Achieving SDG 6 targets: evaluating driving forces for philanthropic contributions to water accessibility in southwestern Nigeria

Access to potable water is crucial for sustaining human life and so has been listed in the Sustainable Development Goal 6. The role of philanthropists in promoting water accessibility is evident in developing regions’ urban centres. This study investigates motivational factors for philanthropic contribution in water supply services in six cities, with three each selected from Oyo and Osun States in Nigeria. Data collected were subjected to both descriptive and inferential analysis. A total of 480 structured questionnaires were distributed among seven identified donor groups: religious groups, socio-cultural groups, politicians, individual donors, local communities, corporate bodies, and activists. The survey revealed that individual donors comprised the majority of respondents at 49.5%, while activists constituted the smallest group at 0.7%. The dataset was deemed factorable with a Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin value of 0.71, and Bartlett’s Test of sphericity was significant at p < 0.005. Three significant motivating variables emerged from Factor Analysis, namely: financial capacities (83.798%), humanitarian consideration (4.668%), and project acceptability (4.179%), collectively explaining 92.645% of the motivating factors behind philanthropic support for water supply. State-specific analyses indicated the significance of donors’ financial strength in providing water supply services in the study areas. These findings suggest that philanthropists are influenced by various factors in deciding to support water supply projects. It is recommended that policies encouraging support for such initiatives, particularly in light of their relevance to achieving SDG 6 by 2030, be promoted. Further research in different locations is advisable to enhance comprehension of the motivating factors driving philanthropic support for water accessibility initiatives.