Gary White

and

Matt Damon

May 16, 2024

Marriott Marquis Washington, DC

5:30 PM - 9:30 PM EDT

Co-Founders of Water.org and WaterEquity to be honored for improving access to safe water and sanitation worldwide.

The Fulbright Association will award the 2024 J. William Fulbright Prize for International Understanding jointly to Gary White and Matt Damon for co-founding and leading Water.org and WaterEquity, which are dedicated to breaking down the barriers between people living in poverty and access to safe water and sanitation. Together, the non-profit organizations have positively transformed more than 60 million lives around the world by using market-driven financial solutions to end the global water crisis. For millions of women, children, and communities, access to safe water can turn problems into potential — unlocking education, economic opportunities, and improved health.

Your ticket registration or sponsorship will fund both a $50,000 donation to Water.org and Fulbright Association programs that promote wider representation in global affairs, expand opportunities for international exchange, and support the next generation of Fulbright leaders.

The Fulbright Association is the American alumni organization of the Fulbright Program with a mission to engage, serve, and support a diverse and growing network dedicated to the Fulbright principle of international cooperation through mutual understanding.

Read the full announcement

Gary White's Biography

Gary White is the CEO and Co-founder of Water.org and WaterEquity, two organizations dedicated to breaking down the barriers between people living in poverty and access to safe water and sanitation. Gary developed Water.org’s WaterCredit solution, creating new financing options for people in need to meet their water supply and sanitation needs.

He also developed WaterEquity, an impact investment manager dedicated to ending the global water crisis with an exclusive focus on mobilizing private investments in water and sanitation throughout Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

He is a leading advisor in the water and sanitation space, partnering with organizations such as Inditex, Reckitt, Amazon Web Services, the Water Resilience Coalition, and Bank of America on responses to the global water crisis.

Gary holds three degrees in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the Missouri University of Science and Technology.

Matt Damon's Biography

Academy Award winner Matt Damon is an actor, screenwriter, producer and humanitarian, who has garnered international acclaim for his work both on- and off-screen.

Inspired during international travel with his family throughout Mexico and Guatemala as a youth, Matt has long been devoted to environmental and social issues.

Learning about the immense challenges of accessing safe water and sanitation in Sub-Saharan Africa, Matt decided to create the H20 Africa Foundation. In 2009, he teamed up with Gary White to join their organizations and launch Water.org, and in 2017, to create WaterEquity.

Matt’s active participation in Water.org and WaterEquity’s work, including site visits to multiple countries, strategy development, advocacy, and high-level meetings with institutions like the World Bank and the World Economic Forum over the past decade, has positioned him as one of the world’s experts on water and sanitation issues.

*The attendance of Matt Damon is not guaranteed.

About Water.org & WaterEquity

Water.org and WaterEquity are breaking down the barriers between people and access to safe water and sanitation. Together, they have has positively transformed more than 60 million lives around the world.

Founded by Gary White and Matt Damon, Water.org and WaterEquity use market-driven financial solutions to end the global water crisis. For millions of women, children, and communities, access to safe water can turn problems into potential — unlocking education, economic opportunities and improved health.

“No civilization, no society, no economy has ever developed without having a reliable source of water. It’s the foundation. Yet so many people are living without it.” – Gary White, CEO and Co-founder, Water.org & WaterEquity

“Access to water is access to education, access to work, access above all to the kind of future we want for our own families and all the members of our human family.” – Matt Damon. Co-founder, Water.org & WaterEquity

The global water crisis

Water.org & WaterEquity aim to ensure individuals and communities worldwide have access to safe water and improved sanitation, promoting a healthier and more equitable future.

A women’s crisis ⎯

Women and girls spend 200 million hours every day collecting water. When women have access to safe water at home, they have time to work, go to school and care for their family.

A children’s +
education crisis ⎯

Children are often responsible for collecting water for their families, taking time away from school and play. Access to safe water gives children time to play and opportunity for a bright future.

A health crisis ⎯

Nearly 1 million people die each year from water, sanitation and hygiene related diseases. Access to safe water and sanitation contributes to improved health and helps prevent the spread of infectious disease.

