Want to Grow Your Nonprofit’s Impact? Here Are Charity:Water’s 5 Rules for Purpose-Driven Growth

The most inspiring nonprofit of the last 20 years is Charity: Water.

If you know its founder Scott Harrison, the success of his cause-driven organization wasn't by accident.  He has 5 rules for building a mission that moves people to action.

These rules are a must-read for nonprofit leaders, ministry founders, and faith-based communicators who want to expand their reach while keeping their mission pure.

Rule #1: Tell Stories, Not Statistics

Charity: Water reminds us that what people care about isn’t how many people you serve.

It’s actually who you serve—and why it matters. Because people give to people, not numbers. Stories build empathy, empathy builds trust, and trust builds movements.

We all know these things “in theory,” but when reports are due and metrics are tight, we forget.
You have to actively remind yourself that transformation always starts with a name, not a number.

Rule #2: Radical Transparency Builds Radical Trust

Most nonprofits trying to grow think donors want perfection.

When actually, they want honesty. The reason is that transparency builds credibility faster than polished perfection ever could.
So, don’t hide the messy middle—share it.

Radical transparency is radical ministry.

Rule #3: Invite People Into a Story, Not a Transaction

It takes leaders a long time to learn this one.

Success isn’t about getting more people to give.
It’s about inviting them into the mission—a story bigger than themselves. When people feel they’re part of something sacred, they don’t just give once; they become advocates.

Rule #4: Design with Dignity

This one is my favorite.

Whether you serve across the world or across town, this rule still applies.
You have to design your storytelling, branding, and communication in a way that protects dignity and honors those you serve.

When your audience feels hope instead of pity, everything changes.

Rule #5: Build for the Long Haul

This is true for most things in life and ministry.

Your goal should not be to grow fast.
Instead, focus on growing faithfully—building systems, leaders, and supporters that will last for decades.

Then, and only then, will you follow in the footsteps of the most trusted nonprofit brands in the world.