Save the Rain is a 501(c)3 charity that provides underserved communities with clean, safe drinking water by building rainwater harvesting systems on homes and primary schools in East Africa. Since 2005, we’ve empowered women, fostered education, and improved health—all through the power of water. To date, we have built over 5,000 tanks. Our commitment to sustainability drives long-term solutions, opening doors to gender equity, economic security, food security and brighter futures. Saving Rain Saves Lives.
WHY WE HARVEST THE RAIN
Climate change exacerbates the threat to groundwater resources, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. In Northern Tanzania, our work additionally addresses the devastating impact of naturally occurring fluoride in groundwater, affecting health and livelihoods. In these areas, water collection is women’s work.
They walk hours to get it. The walk is unsafe, and so is the water, if they find any. This burden forces mothers to enlist their children, denying 90% of girls an education. Alarmingly, 70% of women report experiencing physical or sexual violence during their search for water, often more than six times.*
2.2 billion people worldwide currently lack access to safe drinking water. 1 in 3 children lives in water scarcity.
*We have interviewed thousands of Tanzanian families to gather our statistics.
HOW WE HARVEST THE RAIN
We build 150,000-liter rainwater harvesting systems on schools and 3,500-liter systems on family homes, which can sustain a household of eight through the dry season. Each tank is paired with a greenhouse, turning water into a lifeline for food security. Our approach is rooted in community collaboration and appropriate technology. Using locally sourced materials and simple, sustainable methods, our systems require no electricity or pumps and are easy to maintain. With a projected lifespan of 200 years, they are built to last.
When just one inch of rain falls on a 500-square-foot roof, 300 gallons of water can be harvested. It would take a woman at least 30 trips to collect what one inch of rain could freely deliver to her home.
WOMEN’S WATER INITIATIVE
Everything we do is founded in grassroots innovation and commitment. Our US team handles fundraising and management, while our Tanzanian team carries out the work on the ground.
Our 200-strong team of field staff is mostly comprised of innovative people who lack formal education but generate unlimited change and hope every day.
140 of them are women builders, each of whom was first a recipient of a rainwater harvesting system, before making a career of uplifting others in need. Our giverreceiver model means those that lead our projects know first-hand what water can do.
IMPACT A CHILD
$15 provides a child with access to clean drinking water for the rest of their life and the life of their future children.
IMPACT HUNGER
$150 provides a family with a residential greenhouse filled with organic crops that harvests multiple times per year.
100% OF PUBLIC DONATIONS DIRECTLY FUND OUR PROJECTS.
Our corporate partner generously pays all of our administrative expenses.
IMPACT A FAMILY
$500 provides a residential rainwater collection system and frees a family from searching for water. With your help, we can end the Global Water Crisis. Donate Today.