An economic crisis –

Time spent gathering water or seeking safe sanitation accounts for billions in lost economic opportunities. Access to safe water and sanitation at home gives families more time to pursue education and work opportunities that will help them break the cycle of poverty

Venue & Hotel Room Rate

The Fulbright Prize Ceremony & Dinner will be held at the Marriott Marquis Washington, DC. Enjoy convenient access to the National Portrait Gallery, Capital One Arena, and notable DC landmarks such as the White House during your stay.

Marriott Marquis Washington, DC
Liberty Ballroom (Meeting Level 4) – four levels below lobby
901 Massachusetts Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20001

The Fulbright Association has arranged a special room rate for Prize attendees staying at the Marriott Marquis, at $299/night, plus 15.95% state and local taxes (subject to change)—the reservation link is provided in your ticket registration confirmation.

The deadline to reserve your room within our block is Thursday, April 25. Rooms within our block are limited and will sell out fast!

Check-in and Check-Out Times

The check-in time at Marriott Marquis is 4 p. m. and the check-out time is 11 a.m.

Agenda

All times are in Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)

Ballroom Location: Meeting Level 4 – four levels below lobby

Agenda	Time	Location
Check-in Opens	5:00 PM	Liberty Ballroom Foyer
Welcome Reception	5:30 PM	Liberty Ballroom Foyer
Seated Dinner	6:30 PM	Liberty Ballroom
Prize Ceremony	8:00 PM	Liberty Ballroom & Live Streamed Globally

Travel & Parking

Take advantage of public transportation in Washington, DC when you stay at the Marriott Marquis Washington, DC. Marriott’s concierge can help with your transportation needs, whether you require a taxi, rental car, or assistance with Metro transportation.

The Marriott Marquis is located near three airports and three Metro Stations.

Parking

Located at the front entrance of the Hotel, discounted valet parking is available to all Prize attendees on the evening of May 16, based upon availability.

Parking Rate: $50.00/vehicle (originally $65)
Includes in and out privileges

Airports

5 miles from Reagan National Airport (airport code: DCA)
30 miles from Dulles International Airport ((airport code: IAD)
30 miles from Baltimore-Washington Thurgood Marshall International Airport (airport code: BWI)

Metro Stations

0.3 miles from Mt Vernon Sq 7th St-Convention Center (Green/Yellow Lines)
0.6 miles from Gallery Place (Green/Red/Yellow Lines)
0.8 miles from Metro Center (Red/Orange/Blue/Silver Lines)

Amtrak

Union Station

FAQ's

Download here: bit.ly/PrizeFAQs

To help with your questions about the upcoming Fulbright Prize, we’ve assembled a list of our most common questions so that you can get the answers you need. We will continue to update this with questions we receive from our members and friends leading up to the event.

General

Will the Prize take place in-person or online?
Both! The Prize takes place live in Washington, DC at the Marriott Marquis Washington, DC Hotel. The ceremony will be live-streamed for those who are unable to attend physically. The Prize will also be available for registrants to view on demand.

What time does the Prize ceremony begin?
The evening will kick off with a Welcome Reception at 5:30 p.m. Dinner will begin at 6:30 p.m. followed by the ceremony, beginning at 8:00 p.m.

Will the Laureates appear in person to accept their award?
Gary White is confirmed to accept the Prize in Washington, DC on May 16, 2024. Matt Damon’s attendance is subject to change.

Attending In Person

What is the cost of attending the Prize?
The cost to attend varies:

Early Bird Tickets – Available Until March 10, 2024

Members: $275 ($295.29 with credit card and platform fees)
Non-Members: $299 ($320.89 with credit card and platform fees)

General Tickets – Available from March 11 – May 1, 2024

Members & Non-Members: $350 ($375.32 with credit card and platform fees)

Is there a limit to how many tickets I can purchase?
You can register up to four (4) individuals per registration. If you would like to purchase extra seats, please consider sponsoring a table.

Note: Tables can seat up to eight (8) individuals.

