The Seattle-based Starbucks Coffee Company has announced that the Starbucks Foundation has pledged $1 million each to CARE and Project Concern International to support water, sanitation, and hygiene education programs in water-stressed African communities.

The grants, to be made over three years through the foundation's Ethos Water Fund, will help the organizations reach an estimated fifty-four thousand people who currently lack access to clean water and sanitation services. With the funds, CARE will introduce transformative sanitation and hygiene practices in Rwanda's Musanze district, while Project Concern International will work to implement participatory methods and low-cost, easy-to-maintain technologies in Tanzania's Babati district.

Grants from the Ethos Water Fund are made possible through purchases of Ethos Water. To date, the fund has generated more than $6.2 million; Ethos intends to award a total of $10 million to nongovernmental organizations by 2010.

On March 22, World Water Day, the company will partner with CARE, Project Concern International, and other NGOs to host Walks for Water in Los Angeles, New York City, Seattle, and other communities. "It's truly inspiring to see NGOs, local community organizations, and individuals join together in support of the cause," said Ethos Water founder Peter Thum. "This day is an opportunity to bring attention to the world water crisis and to connect with people who believe in driving change through action."