Paani Project

Paani, which means water in Urdu, was founded in 2017 at the University of Michigan and operated by student volunteers who aim to alleviate the water and sanitation crisis in Pakistan.{{cite news |title=Lakers' LeBron James is honored with well in Pakistan |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/story/2019-12-09/lakers-lebron-james-is-honored-with-well-in-pakistan |author=Eduardo Gonzalez|newspaper=Los Angeles Times |date=9 December 2019|access-date=10 June 2021}}{{Cite news|date=14 April 2021|title=Former Disney, Nickelodeon stars send Ramadan greetings to Muslim fans|url=https://arab.news/rdbgz|access-date=10 June 2021|newspaper=Arab News|language=en}}{{Cite web|title=Here's how a UNC student organization helped improve water accessibility abroad|url=https://www.dailytarheel.com/article/2020/08/msa-summer-project-0813|date=13 August 2020|access-date=10 June 2021|author=Kate Carroll|newspaper=The Daily Tar Heel (daily newspaper of the University of North Carolina)}}{{Cite web |last=Wilkins |first=Pete |title=What Drives The University Of Michigan's Entrepreneurial Success |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/peterandrewwilkins/2022/10/11/what-drives-the-university-of-michigans-entrepreneurial-success/ |access-date=2022-10-13 |website=Forbes |language=en}}

Paani has focused largely on the most disadvantaged families in various districts of Sindh including Jacobabad, Mirpurkhas, Jaffarabad and Tharparkar.{{cite web |title=Paani Project USA installs hand pumps and distributes food items in various Districts of Sindh |url=http://news10.pk/paani-project-usa-installs-hand-pumps-and-distributes-food-items-in-various-districts-of-sindh/ |date=7 June 2020|website=News10 TV website|access-date=10 June 2021}} In response to COVID-19 pandemic in Pakistan, the non-profit has distributed over a million dollars of medical supplies to clinics including ventilators, electrocardiogram machines, cardiac monitors, and face masks to hospitals in Pakistan.

The non-profit has built wells in honor of George Floyd and Mohammad Anwar.{{cite web |last1=Qazi |first1=Areeba |date=24 June 2020 |title=How a Nonprofit is Providing Water in Pakistan |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101231658/https://www.browngirlmagazine.com/2020/06/paani-water-pakistan/ |access-date=10 June 2021 |website=Brown Girl Magazine}}{{Cite web|date=2019-10-09|title=Clean water start-up names well in Pakistan after LeBron James|url=https://lebronwire.usatoday.com/2019/10/09/clean-water-start-up-names-well-in-pakistan-after-lebron-james/|access-date=2021-05-21|website=LeBron Wire|language=en-US}}

In July 2021, the organization worked with NBA superstar Kyrie Irving to build a solar water center in Pakistan.{{Cite web|last=Lewis|first=Brian|date=2021-07-30|title=Kyrie Irving makes clean water in drought-ridden Pakistani village a reality|url=https://nypost.com/2021/07/30/kyrie-irving-makes-clean-water-a-reality-in-pakastani-village/|access-date=2021-07-30|website=New York Post|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|date=2021-07-29|title=NBA star Kyrie Irving's charity helps build solar water centre in Thar|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1637591|access-date=2021-07-30|website=dawn.com|language=en}} This effort drew praise from the Consulate General of the United States, Karachi.{{cite tweet |author=US Consulate Karachi |user=usconsulatekhi |number=1421109810045595648 |date=30 July 2021 |title=American NBA superstar and humanitarian @KyrieIrving built a Paani solar center in Tharparkar. In time for Eid, Irving and his K.A.I Family Foundation inaugurated a solar water plant that will support 1000 villagers in the Rohal village of Tharparkar. (1/2) https://t.co/jyFWfkmkXo |language=en |access-date=13 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220831011448/https://twitter.com/usconsulatekhi/status/1421109810045595648 |archive-date=31 August 2022 |url-status=live}}

During the summer of 2022, founder Sikander 'Sonny' Khan received The Diana Award and the Daily Point of Light Award for his efforts in creating Paani.{{Cite web |date=July 1, 2022 |first=Simon |last=Perry |title=Prince William Shares Emotional Letter on Mom Princess Diana's Birthday: 'She Would Be So Proud' |url=https://people.com/royals/prince-william-shares-letter-princess-diana-birthday-diana-award-recipients/ |access-date=2022-07-12 |website=people.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Light |first=Points of |title=Volunteer Changes the World Through Clean Water, One Well at a Time |url=https://www.pointsoflight.org/awards/volunteer-changes-the-world-through-clean-water-one-well-at-a-time/ |access-date=2022-09-08 |website=Points of Light |language=en-US}}