When will I receive my ticket?
You will not receive a physical ticket to this event. When you are registered through Eventbrite, you will receive a confirmation email. Upon arrival at the venue, you will simply provide your name and ID at our Prize Check-In Desk. If you have additional guests included in their ticket, they will only receive a confirmation email if you have entered their email address.

Guests who are not on the list of pre-registered guests will not be admitted.

What is the last day I can purchase tickets to attend?
The Early-Bird ticket deadline is March 10, 2024. General tickets are available until May 1, 2024.

Is there a dress code for the evening?
Business Dress is preferred.

Will parking be available?
Yes. There will be valet parking available at the venue at a discounted price of $50/vehicle for the evening. In and out privileges are included.

Can I choose with whom I would like to sit?
During the registration process, please enter the name of the person you would like seated at your table in the Additional Comments section of the form. We will try our best to accommodate seating requests.

I am unable to attend the event. What are my options?
If you are no longer able to attend, you can cancel or transfer your registration by sending a written request to prize@fulbright.org. You may also choose to donate full or partial registration costs in support of the Fulbright Association’s mission to continue and extend the Fulbright tradition of education, advocacy, and service. Please view our full Cancelation Policy for important deadlines.

Attending the Live Stream

Where can I view the live stream?
The live stream will be viewable on the Fulbright Association’s YouTube page. The link will be shared with registrants in early May.

What is the last day I can register to attend the live stream?
There is no deadline to register for the live stream.

In what time zone is the Prize ceremony taking place?
On-site and live-streamed content follows a schedule based on Eastern Daylight Time. The ceremony will begin at 7:30 pm EDT.

What are the technology requirements to connect to the live stream?
You need an internet connection and a web or mobile browser. For the best viewing experience, we recommend you use Google Chrome. Internet Explorer is not recommended as some functions are not fully supported.

What access needs are available?
The live stream will be live-captioned.

Sponsors & Donors

How can I become a Sponsor at the event?
There are numerous opportunities to be a Sponsor at the Prize. Please see all sponsorship benefits here.

When should I submit my assets for the Prize website and event materials?
April 27, 2024, is the deadline to submit your logos/videos and additional assets. We highly recommend that you submit as soon as you can to ensure full benefits.

Is my donation/sponsorship tax deductible?

Individual Donors:
The Fulbright Association is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a tax-exempt, charitable organization listed in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Amounts paid in excess of $225 per person to attend the Prize are deductible for federal income tax purposes to the maximum extent permitted by law. EIN: 52-1821935
Corporate/University Sponsors:
Sponsorships or other contributions are not deductible as charitable contributions on the donor/sponsor’s federal income tax return. However, they may be deductible as trade or business expenses if ordinary and necessary in the conduct of the taxpayer’s business. Consult your tax advisor for clarification.

About the Fulbright Prize

The Fulbright Prize honors one of the world’s most prestigious international exchange programs, as well as the vision of its sponsor, the late Senator J. William Fulbright.

Awarded by the Fulbright Association since 1993, the Prize recognizes outstanding contributions to promoting peace through greater understanding among peoples, cultures, and nations. The Prize has a distinguished history of laureates, among them Nelson Mandela, Jimmy Carter, Desmond Tutu, Bill Clinton, Vaclav Havel, Corazon Aquino, Mary Robinson, Doctors without Borders, Bill and Melinda Gates, and Angela Merkel.

View Past Laureates

PRIZE TICKETS

ASSOCIATION MEMBER TICKET

^$275.00Early-Bird Rate

($295.29 with credit card and platform fees)Available Until March 10EARLY-BIRD TICKET CLOSED

NON MEMBER TICKET

^$299.00EARLY-BIRD Rate

($320.89 with credit card and platform fees)Available Until March 10EARLY-BIRD TICKET CLOSED

GENERAL TICKET

^$350.00

($375.32 with credit card and platform fees)Available March 11 to May 1GENERAL TICKETS CLOSED

If you have missed the ticket-purchase deadline and would still like to attend the Prize, please contact us at prize@fulbright.org.

