Enterprises working to solve challenges in water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) now have a new pathway to scale their impact as the Social Impact Incentives (SIINC) program opens applications. The initiative is designed to reward businesses that deliver measurable outcomes by offering time-limited payments linked to verified impact. With millions of people across Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa and the MENA region still lacking safe water and proper sanitation, SIINC is not only providing funding support but also helping enterprises strengthen their operations, attract new investment and expand the reach of their solutions.
SIINC works as a results-based financing tool. It provides time-limited payments to enterprises that achieve outcomes which are independently verified. These outcomes could be in areas such as safe drinking water access, better sanitation or menstrual hygiene solutions. The approach gives enterprises additional revenue while also making them more attractive to investors. For many businesses in the WASH sector, this combination of capital and recognition is the missing link to scale their operations and reach more people in need.
The program was launched in 2022 under the Impact-Linked Finance Fund for WASH (ILF for WASH). It is an initiative of Aqua for All, supported by Roots of Impact and has been carefully designed to catalyze change in a sector that is vital to public health, gender equality and climate resilience. Water, sanitation and hygiene are cornerstones of development, yet millions of people still lack reliable access. By supporting enterprises that are tackling these challenges, SIINC offers a practical way to bridge the gap between impact and investment.
Enterprises applying to the program must already be in the process of raising investment, as SIINC complements and strengthens existing financing rounds. For drinking water and menstrual hygiene enterprises, the minimum investment to be raised is €500,000, while sanitation enterprises must be seeking at least €250,000. This investment can take different forms, including equity, debt or mezzanine financing. By requiring enterprises to raise funds alongside the SIINC support, the program ensures that businesses are financially committed to growth and sustainability.
Beyond the funding itself, joining SIINC comes with several key benefits. Enterprises will receive performance-based payments that are directly linked to the social impact they achieve. They will also be offered tailored support to strengthen and scale their operations. The program provides an added layer of credibility, giving enterprises stronger appeal to future investors. In addition, participants gain visibility and recognition as high-impact businesses within the WASH sector, which can open new doors for partnerships and collaborations.
To qualify, enterprises must meet specific eligibility requirements. They need to be based or active in Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa or the MENA region and should have been operational for at least three years. They must have a well-defined business model with strong revenue potential, regardless of whether they are registered as a for-profit or non-profit entity. The focus of their work must be on WASH, with a clear emphasis on creating impact for low-income communities, advancing gender equality and addressing climate concerns. Another important requirement is that enterprises should already have an impact measurement and management system in place, showing their ability to track and verify the outcomes they achieve.
The timing of this initiative is significant. With growing global awareness of the role WASH plays in health, dignity and development, there is increasing momentum to support enterprises that bring practical solutions to scale. Many businesses in this space face challenges in accessing the capital they need to expand, often because investors are cautious about the risks. By rewarding impact with direct payments, SIINC reduces these risks, improves enterprise profitability and makes investment in WASH more attractive. This can create a ripple effect, where enterprises not only sustain themselves but also unlock larger rounds of financing that enable them to reach even more communities.
The application window for SIINC is now open and will close on November 2, 2025. For enterprises that meet the criteria, this represents more than just a funding opportunity. It is a chance to be part of a global initiative that connects financial growth with measurable social impact, while addressing one of the most urgent challenges of our time. By joining SIINC, WASH enterprises can step into a future where profitability and purpose go hand in hand, proving that business can be both impactful and sustainable.
