Water, Sanitation & Hygiene Global Grant Project in RY 2024-2025
- Glenn Pfaff
- Jul 11
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 22
This past Rotary year (2024–2025), the Chiang Mai International Rotary Club (CMIRC), in collaboration with the Integrated Tribal Development Foundation (ITDF), continued its leadership role in one of the most impactful WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) initiatives in our region — a multi-year commitment to transforming rural communities through access to clean water and proper sanitation.
The total three-year Global Grant project totals $330,000 USD and will deliver clean drinking water and sanitation systems to 21 hilltribe villages in Northern Thailand.

This effort is truly international, made possible by contributions from:
40 Rotary clubs across the USA, Canada, Germany, and India
6 Rotary districts
And dedicated collaboration with our implementing partner, ITDF
So far, more than half of the villages now enjoy reliable access to clean water and toilet facilities, greatly improving health outcomes, quality of life, and dignity.
Thanks to strong partnerships, dedicated funding, and tireless work on the ground, the ITDF team delivered:
2,800 people with access to clean water
50 kilometers of newly installed pipeline
17 water tanks
60 community faucets
97 bathrooms
These numbers mean improved health, dignity, and opportunity for entire villages.
Sustainability is central to this initiative. The Rotary team and ITDF are committed to supporting all 21 villages for at least three years after completion of the WASH systems. This includes:
Training local village water committees
Providing guidance to adapt and maintain the systems
Ensuring continued functionality and responsiveness to each community's evolving needs
This partnership ensures that the impact will last far beyond the installation of pipes and tanks.
CMIRC proudly showcased this project in the House of Friendship at the Rotary International Convention in Singapore. The booth attracted inquiries from clubs worldwide, and two CMIRC members delivered presentations about the project to engaged and enthusiastic audiences.
The project also gained global recognition in the WASH Rotary Action Group Newsletter – July 2024 Edition, further validating its importance and encouraging replication in other regions.
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Our Foundation team also works on securing future impact through grants:
District Dedicated Funds (DDF) Projects
$1,000 for a Travel Incubator
$1,000 toward ongoing WASH Programs
Global Grant – WASH (Pending)
In partnership with South Korea Rotary Clubs and ITDF, this Global Grant application is currently under review for a total of $67,000 USD, with $35,000 contributed from South Korea and $32,000 from CMIRC and its partners.
Programs of Scale – Application Pending
CMIRC and ITDF have submitted an ambitious proposal for a $2.5 million USD Rotary International Programs of Scale grant. This initiative integrates WASH improvements with economic development, aiming for systemic, sustainable change.
CMIRC remains committed to making safe water and sanitation a reality for all. We extend our deepest thanks to our international Rotary partners, donors, and the dedicated ITDF team for helping us turn service into lasting impact.
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