General FAQ

What is the UNICEF Tap Project?

In 2007, the UNICEF Tap Project was born in New York City based on a simple, tangible and easy-to-implement concept: restaurants would ask their patrons to donate $1 or more for the tap water they usually enjoy for free, and all funds raised would support UNICEF’s efforts to bring clean and accessible water to millions of children around the world.

When will the UNICEF Tap Project take place?

The UNICEF Tap Project takes place each year during World Water Week, which in 2010 is March 21 through March 27, encompassing March 22, the United Nations' World Water Day.

Why a campaign about clean water?

Because clean water is essential, yet nearly 900 million people worldwide lack access to it—and nearly half of those people are children. UNICEF is working with its partners to reduce the number of people without access to safe water and basic sanitation by 50% by 2015, which will also save children at risk from waterborne illnesses, the second highest cause of preventable childhood deaths. Every day, 24,000 children die of preventable causes, and UNICEF is committed to doing whatever it takes to make that number zero.

What is World Water Day?

In December of 1992, the United Nations General Assembly declared March 22nd of each year World Day for Water. Countries were invited to devote the day to concrete activities such as the promotion of public awareness, conferences, round tables, seminars and expositions related to the conservation and development of water resources.

Where can I make a donation?

You can make a tax-deductible donation at any time by visiting the DONATE section of tapproject.org. (Please note the minimum online donation is $5.) You can also visit a participating restaurant or make a donation using your mobile phone.

How will the UNICEF Tap Project donations be used?

The money raised will be used to support UNICEF's clean water programs. UNICEF works in more than 100 countries around the world to improve access to safe water and sanitation facilities in schools and communities, and to promote safe hygiene practices. Every dollar donated to the Tap Project will be used to support these programs. Funds collected will be allocated to the countries and areas UNICEF has identified as most in need.

Over the past 15 years, UNICEF and partner organizations have helped more than one billion people gain access to improved drinking water and sanitation facilities. UNICEF’s goal is to reduce by half the number of people without sustainable access to safe water and basic sanitation by 2015.

How is the UNICEF Tap Project helping Haiti earthquake victims?

Through campaigns like the UNICEF Tap Project, UNICEF was there for Haiti before the January 2010 earthquake and will continue to be there, implementing long-term, sustainable water and sanitation solutions for the children of Haiti and other countries that so desperately need them.

All money raised via the 2010 UNICEF Tap Project will once again be allocated to the countries and areas UNICEF has identified as among the most in need. Those countries include Togo, Central African Republic, Vietnam, Guatemala and, of course, Haiti. Nearly 900 million people worldwide lack access to safe, clean water—and nearly half of those people are children. Together we can work toward the day when that number is ZERO.

With 60 years of experience on the ground in Haiti, UNICEF was immediately tapped to organize and lead all recovery efforts related to clean water and sanitation, child protection, nutrition and immunizations. Nearly half of Haiti’s population is under the age of 18, so the recent earthquake has hit children extremely hard. In an emergency situation, the potential for disease outbreak is extremely high, and UNICEF and its partners have already provided clean water to over 850,000 Haitians, distributed hygiene kits for 500,000, and addressing safe hygiene practices and sanitation via radio broadcasts and building latrines.

In 2010, the UNICEF Tap Project funds will support water and sanitation programs in Haiti, Central African Republic, Guatemala, Togo and Vietnam.

How can I get involved and help save children’s lives through the UNICEF Tap Project?

There are a number of ways to get involved with the UNICEF Tap Project!

Become a UNICEF Tap Project volunteer.
Become a UNICEF Tap Project participating restaurant.
Donate today and help UNICEF provide children with access to clean water.
Share this website with your friends to get them involved!