In August 2022, the organization built a school for child Afghan refugees in Swabi through a viral donation from DraftKings CEO Jason Robins.{{Cite web |date=2022-08-18 |title=The incredible story of how DraftKings CEO's mistaken burner led to the building of a school in Pakistan |url=https://ftw.usatoday.com/2022/08/draftkings-ceo-jason-robins-burner-twitter-donation-pakistain-school |access-date=2022-08-20 |website=For The Win |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Edelstein |first=Jeff |date=2022-08-16 |title=Jason Robins, Twitter Burners, And A New School In Pakistan |url=https://sportshandle.com/jason-robins-twitter-burner-new-school-pakistan/ |access-date=2022-08-20 |website=SportsHandle |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |first=Anissa |last=Gardizy |date=August 25, 2022 |title='Mind-boggling': How a donation from DraftKings' CEO led to a new school for Afghan refugees |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/08/25/business/how-twitter-account-rumor-led-draftkings-ceo-fund-school-afghan-refugees/ |access-date=2022-08-27 |website=BostonGlobe.com |language=en-US}} The school is expected to serve approximately 175 students over the next five years.

In September 2023, the Clinton Global Initiative selected Paani as one of 30 organizations for the CGI Greenhouse, an opportunity to accelerate partnerships for mission-driven entrepreneurs with strategic, intersectional approaches to addressing global challenges.{{Cite news |title=CGI ACCELERATES PARTNERSHIPS FOR ENTREPRENEURS, STARTUPS THROUGH CGI GREENHOUSE |url=https://www.clintonfoundation.org/press-and-news/clinton-global-initiative/cgi-accelerates-partnerships-for-entrepreneurs-startups-through-cgi-greenhouse/}}

In November 2023, Khan was named in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list.{{Cite web |last=Kukulka |first=Mitchell |date=2024-01-03 |title=Jackson High grad makes Forbes 2024 ‘30-Under-30′ list for marketing, charity efforts |url=https://www.mlive.com/news/jackson/2024/01/jackson-high-grad-makes-forbes-2024-30-under-30-list-for-marketing-charity-efforts.html |access-date=2024-09-01 |website=mlive |language=en}} In March 2024, Khan received the Diana Legacy Award from William, Prince of Wales for his humanitarian efforts.{{Cite web |last=Kukulka |first=Mitchell |date=2024-03-20 |title=British royal family recognizes 25-year-old Michigan man for charity work |url=https://www.mlive.com/news/jackson/2024/03/british-royal-family-recognizes-25-year-old-michigan-man-for-charity-work.html |access-date=2024-09-01 |website=mlive |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Dakis |first=Delilah |date=2024-03-27 |title=UMich alum Sonny Khan receives The Diana Legacy Award for Paani |url=https://www.michigandaily.com/news/campus-life/umich-alum-sikander-sonny-khan-receives-the-diana-legacy-award-for-work-with-paani-project/ |access-date=2024-09-01 |website=The Michigan Daily |language=en-US}}

Paani conducts needs assessments to determine the most beneficial type of well for each community. Approximately 65% of the wells built are hand pumps, 30% are deep wells, and 5% use solar power or reverse osmosis. The organization partners with local construction companies and ensures fair compensation for laborers involved in well construction.

Paani relies on a number of contacts including local construction companies to build the wells, while producing jobs for the unemployed.{{Cite web |title=18-08-2022 - 1-Page - the Regional Times |url=http://regionaltimes.com/12Jun2021/2.jpg}} At the completion of each well, local community members are trained on the maintenance process to ensure longevity of the wells.

The organization helped 7,551 families of three tehsils of Tharparkar district from 400 deep water wells and five solar-powered water wells in Pakistan, however across Pakistan the number is much larger.{{Cite news |author=Jan Khashkheli |date=20 May 2021 |title=A drop of hope: Solar-powered water wells for Tharis |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/837024-a-drop-of-hope-solar-powered-water-wells-for-tharis |access-date=10 June 2021 |newspaper=The News International (newspaper) |language=en}}

Paani has established a Women's Center offering skills training and vocational programs. As of 2023, 40 women are undergoing training in handcrafts and sewing. The center aims to promote gender equality and enhance socio-economic well-being.

