In a powerful episode of The Charity Charge Show, host Stephen Garten sits down with Shilpa Alva, the founder and executive director of Surge for Water, to explore the nonprofit’s journey from a personal mission to a global impact movement.
Shilpa’s story began in childhood during visits to India, where she witnessed firsthand the inequities surrounding access to clean water. Years later, these early experiences would fuel her decision to leave the corporate world and dedicate herself full-time to creating sustainable, community-led solutions through Surge for Water.
The Power of “Water+”
More than just a clean water initiative, Surge for Water delivers Water+ — a comprehensive approach encompassing safe water, sanitation, hygiene, and menstrual health. With the belief that access alone is not enough, the organization focuses on holistic solutions that create lasting change.
“It’s not just about digging wells or building latrines,” Shilpa shares. “It’s about empowering communities, especially women, to own and sustain these solutions long-term.”
Why Community Ownership Matters
One of Surge’s core pillars is community ownership. Projects are co-created with local partners in Haiti, Indonesia, and Uganda. Surge doesn’t impose solutions — they listen first, adapt to local needs, and build capacity on the ground to ensure sustainability.
This bottom-up approach ensures that every initiative respects cultural norms and leverages local leadership. It also means that when Surge steps back, the impact continues.
Women Leading the Way
As a women-founded, women-led organization, Surge believes in the transformative power of female leadership. From program design to implementation, women play central roles — not just as beneficiaries, but as decision-makers and change agents.
“When women lead, entire communities rise,” says Shilpa.
This gender-intentional model has been instrumental in scaling the organization’s efforts while improving health, education, and economic outcomes for thousands.
Measurable Global Impact
Since its founding in 2008, Surge for Water has improved the lives of nearly 800,000 people. Whether it’s restoring access to clean water, improving menstrual health education, or training local women leaders, every initiative is tracked for transparency and effectiveness.
And the organization is just getting started. By 2030, Surge plans to sustainably reach 1 million people every day with Water+ solutions.
From Corporate to Cause-Driven
One of the most resonant parts of the conversation is Shilpa’s candid account of transitioning from a stable corporate career to full-time nonprofit leadership. It wasn’t a leap — it was a strategic and intentional journey.
She emphasizes the need for careful planning, financial readiness, and passion, encouraging aspiring nonprofit founders to align their skills with the mission while gradually building infrastructure and support.
Diversifying Revenue & Scaling Sustainably
Shilpa also discusses the strategic importance of diversifying revenue streams. As Surge grows, they’re exploring enterprise models to generate income and reduce dependency on donations. This includes innovative partnerships, social enterprise pilots, and scalable community initiatives that support both financial sustainability and mission alignment.
Additionally, she highlights the critical role of building a strong board and dedicated team — a topic that resonates with nonprofit leaders at every stage of growth.
Key Takeaways for Nonprofit Leaders
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Community-first solutions drive deeper and more sustainable change.
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Women’s leadership isn’t just a value — it’s a strategy for success.
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Diversifying funding is key to resilience in uncertain times.
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Transitioning from corporate to nonprofit work takes courage, planning, and a deep sense of purpose.
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Clear impact metrics and transparency build trust and fuel growth.
Final Thoughts
Surge for Water is more than a water nonprofit — it’s a movement building thriving communities by placing women and local leaders at the heart of every solution. As Shilpa Alva’s journey illustrates, it’s possible to transform personal purpose into global impact — with the right vision, team, and commitment to equity.
🎧 Listen to the full episode of The Charity Charge Show with Shilpa Alva to hear more about building a sustainable nonprofit, leading with empathy, and what it takes to create change that lasts.
👉 Visit Surge for Water to explore their work, impact reports, and ways to get involved.
