Water First is a 5-star charity. It has above average disclosure with an A+ results reporting grade. It holds reserves within Ci’s reasonable range. For every dollar donated to the charity, 83 cents are available to go to the cause.

A Charity Intelligence 2025 Top 100 Rated Charity.

Founded in 2009, Water First Education & Training Inc. (formerly Tin Roof Global) partners with Indigenous communities across Canada to train youth and adults in water science and management. The aim is to build lasting local capacity for safe water access. Since its founding, the charity has worked with 97 Indigenous communities. In the fiscal year ending August 2025 (F2025), Water First spent $5.1m across its three programs: Drinking Water, Environmental Water, and School Water.

Drinking Water represented 51% ($2.6m) of program costs in F2025. The Drinking Water Internship Program is a 15-month paid training program. It helps young Indigenous adults gain the skills, certifications, and confidence to pursue a career in water treatment. In F2025, 45 participants were enrolled in the program, 19 of whom graduated. Interns received 26,460 hours of training.

Environmental Water represented 29% ($1.5m) of program costs in F2025. Through two streams, Water First works with Indigenous partners to build local technical capacity in water and fish resource management. Community-Based Projects deliver targeted training modules covering water quality, data management, climate change, and fish conservation. The Environmental Water Internship follows a similar model to the Drinking Water program, offering a longer-term paid training pathway. In F2025, 58 participants received 11,351 training hours and earned 23 certifications.

School Water represented 20% ($1.0m) of program costs in F2025. Water First delivers STEM-based water science programs to K-12 students in Indigenous communities. The goal is to motivate students to consider careers in the local water field. Water First instructors promote environmental conservation and create space for Indigenous Knowledge keepers to share insights. Students visit local water bodies and wastewater treatment plants and learn about their roles in protecting water resources. In F2025, Water First reached 2,290 students across 27 Indigenous communities. The charity delivered 25 water science courses, and students earned a total of 20 high school credits in F2025.

Water First’s audited financial statements use activity-based costing. This is a best practice.

In F2025, Water First earned $8.1m in revenue. It received $5.1m in donations (63% of total revenue), $1.9m in government funding (23% of total revenue), and $442k in fees for service (5% of total revenue).

Administrative costs are 5% of revenues (less investment income). Fundraising costs are 12% of donations. Total overhead is 17%. For every dollar donated to Water First, 83 cents are available to go to the cause. This is within Ci's reasonable range.

In F2025, Water First spent $5.1m on programs (62% of total revenue). It recorded a $2.0m surplus and spent $337k on capital assets.

Water First has $7.5m in reserve funds (cash and investments). These reserves can cover 148%, or just under one and a half years of its annual program costs. This is within Ci’s reasonable range.

This charity update has been sent to Water First for review. Changes and edits may be forthcoming. Updated by Nick Reszetnik on June 10, 2026.