Joshua Salvaterra and The D.I.R.T. Project, which he started, will soon begin their fourth trip to Kenya to help construct a sixth water irrigation system, providing clean water and food in a remote village.
D.I.R.T. stands for Deeply Invested In Reaching the Third World. The organization raises funds to help people in developing countries.
Salvaterra said The D.I.R.T. Project began as an idea on March 25, 2018, and became a reality just four weeks later, launching officially on April 22, Earth Day.
The mission of The D.I.R.T. Project is to raise money for those in Third World countries, enabling them to have water wells and irrigation systems that provide clean water, and help them grow their own food and work their own land for self-sustainability.
Salvaterra mentioned that funds are raised by selling shirts, and the profits are used to build D.I.R.T. projects. They also accept donations through their partner, Kids for the Kingdom, where 100% of all donations go toward a D.I.R.T. project.
“Join our Dirt Crew,” Salvaterra said. “I’m D.I.R.T. — are you?”
Salvaterra shared that while working at his parents’ nonprofit, he had many opportunities to do enjoyable and meaningful projects locally. His parents, John and Petra Plucenik, have over 25 years of experience working to help women in crisis pregnancy and running drug and alcohol prevention programs for at-risk youth within the community.
“I began by taking children from housing developments and providing them with constructive activities such as swimming, day camps, baseball games, and bowling,” Salvaterra said. “As different members of my family went on mission trips to places like Haiti, Kenya, Ghana, and Guatemala, their inspiring stories fueled my desire to do more.”
Salvaterra mentioned the positive experience of partnering with various charities, participating in activities like funding water wells, sponsoring feeding programs, and donating to orphanages.
“Lately, I feel that God has given me a vision that could take things to a new level,” he said. “What’s even better is that I can involve others. The D.I.R.T. Project aims to raise funds and give away 100% of the profits to create water irrigation systems for underdeveloped communities.”
The D.I.R.T. Project is collaborating with an established nonprofit called Kids for the Kingdom, which has been doing meaningful work in 15 countries worldwide for over 20 years.
Salvaterra mentioned that the Dirt Project has teamed up with local businesses like Royal Bakery, which hosted a fish fry fundraiser on Friday, March 8.
“Hopefully, with more exposure in our community, we can make this year’s fundraiser the best one yet,” Salvaterra said. “As always, we rely on the support of generous donors to make this dream a reality.”
All contributions will be sent to Kids for the Kingdom Inc., The D.I.R.T. Project’s 501c3 partner, and can be used as a tax deduction.
“Your donation will have an impact, no matter if you give $5 or $500,” Salvaterra stated. “Every bit helps.”
To make a donation, you can go to The Dirt Project Facebook page or visit www.kidsforthekingdom.org/clean-water/.
Raising awareness is important
“We feel fortunate to collaborate with an amazing organization like Kids for the Kingdom,” Salvaterra said. “Their global work is very inspiring, and we are grateful to be involved.”
Salvaterra mentioned the two groups have united to supply clean water wells and irrigation systems to those in need.
A new collaborator Salvaterra has connected with is Bill Corcoran Jr., founder and CEO of the OnTheStacks.
Corcoran recently bought his new headquarters from Salvaterra’s parents, and the two young men immediately became friends. Corcoran plans to travel to Kenya with Salvaterra and the Dirt Project in July to witness the positive work being done there. Corcoran will then gather information and air four one-hour educational shows about the Dirt Project and its humanitarian work.
“There are numerous ways for people to assist — both for free and with monetary donations,” Corcoran mentioned.
Corcoran stated the public can make a monetary contribution to the fundraising campaign on Indiegogo. He mentioned there are different levels available, starting at just $10, and every contributor will receive a perk.
“We offer corporate sponsor packages upon request,” Corcoran mentioned. “Businesses can sponsor and, in return, receive an ad on each of the four episodes and more.”
People interested in donating can reach out to Bill Corcoran Jr. for more details at [email protected] or by calling 570-609-1237.
The public can contribute to Corcoran’s Indiegogo fundraising campaign at igg.me/at/OnTheStacks.
“I joined forces with Josh for this cause because I share his vision and believe in the transformative effect of storytelling,” Corcoran mentioned. “Participating in this project goes beyond just producing high-quality podcast content or installing water wells — it’s about being a part of something much larger than ourselves, empowering communities, and fostering sustainable, global change.”
Corcoran recalled that his high school track coach once told him: “To whom much has been given, much will be expected.”
“I’ve embraced the idea of responsibility coming with privilege,” Corcoran said. “As an entrepreneur and community leader, I realize it’s crucial to drive change and contribute meaningfully. For me, this endeavor represents the epitome of giving back.”
Kids For the Kingdom
Tim Dable, Executive Director at Kids For the Kingdom, mentioned the group is a non-profit working to provide practical assistance, hope, and the message of the gospel to children, orphans, widows, and those in need in 18 countries worldwide.
“We have been working with Joshua since 2013,” Dable said. “He was searching for an organization to support and inquired with his mother about us, as she had worked alongside us for years. She suggested that he get in touch with Kids for the Kingdom.”
Dable mentioned that Salvaterra's initial contribution was to finance a water well at a small school in rural Nakuru, Kenya.
“He developed The D.I.R.T. Project idea a few years later, and we have worked together on five different water projects/self-sustaining farms, and we are now beginning the process of identifying the sixth. Joshua has been one of our most dedicated partners and supporters since he made his first donation over a decade ago.”
Dable pointed out that one of the most pressing needs in developing nations is a dependable source of safe drinking water. He mentioned that contaminated surface water sourced from streams or ponds leads to significant health problems, particularly waterborne diseases and parasites.
Following a survey of a rural area in Kenya, a health worker there reported, “Every child in this village has parasites, and almost all of them suffer from chronic mild malaria.”
“Today, hope and health exist in that village,” Dable stated. “It arrived in the form of a water well that supplies fresh, pure water to the entire community.”
