American Water Charitable Foundation Launches 2025 Water and Environment Grant Program
The American Water Charitable Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization affiliated with American Water, the largest regulated water and wastewater utility in the United States, has announced the launch of its 2025 Water and Environment Grant Program. This initiative aims to support community organizations that focus on projects designed to promote clean water, water conservation, environmental education, addressing climate variability, and water-based recreation.
The Foundation’s commitment to fostering environmental sustainability and water conservation is evident in its support for various projects that have a lasting impact on the communities it serves. This year’s program invites organizations in communities where American Water operates to apply for grants that address these critical environmental issues. Through this program, the Foundation aims to support innovative solutions to protect water resources and promote access to clean water across the United States.
Grant Recipients Reflect Commitment to Community and Environmental Stewardship
A notable example of the program’s positive influence is the North Branch Land Trust’s success in receiving a 2024 Water and Environment Grant from the American Water Charitable Foundation. According to Ellen M. Ferretti, Executive Director of North Branch Land Trust, the grant was essential for achieving the Land Trust’s goal of promoting equitable access to land and water resources, as well as implementing responsible stewardship practices at the Hanover Crossings Marsh Preserve in Pennsylvania. The grant funding allowed the Trust to focus on enhancing clean water initiatives, improving wildlife habitat, and expanding access to nature-based outdoor recreation for local communities.
Ferretti expressed her gratitude for the Foundation’s support: “North Branch Land Trust is extremely grateful to have received a 2024 American Water Charitable Foundation Water and Environment Grant. The grant was used to achieve a critical goal of the Land Trust to encourage equitable access to land and water resources and implement good stewardship practices at our Hanover Crossings Marsh Preserve. Grant funds were used to promote and enhance clean water and improve wildlife habitat and outdoor nature-based recreation access.”
In 2024, the American Water Charitable Foundation awarded a total of $1 million in grants, benefiting 59 organizations in 11 states. This funding supported a range of initiatives that are closely aligned with the Foundation’s mission to improve access to clean water, preserve natural resources, and promote sustainable environmental practices. One of the key highlights of this funding was its support for local community-based projects, including the North Branch Land Trust’s work at the Hanover Crossings Marsh Preserve.
A Commitment to Sustainable Communities and Water Conservation
Carrie Williams, President of the American Water Charitable Foundation, shared her enthusiasm for the launch of the 2025 Water and Environment Grant Program. “The American Water Charitable Foundation is thrilled to launch the 2025 Water and Environment Grant Program, which supports impactful initiatives and programs throughout the U.S.,” said Williams. “Our mission to Keep Communities Flowing empowers communities to understand the importance of water education and conservation, while also encouraging local organizations to engage in protecting this vital resource.”
Through this program, the Foundation continues its longstanding commitment to advancing environmental education and conservation efforts. The goal is not only to educate communities about the significance of water as a natural resource but also to promote the adoption of practices that reduce environmental impact and support sustainable water management.
Foundation’s Strong Legacy of Support
Since its inception in 2012, the American Water Charitable Foundation has invested over $20 million in grants and matching gifts, benefiting a wide range of programs and organizations across the United States. These investments have positively impacted communities served by American Water and its employees. The Foundation’s long-standing efforts to support local organizations and improve environmental conditions have made a significant difference in addressing water-related challenges and promoting sustainability.
The Foundation’s strategic integration of its former Environmental Grant Program with the new Water and Environment Grant Program, effective in 2024, is expected to further strengthen its charitable focus and enhance its impact. This merger reflects a more unified approach to addressing water and environmental issues across American Water’s service areas and serves as a testament to the Foundation’s commitment to advancing long-term sustainability goals.
Eligibility and Application Process
Organizations that wish to apply for funding through the 2025 Water and Environment Grant Program must be located in American Water’s service areas and can include both non-profit organizations and community-based groups. The eligible states include California, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, as well as Military Services locations.
The grant program is intended to provide financial support for projects that align with the Foundation’s mission to protect and conserve water resources, enhance water-related education, and promote environmental stewardship. Eligible projects may include initiatives aimed at water conservation, improving access to clean water, mitigating the effects of climate change on water resources, and fostering community engagement in water-based recreational activities.
The application process is open to a wide range of community-based organizations, with a focus on those that have a clear plan to make a meaningful impact on local environmental issues. Grants are available for projects that demonstrate a commitment to sustainability, address the needs of underserved communities, and involve collaborative efforts to solve water and environmental challenges.
A Strategic Focus on Collaboration and Impact
The American Water Charitable Foundation’s work is built on a foundation of collaboration, both with local organizations and community members. The Foundation’s goal is not only to fund individual projects but to support initiatives that encourage long-term, sustainable change. By empowering local groups to engage in water and environmental protection efforts, the Foundation helps ensure that communities are equipped to address the challenges posed by climate change, population growth, and increasing water demands.
The 2025 Water and Environment Grant Program is a testament to the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to improving the quality of life in communities across the country. The grants are designed to foster community engagement, raise awareness of the importance of water conservation, and support practical solutions to environmental challenges. Through its funding initiatives, the American Water Charitable Foundation hopes to create a ripple effect, encouraging others to take part in protecting water resources for future generations.
