Scott Harrison is the founder and CEO of charity: water, a non-profit focused on providing clean drinking water to people in developing countries. His journey from nightclub promoter to philanthropic leader is inspiring.
Harrison spent nearly ten years promoting nightclubs in New York City but found it unfulfilling. In 2004, he volunteered on a hospital ship off the coast of Liberia and saw the severe effects of contaminated water on communities. This experience drove him to tackle the global water crisis.
In 2006, he started charity: water, launching it with a unique fundraising event for his birthday, where guests donated $20 for entry. This "100% Model" ensured that all donations went directly to clean water projects.
Harrison's mission is to provide clean water to everyone in need. Under his leadership, charity: water has grown rapidly, raising over $850 million and funding more than 138,000 water projects in 29 countries, helping over 17.5 million people.
His work has received significant recognition, including features on Fortune’s 40 Under 40 list, Forbes’ Impact 30, and Fast Company’s 100 Most Creative People in Business. He is also a World Economic Forum Young Global Leader and has received the Martin Luther King Center Salute to Greatness humanitarian award.
Harrison wrote the New York Times bestseller "Thirst: A Story of Redemption, Compassion, and a Mission to Bring Clean Water to the World." As a speaker, he uses storytelling and technology to emphasize the importance of philanthropy, inspiring audiences to take action.
Harrison is married to Viktoria, and they have three children. His transformation from a life of hedonism to one of service shows the power of compassion and commitment to a cause. His innovative approach has made charity: water one of the most trusted non-profits in the world.