Tickets Include: Hors d’Oeuvres & Wine | Three-Course Dinner | Awards Ceremony | Entertainment

The Fulbright Association is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a tax-exempt, charitable organization listed in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Amounts paid in excess of $225 per person to attend the Prize are deductible for federal income tax purposes to the maximum extent permitted by law. EIN: 52-1821935

Registration Cancelation Policy

Registration Refund

To cancel a registration and request a refund, a written request must be sent to prize@fulbright.org. Please enter “Prize Refund” in the subject line.

Refund requests received by March 31, 2024, will receive a full refund, less the Eventbrite credit card and processing fees.
Refund requests received between April 1 and May 1, 2024, will receive a refund equal to 50% of your full ticket, less the Eventbrite credit card and processing fees.
Refund requests received after May 1, 2024, are not eligible for a refund.

*Exceptions to the cancelation refund policy outlined above will be considered on a case-by-case basis and decisions will be made within two weeks after the conclusion of the event.

In Lieu of a Refund

In lieu of a refund, you are welcome to transfer your ticket or convert the cost of your ticket into a full tax-exempt donation to the Fulbright Association. Please email prize@fulbright.org with one of the three options below:

You may transfer your ticket to a friend or colleague.
You may donate your ticket to a young professional or student.
You may donate full or partial ticket costs to FA’s mission to engage, serve, and support a diverse, inclusive, and growing network dedicated to the Fulbright principle of cooperation through mutual understanding.

Please note: If the event is postponed due to unforeseen circumstances, full registration fees can be refunded; however, the Association will not be responsible for additional costs including but not limited to cancelation/change fees assessed by airlines, hotels, and/or travel agencies. The Association will not reimburse registration fees for weather, travel-related delays or cancelations, or other circumstances outside of the Association’s control that prevent attendees from traveling to the event.

SPONSORSHIP TABLES & PACKAGES

We invite you to partner with the Fulbright Association in celebration of Gary White and Matt Damon, co-founders of Water.org & WaterEquity.

In addition to $50,000 to water.org, your sponsorship will fund Fulbright Association programs that promote wider representation in global affairs, expand opportunities for international exchange, and support the next generation of Fulbright leaders. Your generosity will have an ongoing and positive impact, advancing your philanthropic and strategic goals.

Support for the Prize is an ideal opportunity for you or your organizations to gain visibility and access to 500 attendees representing higher education, members of Congress, foreign ambassadors, organizations, non-profits, and Fulbright alumni from many sectors.

Below we have outlined the various sponsorship packages. Have something else in mind? We are happy to build a custom sponsorship package for you!

Benefits including listings and/or recognition in printed materials will be subject to production deadlines

Sponsorship Levels

Open/Close Levels

	Diamond $75,000 3 tables/24 seats in prime area	Platinum $55,000 2 tables/16 seats in prime area	Gold $35,000 2 tables/16 seats in prime area	Silver $25,000 1 table/8 seats in prime area	Bronze $15,000 4 seats in prime area	Fulbright Blue $10,000 4 seats in prime area
Introduction to Laureate(s)
One Suite at Event Hotel
Fulbright Association Membership	4	2
Logo/Name on Invitation Emails
Video Message played at Ceremony	1-Minute	45-Second
Outreach in Fulbright Alumni Newsletter	4 Months	2 Months	1 Month
Verbally Acknowledged on Stage
Customized Table Signage
Video Message on Website	1-minute	45-Second	45-Second	30-Second
Valet Parking Pass	10	6	4	1
Color Ad in Printed Program	Full-Page Premium location	Full-Page	Half-Page	Half-Page	Quarter- Page
Recognized on Digital Stage Signage	Exclusive	Exclusive	Shared	Shared	Shared	Shared
Social Media Recognition
Logo/Name on Step & Repeat	Lead Logo
Inclusion in Printed Program
Hyperlinked Logo/Name on Website
Logo/Name in Post-Event Email

Fulbright Association Corporate Partner {$100,000+}
As a Program Partner, your organization will receive the highest level of recognition and entitlement in the lead-up to and during the Prize Awards Ceremony & Dinner. But It doesn’t end there! We will work with our corporate friends to provide unique collaborative opportunities to leverage sponsorship in all aspects of our programming. We are open to conversations with thought leaders who are interested in a more comprehensive, annual plan that will strategically benefit both Association members and our partners.

