Tapping Change: Matt Hangen - Transforming Water Access Through a Community-Driven Model

Future Nonprofit

“As CEO of Water4, every trip I take, I go out to communities, I spend the night and go house to house and see if the taps are working, talk to customers, see what's going on, see what life's really like. And then my job is to thank them for being a customer, not for them to thank me for being a benefactor.” - Matt Hangen

In a sector filled with beneficiaries and benefactors, one international organization is challenging outdated models and disrupting traditional power structures.

In this bonus episode from the Camp Redwood Sessions, meet Matt Hangen, the visionary CEO of Water4, a trailblazing nonprofit revolutionizing the fight against water scarcity through innovative, business-driven solutions. How? By treating access to water as a consumer service rather than a handout. As a result, Water4 is boosting health—and economic opportunities—throughout rural African communities.

Discover Matt’s journey and the bold strategies making waves across rural Africa. Get an insider look at the pivotal moments that shaped Matt’s in-the-trenches, consumer-focused mindset. Matt also shares how his early work revealed the limitations of traditional charity models and inspired Water4’s business-based approach. He explores why empathy is at the heart of his strategy and how a deep understanding of the end users' needs can drive real change. Tune in to this must-listen episode to explore new ways to drive social impact, think bigger, and make a lasting difference where it’s needed most.

Contents

1 - Early mentorship and nonprofit influences

2 - Traveling to Africa and work in water

3 - Understanding water scarcity and consumer audience

4 - Building an innovative consumer-focused model

5 - Scaling and growth opportunities

6 - Advice for nonprofit leaders

Links

• Historic Agency
• Matt Hangen on LinkedIn
• NUMA Water
• Water4
• Culture Built My Brand

Mentioned in this episode:

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