It all started in 2018 with a single water tank and a vision for change. One of our founders returned to his hometown in Tanzania and was struck by the daily challenges children faced due to a lack of accessible water. Determined to make a difference, he teamed up with his father and local contractors to install a water tank at a primary school—providing students with a vital resource that so many of us take for granted.
When he returned to Canada, he couldn’t shake the impact of what he had witnessed. He gathered his business partners and posed a simple yet powerful question: 'Do you want to be part of something bigger?'
Inspired by that first success, the three founders came together with a shared commitment to expand this initiative. They envisioned a future where no child had to struggle for water, where education could flourish, and where small efforts could create lasting change. With that mission in mind, they established Ground-Up Foundation—named for their belief that real transformation starts from the ground up.
Today, that single tank has turned into a movement, bringing water, hope, and opportunity to thousands of children across Tanzania.
With a shared vision and unwavering commitment, our founders took the necessary steps to formalize their efforts—first by becoming a registered Canadian charity, and then by establishing Ground-Up Foundation as an official international non-governmental organization (NGO).
To support our mission, we host a variety of fundraising events each year, rallying communities to help bring water access to schools in Tanzania. Every dollar raised goes directly toward installing and maintaining water tanks, ensuring that children have the resources they need to learn, grow, and thrive.
Beyond providing water, we are committed to strengthening the communities we serve. We source materials locally and hire local contractors to stimulate economic growth, creating a ripple effect of opportunity. In 2021, we took a significant step forward by hiring two dedicated on-the-ground employees.
Their role is vital; they conduct regular check-ins, provide reports on existing projects, and identify new schools in need of support, allowing us to expand our impact year after year.
Today, we are proud to see how much our team has grown. What started as a small initiative has evolved into a dedicated network of changemakers, united by a shared mission.
In Canada, our team of five works tirelessly to raise awareness, secure funding, and drive our vision forward. Meanwhile, our local employees in Tanzania are on the ground, ensuring our water tanks are well maintained and identifying new schools in need of support.
Beyond our core team, we have built an incredible community of loyal supporters and donors who believe in our mission. Their generosity and encouragement fuel our success, allowing us to expand our reach and bring sustainable water solutions to more children every year.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who has joined us on this journey—together, we are making a lasting difference, one school at a time.
Whether you're looking to donate, to volunteer, or seeking another opportunity with Ground-Up, we'd love to hear from you.