Nathaniel is now using "Bono: I Got Your Back!" to raise money for African Well Fund. He's currently selling T-shirts featuring the AWF logo on the front and his group's logo on the back, and is also accepting donations. The funds Nathaniel raises will benefit a project that will improve access to clean water and sanitation to students at 30 schools in Malawi and Tanzania. Learn more about the project here.

Nathaniel met Bono prior to U2's May 2011 concert in Denver.

Nathaniel recently answered a few questions about this fundraiser.

Why did you decide to hold a fundraiser for AWF?
I wanted to help kids my age and families have clean drinking water. I also wanted to do something like Ryan Hreljac did for Ryan's Well [a clean water foundation started by then six-year-old Hreljac in 1998].

How are you raising money?
I am selling T-shirts through Eddie Farrell at Scripture T-Shirts, and also [through] donations from family and friends. The shirts are $30 dollars and [are available] in a lot of colors and sizes. Fifteen dollars [from each T-shirt] will go to my project. I'm also making a model of a water well to show my school what one looks like and what people in Africa drink. I have some more ideas, too.

What are your goals?
My goal is [to] raise between $2,000 to $5,000 and build my first water well in Africa.

You launched "Bono: I Got Your Back!" in 2010 after Bono had back surgery. Why have you kept the group going?
So people can support their favorite band members if they get hurt and show support, they could do the same thing that I did for Bono.

What are some your proudest moments with the group?
When I met Bono and The Edge in Denver. I also met Dallas, Stewart, Paul, Joe and a lot of people with U2 who knew about my page. Also, I met a lot of people who knew me from the page and they are all of my friends.

Why is it important for you to be involved with charitable giving?
To help others and get people to do the same.

What advice can you offer to other kids and families who are interested in raising money for charity?
Do something fun that you will enjoy and not like something you won't enjoy in raising money.

There are several things you can do to help AWF reach that goal. By making donations to AWF via GuideStar, you not only help AWF hit the $1 million mark but also compete for a $5,000 prize. You can also make holiday purchases and donations to get AWF closer to its target.

If you would like to make holiday purchases or donations to support AWF this year, click here for more information.

To purchase well shares, limited-edition prints and water bottles from the AWF online store, click here.

To purchase AWF logo items including T-shirts, mugs and iPhone cases from Zazzle, click here.

To purchase holiday cards designed by Elsha Stockseth with a portion of sales benefiting AWF, click here.

To make purchases from affiliates Amazon.com and iTunes and earn AWF a percentage of the sale, click here.

To make purchases and get coupon codes for over 1,000 online retailers through GoodShop and earn AWF will earn a percentage of the sale by indicating that you support African Well Fund (Schenectady, NY), click here.

To make holiday donations through GuideStar and help AWF compete for a $5,000 prize, click here.

Through the GuideStar-KIMBIA 2011 Giving Season Giveaway, the registered nonprofit organization that gets the most donations between Nov. 1 and Dec. 31 will win a $5,000 donation. Each supporter can make up to five donations for a minimum of $15 per donation in the time period to count toward the contest.

Your donations, and the $5,000 prize, will get AWF that much closer to reaching the $1 million donation mark.

To make a donation to AWF via GuideStar, click here.

For more information on purchasing the cards, click here.

Forty items are up for bid this year include a print signed by Bono, the book "The Story of Island Records" signed by Chris Blackwell, "U2 by U2" signed by Neil McCormick, a water bottle signed by the cast of "Parks & Recreation," the memoir "Happy Accidents" signed by Jane Lynch, the book "Bossypants" signed by Tina Fey," the book "The Beekman 1802 Heirloom Cookbook" signed by Josh Kilmer-Purcell and Brent Ridge, the book "Papa John" signed by John Phillips, U2 memorabilia, and other collectibles.

To check out this year's items and place your bids, click here.

