What Makes a Good EWB-USA Project?

EWB-USA works in partnership with communities to design and implement engineering solutions that improve quality of life, but not every project is the right fit. Lots of work goes to ensure that the work is impactful, sustainable, and achievable. Potential projects must meet a clear set of guidelines before being approved.

1. Community-Driven and Locally Supported

The best projects start with the community itself identifying the problem and requesting help. Applications must demonstrate that the need is widely recognized within the community, not just by a single leader or outside organization. A strong local partner; such as an NGO, municipal office, or grassroots group, is essential. This partner helps coordinate activities, supports communication, and remains committed after the project is complete. They also ensure that the project reflects local priorities, cultural norms, and decision-making processes.

2. Commitment to Long-Term Sustainability

EWB-USA’s work doesn’t end when construction wraps up, and neither should the community’s involvement. A viable project must have a clear plan for operations, maintenance, and eventual replacement of parts. This often means training local technicians, establishing a maintenance fund, and agreeing to share monitoring data after completion. Communities are also required to contribute at least 5% of construction costs in cash, in addition to in-kind contributions such as labor, land, or locally sourced materials. These commitments help ensure ownership and accountability.

3. Technically Appropriate and Feasible

Projects must be designed for the local context and resources. That means choosing technologies and materials that are available, repairable, and maintainable locally, without reliance on outside suppliers or highly specialized skills. Projects should be appropriately scaled: large enough to make an impact, but realistic in terms of budget and volunteer capacity. EWB-USA prioritizes designs that can be completed in phases if needed, and that account for local climate, seasonal changes, and environmental conditions from the outset.

4. Aligned With EWB-USA’s Mission

All projects must address an urgent community need in one of EWB-USA’s focus areas:

• Water supply, sanitation, and hygiene: improving health and reducing time spent collecting water.
• Agriculture and food security: increasing production and resilience to climate impacts.
• Renewable energy and infrastructure: expanding access to electricity, transportation, and communications.
• Disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation: preparing for and mitigating environmental hazards.

Beyond addressing the immediate need, projects should build local expertise through hands-on training and shared problem-solving so the community can adapt, expand, and replicate solutions in the future.

5. Safe, Ethical, and Culturally Respectful

EWB-USA will not take on projects that put volunteers or community members at undue risk. Safety assessments are conducted for every site, considering travel conditions, political stability, and environmental hazards. Ethical guidelines require informed consent, transparent communication, and respect for local customs. Projects should protect the environment, avoid displacing people, and strengthen local decision-making structures.

By holding every project to these standards, EWB-USA ensures that the work is not only technically sound, but also rooted in partnership, built for resilience, and ready to serve the community for years to come.