The Foundation Center, the leading source of information about philanthropy worldwide, has launched a custom web portal to serve as a hub of information and resources for funders working around the world to improve water access, sanitation, and hygiene - commonly referred to as "WASH." The new site,WASHfunders.org, addresses a critical challenge in philanthropy - knowing who is funding what, and where - so that the community of funders can more effectively, and collectively, meet global challenges.

"WASHfunders.org is a cutting-edge web portal that will play a vital role in promoting effectiveness, increasing collaboration, and facilitating decision making within the donor community," according to Steven M. Hilton, president and CEO of the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, a leading funder of water issues. "Access to safe water supplies, improved sanitation, and good hygienic practices are key building blocks for improving the quality of human health, education, livelihoods, and overall well-being. We hope that this user-friendly tool will help bring more visibility to the global water crisis, attract new partners and funders, and fill a key gap in the effort to meet the global WASH challenges."

WASHfunders.org provides free access to a broad set of knowledge resources for funders, practitioners, and policymakers, including:

• A mapping tool that enables users to interact with data on international aid flows, foundation funding, and key development indicators;
• Profiles documenting the WASH strategies of leading foundations;
• Case studies that illustrate the successes and challenges of WASH projects around the world;
• Tools and resources for assessing project outcomes; and
• A searchable archive of research reports recommended by sector leaders.

These knowledge tools empower donors to be more strategic, using data-driven decision making and peer-to-peer insights to strengthen their philanthropy.

"WASHfunders.org re-envisions traditional frameworks of how donors can work together to solve the world's water crisis," said Bradford Smith, president of the Foundation Center. "This customized web portal not only serves as a model of how the Foundation Center can empower donors to be more effective, it also raises awareness of philanthropy's contribution to making a better world."

WASHfunders.org was produced with support from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation.

About the Foundation Center
Established in 1956 and today supported by close to 550 foundations, the Foundation Center is the leading source of information about philanthropy worldwide. Through data, analysis, and training, it connects people who want to change the world to the resources they need to succeed. The Center maintains the most comprehensive database on U.S. and, increasingly, global grantmakers and their grants - a robust, accessible knowledge bank for the sector. It also operates research, education, and training programs designed to advance knowledge of philanthropy at every level. Thousands of people visit the Center's web site each day and are served in its five regional library/learning centers and its network of more than 450 funding information centers located in public libraries, community foundations, and educational institutions nationwide and around the world. For more information, please visit foundationcenter.org or call (212) 620-4230.