The Lead2030 Challenge for SDG 6, powered by Reckitt, is a grant opportunity focused on achieving universal access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene by 2030. This initiative is part of Reckitt's long-standing commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6), which addresses the global challenges of water scarcity and inadequate sanitation. Despite efforts, progress towards SDG 6 is behind schedule, with 2.2 billion people lacking access to safe drinking water and half of the world's population experiencing severe water scarcity at least once a year. Additionally, 3.5 billion people do not have access to safely managed sanitation, and 419 million still practice open defecation. These deficiencies contribute to the spread of diseases like diarrhea and pneumonia, which are leading causes of death among children under five.

Reckitt has demonstrated its dedication to SDG 6 by collaborating with various stakeholders, including local communities, social enterprises, governments, NGOs, and charitable organizations. Through its partnership with Water.org, Reckitt has facilitated access to clean water or sanitation for over 2.4 million people. In 2024, Reckitt's school programs, such as the Dettol Hygiene Quest, reached 24.5 million children across more than 15 countries, promoting hygiene education and reducing water-borne diseases and absenteeism.

The Lead2030 Challenge for SDG 6 seeks to support innovations that create measurable impacts by enabling access to clean water, sanitation, or hygiene. Reckitt is particularly interested in solutions that focus on children or women/girls. The challenge is not only about providing equitable access to basic facilities but also about fostering a sustainable ecosystem for continuous development and awareness. Reckitt is keen on receiving applications that utilize digital technology and AI to expand access to water, sanitation, and hygiene or promote good hand hygiene practices to reduce water-borne diseases.

Applicants are encouraged to propose solutions that address WASH-related challenges within Reckitt's value chain, such as water recycling and reuse at factories, supporting Reckitt's Water Positive agenda. The challenge aims to build on the success of previous years, having supported 11 WASH entrepreneurs since 2019. Reckitt believes in the power of social entrepreneurship to tackle global challenges and works with partners like Yunus Social Business and Health Innovation Exchange to scale innovative solutions and develop sustainable business models.

The application deadline for the Lead2030 Challenge for SDG 6 is May 26, 2025. Interested applicants should ensure their proposals align with the challenge's objectives and demonstrate potential for significant impact. For further information or inquiries, applicants can contact the main office located at 14 Irving Street, London, WC2H 7AF, or visit the organization's website.