TAP Project

Contact the Tap Project For general inquiries or questions related to restaurant registration and participation, contact us at . Volunteer inquiries for the Tap Project should be sent to . Are you a corporation or media entity interested in partnering with the Tap Project? We'd love to hear from you, please contact us at . Have press and media questions? Please contact Richard Alleyne at ralleyne@unicefusa.org.

BANGLADESH: In 2000 in Bangladesh, a smiling two-year-old girl, Richi, splashes water drawn for her bath in a small plastic basin, beside a No. 6 tubewell in the village of Chandai in Manikganj district, west of Dhaka, the capital. The tubewell was installed with UNICEF assistance. UNICEF/ HQ00-0578/Shehzad Noorani

General FAQ

What is the Tap Project?

A nationwide effort was launched around World Water Day called the Tap Project, a campaign that celebrates the clean and accessible drinking water available as an every day privilege to millions, while helping UNICEF provide safe drinking water for children around the world. Held from Sunday, March 16 through March 22, 2008, the United Nations World Water Day, restaurants invited their customers to pay $1, or more, for the tap water they normally get for free. This year, over 2,300 restaurants, 2,200 volunteers, 13 advertising agencies, corporate partners and individuals across the country helped raise awareness and funds to help UNICEF provide children with access to clean water around the world.

Next year, the Tap Project will take place beginning on World Water Day, March 22, and culminate on March 28, 2009.

When will the Tap Project take place?

The Tap Project will take place nationally in 2009 during World Water Week, beginning March 22, the United Nations World Water Day, through March 28, 2009.

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 donation online is $5).

How with the Tap Project donations be utilized?

The money raised will be used to support UNICEF's clean water programs. UNICEF works in more than 90 countries around the world to improve access to safe water and sanitation facilities in schools and communities, and to promote safe hygiene practices. Funds collected will be allocated to the countries and areas UNICEF has identified as most in need.

Over the past 15 years, more than one billion people gained 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.

Restaurant FAQ

How do I register to become a Tap Project participating restaurant?

Please email us at tapproject@unicefusa.org if you are interested in participating in our 2009 campaign!

Do our guests have to participate?

No, participation is optional, but encouraged.

Does my restaurant have to participate for the entire week?

No, but we highly encourage participation for the whole week to give patrons who may have heard of the Tap Project ample time to participate.

What if my patrons are having bottled water, can they donate?

Yes! Please tell you patrons to participate just like other patrons who ordered tap water. Please tell your patrons to write in their desired donation amount on the Donation Cards provided.

What if my patrons want to donate more?

Please explain to your patrons that they are free to donate $1, or more, via the Donation Cards provided. Alternatively, patrons can donate at tapproject.org anytime throughout the year (please note the minimum online donation is $5).

Is my restaurant required to make a donation?

The Tap Project does not require that your restaurant donate, just your patrons. Of course, if your restaurant wishes to match your patrons' donations, we welcome your support!

Can customers receive a tax deduction for their donation?

Customers who wish to make a tax deductible donation to UNICEF should do so at tapproject.org and the U.S. Fund for UNICEF will send them a tax receipt (please note the minimum online donation is $5).

How do I send in the donations my restaurants collected?

Your restaurant will track and collect the donations. To remit the donations to the U.S. Fund for UNICEF, restaurants can make a credit card donation at tapproject.org or use the self-addressed envelope included in your toolkit and send a check to: Tap Project, U.S. Fund for UNICEF, 125 Maiden Lane, New York, NY, 10038. Please make all checks payable to "U.S. Fund for UNICEF."

Will my restaurant be recognized for its participation?

To request a full listing of participating Tap Project 2008 restaurants, please email tapproject@unicefusa.org. Participating restaurants will benefit from the public relations effort surrounding the Tap Project.