Deadline Date: May 15, 2026
The Rashid Kidwai WASH Finance Awards 2026 is inviting applications to support the growth of the WASH finance ecosystem by recognising institutions and individuals contributing through innovation, leadership, and measurable impact.
Focus areas, of this awards programme include strengthening WASH financing systems, promoting access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene services, encouraging financial innovation in sanitation and water sectors, supporting blended finance models, improving ESG and climate-resilient financing, bridging gaps between finance, policy, and development outcomes, and creating scalable and bankable WASH financing models.
The awards are introduced in response to the critical need for sustainable financing mechanisms in the WASH sector, where access to capital remains a key challenge. The initiative aims to highlight the role of financial institutions, investors, and community-based organisations in supporting inclusive and scalable WASH solutions.
The programme recognises that achieving long-term impact in water, sanitation, and hygiene services depends significantly on the ability to mobilise and direct capital towards sustainable and inclusive solutions. It also acknowledges the growing role of innovative financial actors in reshaping traditional perceptions of risk in the sector.
The awards are structured into three main categories, including upstream finance, enterprise finance, and community and philanthropy finance. Each category highlights different contributions across the WASH value chain, from large-scale financial systems to grassroots and community-driven initiatives.
Upstream finance focuses on institutions such as banks, development finance institutions, and blended finance platforms that enable large-scale financial innovation. Enterprise finance recognises startups, MSMEs, and impact investors driving sustainable business models in sanitation and water-related sectors. Community and philanthropy finance highlights organisations supporting last-mile inclusion, financial access, and community-led WASH improvements.
The initiative aims to build a stronger ecosystem by encouraging innovation in financial instruments, expanding investment in WASH-related solutions, and promoting inclusive development outcomes that benefit households and communities, especially those in underserved areas.
For more information, visit India Sanitation Coalition.