In Tharparkar, Paani's solar-powered water facilities have enabled women to grow gardens, further supporting their economic independence.{{Cite web |author=Hanif Samoon |date=2 June 2021 |title=Thar women produce vegetables at home to fight poverty |url=https://dailytimes.com.pk/765981/thar-women-produce-vegetables-at-home-to-fight-poverty/ |access-date=10 June 2021 |language=en-US |newspaper=Daily Times (newspaper)}}{{Cite news |last=Banglani |first=Zaheer |date=June 4, 2021 |title=FRDP, Paani Project USA facilitate Jacobabad's growers |url=http://regionaltimes.com/04Jun2021/2.jpg |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210604032001if_/http://regionaltimes.com/04Jun2021/2.jpg |archive-date=June 4, 2021 |work=The Regional Times of Sindh}}{{Cite web |title=Residents of Village |url=http://regionaltimes.com/23Jun2021/2.jpg}}

Paani has responded to various emergencies in Pakistan:

• 2019 Earthquake in Kashmir: Distributed emergency clothing and bedding
• 2020 Karachi Floods: Provided cooked meals and clean water via water tankers to affected neighborhoods
• COVID-19 pandemic: Supplied food and hygiene kits to over 4,000 families (each averaging 7 members), and $500,000 in medical supplies including ventilators, electrocardiogram machines, and cardiac monitors to health clinics in Lahore, including the Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute{{cite web |author=Ayan Ajeen |title=Paani: Navigating Humanitarian Aid in the Midst of Crisis |url=https://cairnewsroom.com/community-responses/paani-adjusting-humanitarian-relief-in-the-midst-of-crisis/ |access-date=10 June 2021 |website=Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) website}}{{Cite web |last=Hintz |first=Livvy |date=2019-03-22 |title=Paani event focuses on water sanitation crisis in Pakistan and Flint |url=https://www.michigandaily.com/campus-life/paani-event-discussed-water-sanitation-crisis-pakistan-and-flint/ |access-date=10 June 2021 |website=The Michigan Daily |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Banglani |first=Zaheer |title=Services of FRDP, Paani Project USA lauded |url=http://regionaltimes.com/17Jun2021/4.jpg}}
• 2022 Pakistan floods: Raised over $1.2 million for relief efforts, building water wells, constructing homes, and distributing food packages in the most affected areas{{Cite news |date=Aug 27, 2020 |title=Paani Project Report |url=https://www.paaniproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Paani-Flood-Report-1.pdf |access-date=Aug 27, 2020 |pages=1}}{{Cite web |last=Code |first=Astrid |date=2023-07-12 |title=Paani raises over $1.2M for Pakistan flood relief |url=http://www.michigandaily.com/campus-life/paani-raises-over-1-2m-for-pakistan-flood-relief/ |access-date=2023-08-09 |website=The Michigan Daily |language=en-US}}

Paani emphasizes transparency in its operations. When a donation is made for a well, the donor receives a Google Drive album of 60 photos and a video documenting the entire process, including photos of community members benefiting from the final result.

The organization maintains zero overhead costs, ensuring all donations are directed to supported rural communities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Paani adhered to regulations set by the Inter-Agency Standing Committee of the United Nations for safe food distribution

Paani aims to improve donor engagement by connecting them with beneficiaries on the ground, allowing donors to feel involved in the process even after making their contribution.

Paani began with students raising funds by selling donuts at the Michigan Union, raising $600 for their first water well.{{Cite web |title=Choose to Act: How to Build An International NGO While Graduating from School {{!}} We Are Michigan Public Health |url=https://sph.umich.edu/stories/2020posts/omar-ilyas.html |access-date=2021-06-18 |website=sph.umich.edu |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Samoon |first=Hanif |date=2021-06-16 |title=A journey of volunteers to help thirsty people |url=https://pknama.com/2021/06/16/a-journey-of-volunteers-to-help-thirsty-people/ |access-date=2021-06-16 |website=PKnama |language=en-US}} The organization now conducts most of its fundraising through online platforms like LaunchGood and online donations via their website.{{Cite web |last=Bickerton |first=Scarlett |date=25 May 2021 |title=Paani raises over $900,000 for clean water and food relief in Pakistan |url=https://www.michigandaily.com/campus-life/paani-raises-over-900000-for-clean-water-and-food-relief-in-pakistan/ |access-date=10 June 2021 |language=en-US |newspaper=The Michigan Daily}}{{Cite news |date=14 April 2021 |title=Drake Bell, Lindsay Lohan and more celebs honour Ramadan for a good cause |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/820029-drake-bell-lindsay-lohan-and-more-celebs-honour-ramadan-for-a-good-cause |access-date=10 June 2021 |newspaper=The News International (newspaper) |language=en}}

Approximately 80% of Paani's fundraising occurs during Ramadan. Notable campaigns include:

• 2021: Raised $905,155
• 2023: Raised over $1.26 million for flood relief

Paani has also engaged celebrities in campaigns, including a 2021 Ramadan video featuring Phill Lewis, Lindsay Lohan, Drake Bell, and Tony Hawk, which received millions of views across social media platforms.

