THE
PROCESS
The FILM4WATER process can be broken up into different phases, that when combined, can create a sustainable long-lasting water system for a community or area in need.
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THE PHASES
1. PREP WORK
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FUNDRAISING
All projects start with funding and aren't possible without the generous donations from the community. There are various ways that we making funding a project possible:
OPEN DONATION
General donations are always welcome and you can help support projects by donating to the general fund. This fund is used to purchase filters and to support trips aboard.
PROJECT BASED
Throughout the year, there will be various water projects that we will be a part of. You can donate directly to each project, which ill help support the cost of the project such as filters and travel.
These are often done through print sales.
DISASTER RELIEF
As worldwide disasters strike, our goal is to be able to help provide aid to these areas. One of the most crucial parts of early disaster relief is making sure there is clean water, and you can help fund this by donating for the purchase of filters that will be delivered to the areas in need.
ADD CALL TO ACTIONS + UPDATE DESIGN
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RESEARCH
Finding water projects is at the heart of our mission. It's important to research areas to determine if a filter solution is possible and can be beneficial for the community. This is one of the most important steps of the whole process.
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OUTREACH + CONNECTION
Once an area is determined a potential water project site, it is time to outreach to local non-profits and community members and begin building that connection. This relationship with the local area is important for the success of the project and a level of trust needs to be built before any project can start.
EXPAND ON THIS
2. THE PROJECT
Once a specific area is determined and a connection is made, it is time to start the water project and physically visit the area to set up the system needed
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TRAVEL
If possible, we try to stay at or near the community that we are going to provide the water systems for. This allows for a level of trust and community to be built and will ultimately add to the longevity and sustainability of the water system.
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SETTING UP THE SYSTEM
Depending on the system that was decided for that area, each setup will vary. CLICK HERE to learn more about the various filter setups and systems.
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TRAINING
Training the team members and community is the most important part of this process as they are the ones who will be responsibe for the filter
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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
After the system is physically set up and the community has been trained on the proper usage and cleaning there are some final steps that we take to ensure the project can be sustainable:
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Create a Filter Cleaning Station/System - this will vary for each project
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Provide extra filters as backups - the storage location will vary for each project
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Leave behind physical instructions/diagrams - post some of them if possible
3. follow up
Each project is followed up on over the next year. This is to ensure that the systems set up are still working and are being used to the full potential.
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QUESTIONS
We answer any questions that the community or leaders are having regarding the system that was setup.
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UPGRADES
In some cases, a system expansion might be necessary. There might be an opportunity to create a more permanent or expansive water system, resulting in a future water project.
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MORE FILTERS
Sometimes communities will request more filters due to an increase need or an expansion.
THIS SECTION BELOW IS OBSOLETE - JUST A REFERENCE
HOW WE DO IT
1. Raising Money by selling photography prints (ANALOG)
Typically a roll of 35mm film has 36 exposures. This could lead to 36 potential photos and therefore 36 different prints. These 36 prints, have the potential to provide a minimum of 3600 humans, clean drinkable water.
Here's the math the prove it....
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WATER + BUCKET CLIP ART
As you can see, each print has the potential to provide 1 Water Filter to a community, a location, or specific family. Each filter can provide the recipient clean drinking water for 100 people for years. (With proper care that can be even longer. Learn More) This means that each roll of film can provide 3600 people with clean water!
Why Film Photography?
To help support the photographers who enjoy and practice this type of photography. Film Photography isn't cheap, and with the rising costs of everything, film costs are now getting even higher and there's sometimes even shortages in the chemicals needed for development. I also personally enjoy and respect film photography and the care and attention that goes into each photograph. With each set of 36 photos, A portion of each print sold will go back to the artist while the rest goes towards the purchase of water filters.
The cost of the print (and number of filters purchased) is dependent on the size of the print.
There is a LIMIT 1 Print for each size
2. Connecting with Organizations/people around the world
This is one of the the most important steps, finding the people that actually need the help we can provide. This is the step that takes the most time to properly achieve. Yet, with thorough research we can find the correct people to connect with.
Some of the types of groups and organizations that we look to partner with:
We are also always looking for individuals traveling to places that could use a filter, and providing them with the filter, resources, and training to deliver them themselves. Learn more.
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3. Setting up filters in communities/AREAS that need help
When it all comes together! When hours of time taking photos, reaching out to people, and traveling to locations all makes it worth. Setting up the first filter for a community and drinking that first cup of clean water is so powerful.

1. Make sure you work with a community leader or authority if possible
2. Determine the best method for the filter (Bucket, Tank, Individual, etc)
3. Make sure to demonstrate the filter setup in front of the leaders and COMMUNITY
4. Drink the first cup and offer a cup to anyone watching, No worries if they don't drink it
5. Smile. It's IMportant to build trust and friendship
4. RINSE & REPEAT
The best part about our community-driven initiative is that it's easy to replicate! With our step-by-step guide, anyone can create their own water filter project and help provide clean drinking water to those in need. But it's not just about access to clean water. Sanitation is equally important in preventing waterborne illnesses, which is why we also encourage the use of proper hygiene practices and education on sanitation. Join us in our mission to make clean water accessible to all
WAYS YOU CAN HELP and SUPPORT
Support can come in different shapes and sizes and all of it is impactful! Learn more about the different ways you can support not only the organization, but people around the world and local artists.