As a new organization, we will be seeking certification with the ECFA as soon as we are able.
Q. How long has FWF been in existence?
A. FWF was founded in December 2014 and has since raised the funds to have 42 wells installed in India and Pakistan.
Fresh Water Wells
Q. Why build a water well in India?
A. In many of the 640,800 villages in India, there is no easily accessible source for clean water. As a result, many of the women and even girls have to walk upwards of 5 miles every day to get water.
According to the Times of India, 80% of India's surface water is polluted mainly by domestic sewage. A water well provides easier access to one of the most basic human needs while also providing opportunities for the local village church to serve the village and spread the good news of Jesus Christ. There are many, many social, educational, and spiritual benefits.
Q. How much does a water well cost?
A. A hand pumped well costs about $1,250. An electric pumped well with a storage tank costs about $2,500. This is the total cost for the well which includes all drilling, pipes, casing, well head, cement, pump, wires, connectors, storage tank, spigots, and donor plaque.
Q. What type of water well is built?
A. The type of well is a deep bore well ranging from 260 to 800 feet in depth depending on the topography in the area.
Q. How long should the pumps last?
A. A manual pump will last for decades. The electric pumps used are expected to last 10 or more years. To date no replacements have been needed.
Q. Who “owns” legal rights to the well and its water?
A. Wells are usually built on the property of trusted village churches which promote open, equal and free access to clean drinking water for all people in a safe and protected location.
Q. What procedures are in place to provide regular service for the wells?
A. The local church is responsible and committed to maintain the well and thus ensure its sustainability for the benefit of all.
Donating
Q. How much does it cost to be involved?
A. The cost could be $0 or whatever can be raised. There are 3 options for involvement:
1. Spread the word: If you don’t have funds to donate at this time, you may want to send emails to your family and friends to raise awareness or promote involvement. Just spread the fun to others.
2. Donate something: Donate whatever you can, when you can. It’s that simple. All donations are tax-deductible since Fresh Water Friends is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization registered with the US government.
3. Start A Team: Start your own FWF Team! Invite your friends to join you in funding your own well. Generally, it takes about 20 people donating to buy a well. Contact the Director (director@freshwaterfriends.org) for information on starting your own Team.
Q. Can I donate to anything else?
A. Yes, without contributions to the General Donations Fund we will not be able to run the organization. These funds will be directed to the area of greatest need, whether that is another water well or administrative costs. All funds, whether given to General Donations Fund or Team Donations Fund are carefully and strategically used to install as many water wells we can.
Q. Will my credit card number be secure on your site?
A. Yes, all payments processed through our site are private and secure. No one sees your credit card number and private information.
Q. I’m uncomfortable storing my credit card information on your site. How do I know it’s safe?
A. We can assure you that our giving site is as safe as possible and has earned the highest safety rating possible according to Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI) compliance laws. The PCI is a set of requirements designed to ensure that ALL companies that process, store or transmit credit information maintain a secure environment.
Please notice that the URL for our secure giving pages begins with “HTTPS.” The S is a guarantee that the page you’re entering information on is a secure, safe page and that your information is being protected. If you have questions or concerns, please contact us at director@freshwaterfriends.org.
Volunteering
Q. How much time does it take?
A. As much time as you want. Only have a little time? Please see our Facebook page to like and share with others so they too can have the joy of being involved. If you have more time and are able to raise funds through an existing small group, that would be fantastic. You can even start your own FWF Group (Team). We can add your Team to the list on the Donations page in order to redirect the funds for your specific Team.
Q. How do I get on the mailing list to hear about new wells?
You can be put on the list by making a contribution, or by emailing director@freshwaterfriends.org.
Q. If I can’t donate money, how else can I help?
A. FWF can benefit greatly by your ability to spread the word on our Facebook page or send an email to your friends and family to raise awareness of the need for more fresh water wells in the poorest areas of India. It’s easy and fun! Why not invite your family and friends to be part of this great movement and have a well installed with your personalized dedication plaque?
We’ll be glad to explain the process to you. Contact us at: director@freshwaterfriends.org.
