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Develop An

Evidence Base

Developing a hub of research, innovation, and impact measurement to ensure a strong evidence base for the organization and the broader WASH* sector.

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Groundbreaking new research report on water and climate change in the U.S.

WATCH

Water is a Promise
DigDeep Labs
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Grants distributed through the Water Innovation Funds to strengthen community-led initiatives across the country

1,700

Survey responses submitted into mWater for monitoring & evaluation of our projects

Team DigDeep: The strongest evidence comes from lived experience—43% of our staff have been without running water, making their insights essential for building an evidence base that truly reflects community needs and drives effective innovation.
Highlights

Water Innovation Funds

In 2024, the Water Innovation Funds continued to drive catalytic change. The Water Inspiration Fund made two new strategic investments in Southern Maryland and Southern Illinois, and piloted a more accessible application process to reach new partners. The Water Is Life Fund deepened its impact on the Navajo Nation, expanding outreach and in-person engagement through community fairs in the Southwest. Together, these funds support scalable, community-led solutions to close the water gap.

Strengthening Data Ethics & Partnerships

Strengthening Data Ethics & Partnerships

In 2024, DigDeep’s Monitoring & Evaluation team deepened its leadership in data ethics and Indigenous data sovereignty. Highlights included presenting at the inaugural U.S. Indigenous Data Sovereignty and Governance Conference and supporting emergency preparedness with the Albuquerque Area Southwest Tribal Epidemiology Center. Internally, the team advanced a Census data project and led organization-wide training in mWater—strengthening both our systems and partnerships.

Water Access Innovation Cohort: A Successful Roundtable

Our second innovation cohort (WAIC) focused on off-grid water solutions, concluded with a successful roundtable in Washington, D.C. The event brought together key partners, including the EPA Office of Groundwater and USDA Rural Development, along with cohort and advisory board members. This gathering fostered continued discussions and led to the publication of a policy brief, which has been widely circulated. Ongoing check-ins with stakeholders ensure continued collaboration and the sharing of insights from the cohort’s work.

Climate Change & Water Access

In 2024, we released the first two parts of a landmark research series with The Pacific Institute on America’s water access crisis. From intensifying droughts on the Navajo Nation to flooding in Appalachia, our research shows how climate change is making it even harder for families to access clean water. The final report in this vital series was released in March 2025, helping communities, policymakers, and supporters like you build a more resilient water future for all Americans.

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