Meaningful Unstructured Time

A framework for understanding how to create meaningful experiences and build successful charity organizations, based on Scott Harrison's experience founding charity:water.

Core Business Model Innovation

• 100% Model
  • Separate bank accounts for overhead and donations
  • All public donations go directly to water projects
  • Overhead funded separately by private donors/entrepreneurs
  • Now has 131 entrepreneurs/families covering all overhead costs

Keys to Successful Fundraising

• Transparency

  • Show exactly where money goes
  • Geolocation of every completed project
  • Provide proof and updates to donors
  • Build trust through radical transparency

• Brand Building

  • Avoid shame/guilt tactics common in charity
  • Model after successful brands like Nike, Apple, Virgin
  • Focus on inspiration and positive storytelling
  • High-quality design and marketing materials

• Innovation in Fundraising

  • Birthday campaigns - raised over $100M
  • Virtual reality experiences at events
  • Bitcoin Water Trust - holding 100+ BTC until 2025
  • The Spring subscription community
    • Monthly recurring donations
    • Members from 149 countries
    • Average $30/month donation

Philosophy on Giving

• Giving is like a muscle that grows with use
• Say yes more often to charitable requests
• Don't fear having to say yes to everything
• Make giving fun rather than obligation
• The more you give, the more you want to give
• Saying no makes you more likely to say no in future

Project Implementation

• Focus on local leadership

  • 350 local staff per country
  • Creates thousands of local jobs
  • Culturally appropriate solutions
  • Sustainable long-term impact

• Cost Efficiency

  • $40 provides clean water for one person
  • Impact lasts 10-20+ years
  • No rounding numbers - exact costs shared
  • Transparent about true project costs