Please contact Alicia@fulbright.org or view our Corporate Partnership page to learn more.

Table Sponsorship Opportunities & Benefits

Diamond Sponsor {$75,000}

Three tables (24 seats) in prime area with customized signage
Introduction to the Laureate(s)
One suite accommodation available at Prize hotel
Fulbright Association membership for 4 individuals
Company or individual logo/name on Prize invitation emails
1-minute video message played at Ceremony
1-minute video message accessible on Prize website
Outreach to members (50,000+) for 4 months via Alumni Newsletter
Verbal acknowledgement from stage as Diamond Sponsor
Full-page color ad towards the front of printed program
10 parking passes for the evening
Company or individual logo/name printed on Step & Repeat
Prominent branding on digital stage signage
Inclusion on “Thank You” page of program book
Inclusion in the Association’s 2024 Annual Report
Company or individual logo/name promoted on social media
Hyperlinked logo/name on Prize webpage
Company or individual logo/name in post-event email

Gold Sponsor {$35,000}

Two tables (18 seats) in prime area with customized signage
45-second video message accessible on Prize website
Outreach to members (50,000+) for 1 month via Alumni Newsletter
Verbal acknowledgement from stage as Gold Sponsor
Half-page color in printed program
4 parking passes for the evening
Company or individual logo/name printed on Step & Repeat
Shared branding on digital stage signage
Inclusion on “Thank You” page of program book
Inclusion in the Association’s 2024 Annual Report
Company or individual logo/name promoted on social media
Hyperlinked logo/name on Prize webpage
Company or individual logo/name in post-event email

Friend {$5,000}

One table (8 seats) in general area with customized signage
Inclusion on “Thank You” page of program book
Company or individual logo/name promoted on social media
Hyperlinked logo/name on Prize webpage
Company or individual logo/name in post-event email

Platinum Sponsor {$55,000}

Two tables (16 seats) in prime area with customized signage
Fulbright Association membership for 2 individuals
Company or individual logo/name on Prize invitation emails
45-second video message played at Ceremony
45-second video message accessible on Prize website
Outreach to members (50,000+) for 2 months via the Alumni Newsletter
Verbal acknowledgement from stage as Platinum Sponsor
Full-page color ad in printed program
6 parking passes for the evening
Company or individual logo/name printed on Step & Repeat
Prominent branding on digital stage signage
Inclusion on “Thank You” page of printed program
Inclusion in the Association’s 2024 Annual Report
Company or individual logo/name promoted on social media
Hyperlinked logo/name on Prize webpage
Company or individual logo/name in post-event email

Supporter {$2,500}

One table (8 seats) in general area with customized signage
Hyperlinked logo/name on Prize webpage
Company or individual logo/name in post-event email

Exclusive Sponsorship Opportunities & Benefits

All Exclusive Packages include the following benefits:

Company or individual logo/name printed on Step & Repeat
Inclusion on “Thank You” page of program book
Inclusion in the Association’s 2024 Annual Report

Company or individual logo/name promoted on social media
Hyperlinked logo/name on Prize webpage
Company or individual logo/name in post-event email

Global Live Stream Sponsor {$45,000}

Prize ceremony streamed live globally and recorded with your branded logo/name. Available indefinitely on YouTube post event.

One table (8 seats) in prime area with customized signage
Logo/name displayed as YouTube thumbnail 1 week before event a
30-second video played on a loop in the YouTube waiting room
Half-page color ad in printed program
Verbal acknowledgement on stage as Global Live Stream Sponsor
4 parking passes for the evening

Welcome Reception Sponsor {$22,500} - Sponsored by Penn State

Sponsored by The Pennsylvania State University

Four reserved seats in prime area
Customized signage prominently displayed throughout reception
Opportunity to craft a specialty “named” beverage
Verbal acknowledgement from stage as Welcome Reception Sponsor
2 parking passes for the evening

