The Bezos Earth Fund has announced a $10 million grant to Water.org to increase access to sustainable, climate-resistant water and sanitation services in developing countries where inefficient water infrastructure exacerbates climate impacts and freshwater access.

The partnership advances the Water and Climate Philanthropic Fund, which aims to unlock $1 billion in investment, providing small-scale water utilities with needed financing to upgrade inefficient water and sanitation infrastructure while creating lasting water and sanitation solutions for 100 million people. Using tested methods for microloans, Water.org will apply new methods to small utility-scale water and sanitation infrastructure in India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Kenya, and Brazil. The funding will support market expertise and local technical assistance to promote policy change and implementation for its program development.

“Access to safe water is crucial,” said Bezos Earth Fund vice chair Lauren Sánchez. “Water.org’s efforts to tackle the water crisis and improve access to safe water and sanitation also reduce water and energy waste. We’re proud to help this team bring access to safe water to millions of people while helping advance critical climate and biodiversity goals.”

(Photo credit: Getty Images/David Orr)