How did you first learn about the African Well Fund?
Back in 2002 I watched the MTV documentary with Bono and Secretary [of the Treasury Paul] O'Neill in Africa. The one part that stuck out to me the most was when it was mentioned that $1,000 could build a well for a village of hundreds and completely change their lives in extraordinary ways. I was very active on the U2 forums at the time and discovered others had had the same segment jump out at them. We were all on the same wavelength that if we could find a handful of people to donate a modest amount we could build a well.

Why did you want to support AWF?
Raising such a relatively small amount of money to save so many lives was my biggest motivation. It was the first time in my life where I really felt like I could make a difference even though I'm not rich or well-known. I did not know much about clean water issues at the time but, after researching them, I was appalled with the statistics about how many people in this world in this day and age do not have access to clean water and what a large percentage of those people are in sub-Saharan Africa. I really had taken my station in life for granted up until then and, after finding out that this basic need is needed so desperately, I couldn't not do something.

What are some specific things you've done to support AWF's mission to fund clean water and sanitation projects in sub-Saharan Africa?
In the beginning I helped develop the AWF website as well as create the logo and branding of the fund. Throughout the years I've also been responsible for designing specific online and printed fundraising materials and merchandise. My most-fulfilling contribution, I feel, is creating Bono's birthday card every year from all the heartfelt and inspiring messages his fans and AWF donors leave through that fundraiser.

Lara Wineman (left) presented Bono with his latest birthday card prior to U2's recent concert in Nashville.

Have you introduced your family, friends or community to AWF? How?
I have talked endlessly to friends, family and colleagues who let me about the AWF's history, mission and need to for clean water. I've been invited to talk a handful of times to schools and have done so. Through Facebook I have donated my birthday cause to AWF, as well as reposted news stories and other related posts.

Why do you continue to support AWF?
Because we've only made a small dent in bringing clean water and sanitation to the population of Africa. The percentage of those without the basic right of clean water is still too high to live in good conscious with.

If you'd like to tell African Well Fund why you give, please e-mail info@africanwellfund.org. To make a donation to support future African Well Fund projects, please click here.

Reflecting on the question, "Why do you give?" I find my answer now is the same as it was nine years ago when I first became involved with AWF--because too many people in Africa lack access to clean water and sanitation. Nearly 10 years later, it astounds me that this is still the case. With all the resources and marvels of technology available in the 21st century, it is inexcusable that everyone on the planet does not have access to this most basic need. Clean water is indeed a human right.

I became involved in AWF because I wanted to actively work to help right this wrong. It is easy to feel overwhelmed and helpless when faced with intransigent poverty but I refuse let this bow me into inaction. I really do believe it is a solvable problem, not some pie-in-the-sky utopian vision. I am blessed with abundant resources in my life; one of these resources is time. If I can use my time not only to help others to gain access to clean water and sanitation, but also to help provide a vehicle for others who want to help, then I feel as if I am making substantive use of my good fortune.

AWF board member vice chairman Diane Yoder (second from the left) poses with fellow board member Angela Martens (far left) and (from left to right) Angelique Kidjo, singer and founder of the Batonga Foundation, Peter Persell, former Africare vice president of operations, and Mary Louise Cohen, Batonga Foundation president and founding board member, at last fall's Africare gala.

AWF enables me to be an active participant in the quest to alleviate the daily hardships faced by too many people in our world today. It may be a small contribution, but AWF has shown that small contributions can be combined into a life-changing force.

If you'd like to tell African Well Fund why you give, please e-mail info@africanwellfund.org. To make a donation to support future African Well Fund projects, please click here.

The project was in part funded with grant money AWF received in the Chase Community Giving challenge.

Construction began this summer with wells bored in Kome, Bebedija, Mbikou and Doba.

Total construction time for the Kobe well took one week with dynamic ground water reached at 36 meters deep. Construction was delayed by two days due to heavy rain. Filtering pipes were installed to purify the water before the well was used.

The 38-meters-deep Bebedija well project took five days and construction team members had to overcome the problem of water leaking through underground canals that reached the traditional well. This issue was solved when the team abandoned the first worked, filled the hole and moved the well by a few meters.

