Scott Harrison

Scott Harrison is an American nonprofit founder and humanitarian who founded charity: water in 2006^[1]. The organization has raised over $1 billion to bring clean water to more than 20 million people across 29 countries through its innovative 100% donation model^[3][5].

Harrison's transformation from New York nightclub promoter to humanitarian began in 2004 when he volunteered as a photojournalist aboard Mercy Ships in Liberia^[1]. The experience led him to ask himself, "What would the exact opposite of my life look like?"^[1] Two years later, he founded charity: water with the mission to bring clean and safe drinking water to people in developing nations^[3].

Under Harrison's leadership, charity: water has funded over 186,000 water projects in 29 countries^[5]. The organization operates on a unique model where 100% of public donations go directly to water projects, while operational costs are funded separately by a group of private donors^[3]. Harrison currently serves as CEO and resides in Nashville, Tennessee^[3].

Harrison was born on September 7, 1975, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and grew up in Hunterdon County, New Jersey^[3]. He was raised in a conservative Christian family as an only child^[3]. His mother suffered from severe chemical sensitivity after carbon monoxide exposure from a faulty furnace, which required her to wear charcoal masks and follow extreme dietary restrictions^[3].

Harrison graduated from New York University in 1998 with a bachelor's degree in Communications^[3]. Following graduation, he moved into the New York nightclub scene, working as an event promoter for brands including MTV, VH1, Bacardi, and Elle magazine^[1][3].

Nightclub Promotion (1998–2004)

After graduating from NYU, Harrison spent six years working as a nightclub promoter in New York City^[1]. He organized events for major brands including MTV, VH1, Bacardi, and Elle magazine^[3]. During this period, Harrison lived what he later described as a self-centered lifestyle focused on parties and material success^[1].

Mercy Ships Volunteer (2004–2006)

In 2004, at age 28, Harrison applied to volunteer with Mercy Ships, a nonprofit that operates hospital ships providing medical care in developing countries^[1]. He served as a photojournalist aboard the ship in Liberia, documenting medical missions and surgeries^[3]. The experience exposed him to extreme poverty and lack of basic healthcare, fundamentally changing his perspective on life and purpose^[1].

charity: water (2006–present)

Harrison founded charity: water in 2006 with $0 in his bank account and the goal of bringing clean water to people in developing nations^[1][3]. The organization pioneered a 100% donation model, where all public donations go directly to water projects while operational costs are funded by a separate group of private donors called The Well^[3].

Under Harrison's leadership, charity: water has grown to employ 343 people and has funded over 186,000 water projects across 29 countries^[4][5]. The organization has raised over $1 billion and provided clean water access to more than 20 million people^[3][5]. Harrison continues to serve as CEO and has moved the organization's focus toward sustainability and long-term impact measurement^[2].

Harrison has received numerous awards for his humanitarian work, including the Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Award from The King Center in 2024^[5]. He has been named to Fortune's 40 Under 40 list and ranked #10 on Fast Company's Most Creative People in Business^[5]. Forbes included him on their Impact 30 list, and he serves as a Young Global Leader with the World Economic Forum^[5].

Harrison is a frequent speaker at conferences and events, sharing his story of transformation and charity: water's mission^[5]. He has appeared on numerous podcasts and media outlets to discuss nonprofit leadership and the global water crisis^[6][7][8].

Harrison is married to Viktoria Harrison and has three children: Jackson, Emma, and Luke^[3]. The family moved from New York to Nashville, Tennessee, in 2021^[3]. Harrison has been open about his family's experience with his mother's chemical sensitivity, which shaped his understanding of health challenges and resilience from an early age^[3].