The organization has raised over $5 million while maintaining $0 in overhead.{{Cite web |last=Ennette |first=Frederick |date=2021-07-29 |title=Kyrie Irving Takes Savage Shot at Nike After Images of Latest Shoe Leaks |url=https://heavy.com/sports/brooklyn-nets/kyrie-irving-brooklyn-nets-nike-nba/ |access-date=2021-08-11 |website=Heavy.com |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Light |first=Points of |title=Volunteer Changes the World Through Clean Water, One Well at a Time |url=https://www.pointsoflight.org/awards/volunteer-changes-the-world-through-clean-water-one-well-at-a-time/ |access-date=2022-09-07 |website=Points of Light |language=en-US}}

• Bushra Amiwala{{Cite web |last=Dorfmann |first=Daniel I. |date=2023-04-18 |title=Gov. Pritzker, other top officials attend Skokie iftar organized by local elected official |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/skokie/ct-skr-iftar-amiwala-tl-0420-20230417-t3cksh5umzdutcexf56hxjwctu-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418022814/https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/skokie/ct-skr-iftar-amiwala-tl-0420-20230417-t3cksh5umzdutcexf56hxjwctu-story.html |archive-date=2023-04-18 |access-date=2023-04-18 |website=Chicago Tribune}}
• Rabia Chaudry{{cite tweet |last=O'chaudry |first=Rabia |user=rabiasquared |number=1384570482989613056 |date=20 April 2021 |title=This is awesome @inihelene! This year I sponsored a well in my mother's name and then we did three more in my father, uncle, and grandfather's name in #Pakistan. There is a real need there. https://t.co/fszBCiXVXF |language=en |access-date=13 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210425034020/https://twitter.com/rabiasquared/status/1384570482989613056 |archive-date=25 April 2021 |url-status=live}}
• Abdul El-Sayed{{Cite web |last=Hintz |first=Livvy |date=2019-03-22 |title=Paani event focuses on water sanitation crisis in Pakistan and Flint |url=http://www.michigandaily.com/campus-life/paani-event-discussed-water-sanitation-crisis-pakistan-and-flint/ |access-date=2022-08-06 |website=The Michigan Daily |language=en-US}}
• Jeremy McLellan{{cite tweet |last=Khan |first=Jeremy |user=JeremyMcLellan |number=1246453152926269441 |date=4 April 2020 |title=This is so surreal. @PaaniProject builds wells in rural Pakistan and I just found out they built a well in my honor in the village of Yaar Ali Golo. PS: Right now they are also providing food packs to rural laborers so please support them here: https://t.co/KEzZfqCvop https://t.co/jYDofi6jgx |language=en |access-date=13 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210517195333/https://twitter.com/jeremymclellan/status/1246453152926269441 |archive-date=17 May 2021 |url-status=live}}
• Tony Hawk{{Cite web |date=2021-04-13 |title=Your favourite Disney and Nickelodeon stars united for a Ramazan message |url=https://images.dawn.com/news/1186993 |access-date=2022-08-06 |website=Images |language=en}}
• Kyrie Irving
• Lindsay Lohan
• J. B. Pritzker
• Jason Robins
• Amjad Saqib
• Mark Schlissel{{Cite web |date=2022-08-05 |title=Made at Michigan |url=https://madeatmichigan.umich.edu/ |access-date=2022-08-06 |website= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220805235216/https://madeatmichigan.umich.edu/ |archive-date=5 August 2022 |url-status=dead}}
• Sabaa Tahir{{Cite web |title=Login • Instagram |url=https://www.instagram.com/accounts/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fp%2FCnzpGG4OiMI%2F |access-date=2023-05-30 |website=www.instagram.com}}

{{reflist}}

Category:Non-profit organizations based in the United States

Category:Non-profit organizations based in Michigan

Category:Organizations established in 2017

Category:Water organizations in the United States

Category:Water-related charities

Category:2017 establishments in Michigan

Category:Charities based in Michigan

Category:Pakistani-American organizations