At Sand Dams Worldwide, we let our impact, financial statements, the communities that we support and our awards speak for how successful the charity is.

Sand Dams Worldwide are working to enable millions of the world’s poorest people to transform their own lives with sand dams and clean water for life.

Below are just a few of the accolades we’ve received as we continue towards that objective...

Korea World Water Challenge 2021

In December 2021, we were a finalist at the Korea World Water Challenge for our sand dam, water and climate-smart agriculture solutions, presenting in the 'challenge' category: 'The Depletion and Pollution of Water Caused by Climate Change'. Here is more information about the awards:

World Water Challenge is an international contest for water solutions. As a follow up activity of the 7th World Water Forum in 2015, it has been annually held in conjunction with the Korea International Water Week(KIWW), aiming to identify imminent water problems that world is facing and to find feasible solutions to them. 

The Charity Awards 2021

In June 2021, we were winners at the Charity Awards in the International Aid and Development category for our sand dam projects in Africa; supporting dryland communities to access clean water for life. Charity Awards judge Paul Streets described Sand Dams Worldwide’s work as:

“Unsexy, literally down-to-earth, grassroots stuff, which to me is the bread and butter of really good development programmes. Development isn’t glamorous, it’s long term, you have to stick at it.

It’s cheap and effective, uses local people and local technology, and it can be rolled out. And it plays very much to the huge issues around the margins of Africa where desertification and climate change are playing out badly on very marginalised communities.”

iF Social Impact Prize 2020

In January 2021, we were awarded an International Forum Design GmbH (iF) Social Impact Prize for our sand dam project work in southeast Kenya. As stated on iF's website:

"Since 2017, iF supports projects by companies, design studios, NGOs, foundations, public and other organisations with the iF SOCIAL IMPACT PRIZE. The projects solve a relevant problem, reflect moral-ethical standards, strengthen group relations or create positive experiences and meet the UN sustainable development goals."

Energy Globe Awards 2020

In June 2020, we were awarded a national award, and shortlisted for the Global Water Award at the Energy Globe Awards (the 'World Award for Sustainability') for our sand dam projects in Kenya. As stated on the Energy Globe website:

"With more than 180 participating countries, the Energy Globe Award is today’s most prestigious environmental award. It is awarded annually to projects saving our environment by personal action, sustainable projects or campaigns for raising awareness in sustainability."

Charity Times Awards 2019

In October 2019, we were awarded the ‘Charity of the Year: with an income of £1 million - £10 million’ Charity Times Award. 

"As a small team, we are extremely proud of what we and the communities we support have achieved."

Third Sector Excellence Awards 2013

In 2013, Sand Dams Worldwide's website content was Highly Commended by the awards. Also, Sand Dams Worldwide's former Chairman, Stephen Owen, was one of only five finalists in the 'Charity Chair of the Year' category at the 2013 Awards. Stephen sadly passed away in December 2016, but his legacy lives on, and at the time of this nomination, Stephen said:

"I'm really honoured to have been shortlisted for this award among some incredible charity Chairs. It is recognition of how far Sand Dams Worldwide [formerly Excellent Development] has come in supporting the communities we work with, as well as the contribution our partners, donors and the whole team have made in transforming the environment and lives of those we support."

Charity Times Awards 2010

In 2010, Sand Dams Worldwide was Highly Commended in the category of 'Charity of the Year: with an income of less than £1m'. Regarding the awards, a Charity Times spokesman said:

"The Charity Times Awards continue to be the pre-eminent celebration of best practice in the UK charity and not-for-profit sector."

Third Sector Excellence Awards - Small Charity, Big Achiever 2009

In 2009, Sand Dams Worldwide won 'Small Charity, Big Achiever' at the Third Sector Excellence Awards. Stephen Cook, Editor of Third Sector Magazine said:

"The Third Sector team was impressed by just how far Sand Dams Worldwide [formerly Excellent Development] has come in its short life, moving from start-up charity to an organisation that has helped local communities in Kenya deliver a better future for thousands."

St Andrew's Prize for the Environment 2009

In 2009, Sand Dams Worldwide was runner-up for the St. Andrew's Prize for the Environment for our plans to support the use of sand dams across global drylands. They said:

"Sand Dams Worldwide's [formerly Excellent Development's] model places sand dams within a strongly community-centred development model, which ensures the project’s longevity. With minimal maintenance, sand dams will last for over 50 years. These ingenious structures provide a year-round clean water supply at a lower cost than any other water supply solution; they dramatically improve the environment, and save people crucial time."

Charity Awards 2008

In 2008, Sand Dams Worldwide was named  'Overall Winner' at the Charity Awards, and was also announced the winner in the Environment category. Daniel Phelan, Organiser of the Charity Awards 2008 said:

"Sand Dams Worldwide [formerly Excellent Development] is a fantastic example of how innovation, passion and vision can be turned into an effective project demonstrating considerable impact. The project greatly impressed the judges with how its excellent management led to a great idea being implemented across so many communities. The initiative is both sustainable and replicable and is a perfect illustration of the inspirational work that takes place within the voluntary sector."