Boring on the Mbikou well failed after two attempts when a large stone was discovered at a depth of 20 meters. Another well site was selected at Bebedja that could be used by the group from Mbikou.

It took the Doba team two days to reach groundwater at a depth of 29 meters. This project had no complications and was completed on July 6.

"In conclusion, well boring in general took place in good conditions except the case of Mbikou that was addressed through the selection of a new site in Bebedja," Africare reported. "The groundwater reached in every place is abundant and of good quality. Well boring for the various groups met a real need, because in the selected sites people lacked potable water. It must also be pointed out that women contributed a lot for effective well boring on each site."

To read the project proposal and progress report, click here.

How did you first learn about the African Well Fund?
I first learned about the African Well Fund in 2004 on Zootopia, the online community at U2.com. There was a mention of AWF in the Hearts and Minds section of the sight. I checked out their website and sent an e-mail to the info address saying I wanted to volunteer.

Why did you want to support AWF?
I used to volunteer at a food bank in the city where I lived but as I got older my job (and life) became more complicated. I found that I no longer had time during "normal hours" to volunteer my time. Then I discovered AWF. I had really never thought about it before but was impressed how building one well could change the lives of so many people. The virtual grassroots aspect of the group fit my crazy hours--I was able to help out sitting in my basement in my pajamas at midnight.

What are some specific things you've done to support AWF's mission to fund clean water and sanitation projects in sub-Saharan Africa?
I was an event planner/fundraiser in my former life so when I came on board as a volunteer I used my knowledge of eBay and [its] charity giving program to create the annual "Got Water?" auction which takes place every November. I was then asked to join the board of directors, as they say, the rest is history.

Have you introduced your family, friends or community to AWF? How?
I have a blog where I post about AWF and our fundraisers. I also talk about AWF and our mission to as many people as will listen. A lot of people tune out, but I also think a lot of people listen and stop to think about how they might be able to create change in this insane world.

Why do you continue to support AWF?
The reality is our board members and volunteers have "real jobs," families and limited time, yet still we have been able to create some real change in the lives of thousands of people. What an amazing achievement! Imagine what we could do it AWF was our full-time job. Also, when I joined as a volunteer in 2004 I never dreamed that the members of the AWF would become more than just colleagues; we are a family. We are also a group of people that truly believe in the power of change and in the notion that access to clean water is a basic human right. Margaret Mead once said, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world--indeed it is the only thing that ever does." This is the embodiment of the AWF and this is why I will continue to support the African Well Fund.

If you'd like to tell African Well Fund why you give, please e-mail info@africanwellfund.org. To make a donation to support future African Well Fund projects, please click here.

How did you first learn about the African Well Fund?
I first started hearing about the African Well Fund many years ago through Zootopia, the U2.com online community.

Why did you want to support AWF?
I wanted to support the African Well Fund because I was a U2 fan and knew AWF was created by U2 fans. I also wanted to have a more direct impact on helping in Africa and I knew I could have that opportunity through AWF.

What are some specific things you've done to support AWF's mission to fund clean water and sanitation projects in sub-Saharan Africa?
I use a variety of fundraising methods to most impact AWF's mission. Specific examples of what I've done include the following: chose/and will continue to choose AWF as beneficiary for my Birthday Wish through Facebook's Causes; donated several limited editions of the official Bono Street Team (BST) painting prints to AWF for inclusion in the Build a Well for Bono's 50th Birthday Fundraiser; donated rare 1982 U2 photos (personally taken) for the Build a Well for Bono's 51st Birthday Fundraiser; and donated three BST painting prints personally autographed by Bono in May 2011 for inclusion in AWF fundraising auctions. (One of the BST painting prints has already been auctioned and raised $255 for AWF. Hopefully, the second and third print will raise even more money in an AWF special project in the near future.)

Have you introduced your family, friends or community to AWF? How?
Yes. My family and friends donate to my annual Facebook Causes Birthday Wish. They are very aware of my passion to assist AWF in any way I can and continue to help me reach my birthday wish every year.

