Who funds We Make Impact?

Donors worldwide, and so could you! We need donations to cover the material costs that help an entrepreneur get started. By providing them with the first batch of materials, they are able to sell their filters and keep the money they make to buy additional materials and grow their business.

What happens when I sponsor an entrepreneur?

What type of water filters are the entrepreneurs assembling and distributing?

A BSF filter. A biosand filter (BSF) is an adaptation of the traditional slow sand filter, which has been used for community drinking water treatment for 200 years. The biosand filter is smaller (about 1 m tall, 0.3 m wide on each side) and adapted so that it does not flow continuously, making it suitable for use in people's homes. A BSF eliminates up to 98.7% of Bacteria, 85.9% of Viruses, 99.88% of Cryptosporidium, >99.99% of Giardia, and 87% of Turbidity.

How long do these filters last?

The filters can last up to 30 years if properly maintained. One filter can comfortably yield enough water (quickly enough) for up to 10 people. The way you clean a Biosand filter is very easy: you just XXX.

How does the filter work?

Contaminated water is poured into the top of the biosand filter at least once per day (but not continuously). The water poured into the top of the filter slowly drips through the holes in the diffuser, and flows down through the sand and gravel.

Who can assemble this filter?

Anyone can make a BSF with raw materials and a basic understanding of construction and welding. Our 3-4 day training program goes through each step of the process, includes regular assessments, and each student works on their own BSF throughout the course.

What skills are learned as part of the training program?

Each Donee starts out by learning how to accurately and efficiently build a BSF. Once they are certified in the manufacturing process, they begin the sales, operations, and legal training for building their own micro-franchise. After making 10 sales, they will be allowed to either learn about other products to manufacture from materials nearby or they will be able to recruit, train, and develop a team - or both!

How long is this training process?

The Donees start learning within 1 week of the Doner starting the project. The 3-4 days it takes to complete the training and build their own biosand water filter is enough time for them to finish the week with access to clean water for 30+ years. The next week they will shadow a senior micro-franchise owner who teaches them how to sell Impact into their region, manage their business network, and comply with local regulations. Within 1 month, they will be fully equipped with the skills, resources, motivation, and team support to earn 3x-20x the average income in Uganda!

How can I see a donee's progress?

Each month we the donee will record their progress and aspirations for the future. These videos will be shared on Facebook and Email and a 1 on 1 communication channel is always available.

Does the donee have to "pay back" anything or many any financial contributions to We Make Impact?

No. They do not pay us any portion of their sales, and they never pay us back for initial materials. We Make Impact is a not-for-profit organization that enables entrepreneurs to sustainably distribute low-cost water filters in their communities.