Dinner Sponsor {$42,000}

One table (8 seats) in prime area with customized signage
Company or individual logo/name displayed throughout dinner
Company or individual logo/name included on printed menus
Half-page color ad in printed program
Verbal acknowledgement from stage as Dinner & Wine Sponsor
4 parking passes for the evening

Photo Area Sponsor {$8,500} - Sponsored by FIU

Sponsored by Florida International University

Four reserved seats in prime area
Customized signage prominently located by Step & Repeat
Company or individual logo/name on Photo Gallery & digital photo frames
Shared branding on digital stage signage
1 parking pass for the evening

The Fulbright Prize is and always has been a celebration of leaders who have changed the world for the better. This year’s laureates, Gary White and Matt Damon, continue that important tradition.

Become a part of this exciting moment and join us for this celebration!If you are interested in becoming a sponsor for the Fulbright Prize Ceremony & Dinner, please complete the Sponsorship Interest Form below or email Alicia Montague, Director for National Events, at Alicia@Fulbright.org. A member of the sponsorship team will quickly be in touch.

We look forward to discussing partnership opportunities with you. Thank you for your commitment, engagement, passion, and support.

Thank You To Our 2024 Fulbright Prize Sponsors

Our Partners Make a Difference

We are so grateful for the support of our corporate partners, Institutions, and donors, who are committed to international education and mutual understanding.

Your sponsorship directly benefits Water.org and Fulbright Association programs that promote wider representation in global affairs, expand opportunities for international exchange, and support the next generation of Fulbright leaders.

Silver Sponsors

Exclusive Welcome Reception Sponsor

Bronze Sponsors

Fulbright Blue Sponsors

Exclusive Photo Area Sponsor

Friend Sponsors

George Mason University College of Public Health

Supporter Sponsors

Past Fulbright Prize Sponsors

We are so grateful for the support of our corporate sponsors, Institutions, and donors, who are committed to international education and mutual understanding.

Corporate & Institutional Sponsors

Abilene Christian University

ADP Foundation

AirIn Technologies Inc.

Auburn University

Bank of America

Beedie Foundation

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

BroadReach Group

Dorchester Apartments & Towers in Arlington

by Lola C. Reinsch/Reinsch Pierce Family Foundation

Duquesne University

Egon Zehnder

Duquesne University

Egon Zehnder

Elon University

Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences, University of Arkansas

Gardy Communication Strategies

George Mason University College of Public Health

Georgia-Pacific Foundation

Georgia-Pacific, LLC

Global Technology Solutions

Henry Schein, Inc

Highmark Health

Hunter College

Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP

Infectious Diseases Society of America

Koppers

Kupanda Capital

Leo Berwick

Mastercard

Nadia Yakoob & Associates

Name Coach

ONE & (RED)

Peacework

Pfizer

Principal Financial Group

Rice University

RMK Group, LLC

Rockefeller Foundation

RTI International

Salisbury University

San Diego Chapter of the Fulbright Association

Spectrum Leadership Solutions

The Pennsylvania State University

Thrivent Financial

UMBC Foundation

University of Mount Union

UPMC Health Plan

Venable LLP

WholeRen Group

Individual Sponsors

Arthur L. and The Honorable

Cynthia Ackron Baldwin

Katherine and David Bradley

Bovenzi/Cooper Family (The)

Julius Coles

Michael & Alice DeLucia

Tony & Judy Fratto

Dr. & Mrs. Melvin Gerald

Dr. Robert and Jennifer Gervasi

The Gibbons Family Fund

Heather Godsmark

Dr. Tee L. Guidotti

Mr. & Mrs. Loren Hershey

Anthony Viscusi

Mr. and Mrs. John H. Vogel

Elbrun & Peter Kimmelman

Ambassador David J. Lane

Lazarus Family (The)

Dr. Antonio Lewis

Dr. Caroline Levander

DeDe Long

Sherry Mueller

Dr. Jay Nathan

Dr. Andréa Neves

Dr. Roberto Rivera

Ulku Rowe

Mary Ellen Heian Schmider

Josh Weston

Fulbright Prize for

International Understanding

May 16, 2024 | Washington, DC