Community-wise, the power of social media--via the Bono Street Team updates through the Internet--helps me reach those on a global level. It's so exciting to help bring awareness to AWF to those I wouldn't otherwise have contact with if there were no online presence.

Why do you continue to support AWF?
Because I know I can help make an impact to help the African Well Fund and the people in need of fresh water wells and sanitation projects in Africa.

If you'd like to tell African Well Fund why you give, please e-mail info@africanwellfund.org. To make a donation to support future African Well Fund projects, please click here.

How did you first learn about the African Well Fund?
I first learned about AWF about seven years ago through friends and fellow U2 fans. I became aware of the various fundraisers and auctions that AWF held each year in order to fund water sanitation projects in sub-Saharan Africa. I admired and was inspired by the fact that a group of U2 fans had taken Bono's calls to action to heart and had dedicated themselves to making a real difference in people's lives.

Why did you want to support AWF?
Being from West Africa and being a huge U2 fan, I couldn't think of a better charity to support. It was as if it was custom made for me, combining two things I'm passionate about, and all in the name of giving back, I couldn't not support AWF.

What are some specific things you've done to support AWF's mission to fund clean water and sanitation projects in sub-Saharan Africa?
I started out by making regular donations and by bidding on their auctions but gradually became more involved as a volunteer, participating in a couple of charity walks and gift fairs, helping to spread the word about AWF and encouraging people to make donations or purchase well shares. Along the way, I started collecting items that AWF could use in their auctions, especially items bearing any of the band members' autographs. As an avid U2 concert-goer, I've had the opportunity to meet Bono a few times, so I started putting those opportunities to good use by asking him (as well as Edge and Adam Clayton on one occasion) to sign some of those items (books, CDs, DVDs, water bottles and T-shirts) for AWF. Eventually, I also took on the task of sending certificates of appreciation to AWF's various donors around the world. A year ago, I became an AWF board member and helped coordinate and launch this year's photo auction as part of the 9th Annual Build a Well for Bono's Birthday campaign.

Ayesha Marcel (left) poses with fellow board members Diana Yoder, Rob Trigalet, Laura Page and Lara Wineman prior to U2's recent concert in Nashville.

Have you introduced your family, friends or community to AWF? How?
As my own involvement in AWF has grown over the years, my family and friends have heard me talk about the organization and its projects, which has in turn motivated them to find out more about AWF and to help in any way they can, be it monetarily or by volunteering their time to help promote AWF. I've also used social media such as LiveJournal, Twitter and Facebook to reach out to my friends and family about AWF.

Why do you continue to support AWF?
It's been a pleasure and an honor to be involved with such a dedicated, talented and inspiring group of people who remain committed to AWF's mission in spite of the many challenges that come with being a small, nonprofit organization run entirely by volunteers. AWF has accomplished so much with so little, and it makes me even prouder to be a U2 fan. As long as clean water remains inaccessible to a large number of people on the African continent, then I will continue to support AWF in whichever capacity I can.

If you'd like to tell African Well Fund why you give, please e-mail info@africanwellfund.org. To make a donation to support future African Well Fund projects, please click here.

"The AWF truly shows what 'ordinary people' can accomplish," Africare said in the annual report. "Together, funds raised are nearing the $1 million mark. Africare has put those funds to use in hundreds of communities in Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad, Ethiopia, Ghana, Liberia, Malawi, Mali, Niger, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. More than 316,000 Africans have benefited from AWF-funded wells, capped springs, latrines and water-and-sanitation education."

Diane Yoder, AWF board vice chairman is also quoted in the annual report. "Africare's focus on sustainability was impressive," Yoder said. "Every effort is made to ensure that the wells continue to be a viable water source for the community long after Africare has gone."

AWF will release its 2010 Annual Report in October.

To download Africare's 2010 Annual Report, click here. To learn more about the AWF-funded projects that Africare completed in 2010, click here.