American Water Charitable Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization established by American Water (NYSE: AWK), the largest regulated water and wastewater utility in the United States, alongside Missouri American Water, has announced a significant contribution to Missouri communities. Through its 2024 State Strategic Impact grants, the Foundation is distributing a total of $100,000 to various organizations that directly serve the communities within Missouri American Water’s operational regions. These grants are part of the broader Keep Communities Flowing Grant Program, which is designed to support impactful community development initiatives that align with the Foundation’s mission to provide support for water, people, and communities.
This initiative is an important step in fostering community growth and providing essential resources to organizations dedicated to improving the quality of life for residents throughout Missouri.
Missouri American Water’s Commitment to Local Communities
Missouri American Water, a leading utility service provider in the state, has been deeply committed to enhancing the well-being of the communities it serves. Through its partnership with the American Water Charitable Foundation, the company has made it a priority to support local nonprofits and initiatives that make a tangible difference in communities. Rich Svindland, president of Missouri American Water, emphasized the importance of collaboration in supporting organizations that strengthen local communities.
“Partnering with the American Water Charitable Foundation through this grant program allows us to provide important resources and programs meeting critical needs and strengthening our communities,” Svindland said. The $100,000 granted in 2024 will go a long way toward fulfilling these goals by addressing vital needs across Missouri.
Organizations Benefiting from the State Strategic Impact Grants
A wide range of organizations across Missouri will benefit from the State Strategic Impact grants. These organizations represent the diverse needs and aspirations of the communities served by Missouri American Water. The recipients of these grants include:
- Arnold (Gateway) Food Pantry: Helping to address food insecurity by providing nourishment to individuals and families in need.
- Boone Center, Inc.: Supporting people with disabilities through employment and other opportunities to improve their quality of life.
- Branson Veterans Task Force: An organization committed to honoring and supporting veterans and their families. As Bob Smither, a board member of the Branson Veterans Task Force, mentioned, “With this grant, we can place a live wreath on every veteran gravesite in the Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery. Any leftover funds will be applied to other projects in our efforts to continuously honor and remember the sacrifices of our veterans and their families.”
- Bright Futures Audrain County: This organization focuses on helping children and families in Audrain County achieve their full potential by providing them with critical resources.
- Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri (1939 Club): Serving the Northwest Missouri area by supporting initiatives that contribute to the well-being and development of the community.
- Family Care Health Centers: A healthcare provider committed to improving access to health services for underprivileged communities.
- The Food Center: An organization providing food assistance and supporting individuals facing hardship due to food insecurity.
- Girls, Inc.: Empowering girls to be strong, smart, and bold by providing them with educational programs and mentorship opportunities.
- Joplin Workshops, Inc.: Helping individuals with disabilities gain the skills and support needed to achieve meaningful employment and independent living.
- Second Harvest Community Food Bank: Providing food and resources to fight hunger in the community.
- Special Learning Center Foundation: Offering services and resources to children and adults with developmental disabilities.
- Souls Harbor of America, Inc.: Providing emergency shelter, food, and resources for individuals and families in crises.
- United Way of Greater Saint Joseph: Supporting a variety of programs designed to meet local community needs, including health, education, and financial stability.
- Wellston Loop Community Development Corporation: Aiming to improve the quality of life in the Wellston area through development programs and initiatives.
These organizations exemplify the wide-reaching and diverse needs of Missouri’s communities, from veterans’ support to food security and healthcare services.
The Keep Communities Flowing Grant Program
The State Strategic Impact grants are part of the larger Keep Communities Flowing Grant Program, which focuses on three primary pillars: Water, People, and Communities. This program, launched by the American Water Charitable Foundation, is designed to support high-impact projects and initiatives that align with American Water’s values and mission to enhance the quality of life for individuals and communities across the country.
By prioritizing water, people, and communities, the Foundation ensures that its grants contribute to both immediate needs and long-term sustainability. The State Strategic Impact grants serve as an essential tool in helping communities recover from challenges, improve access to vital services, and create stronger, more resilient communities for the future.
Strengthening Partnerships for Community Growth
Carrie Williams, President of the American Water Charitable Foundation, expressed her satisfaction with the Foundation’s collaboration with Missouri American Water. “The American Water Charitable Foundation is pleased to partner with organizations that align with Missouri American Water and provide support to communities statewide,” Williams said. Through this partnership, the Foundation can amplify the positive impact of its grants, ensuring that they reach the organizations that need them the most.
The contributions made through these grants represent the Foundation’s ongoing dedication to its mission of supporting community-driven programs. The focus is not only on providing immediate assistance but also on fostering sustainable change that benefits communities in the long term.
Impact Beyond the Grants
While the $100,000 in State Strategic Impact grants is a tangible demonstration of the Foundation’s commitment, the ripple effect of these contributions will be felt for years to come. For example, the Branson Veterans Task Force’s initiative to honor veterans by placing wreaths on gravesites is a simple yet powerful example of how a small amount of funding can lead to a meaningful and lasting impact.
Likewise, organizations like the Second Harvest Community Food Bank and Family Care Health Centers will continue to provide essential services to individuals in need, strengthening the fabric of Missouri’s communities. The combined efforts of these organizations ensure that every dollar granted is used to its fullest potential, whether that’s through direct services, advocacy, or development programs.
Learn more about the American Water Charitable Foundation here.
About American Water
American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886, We Keep Life Flowing® provides safe, clean, reliable, and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water’s 6,500 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company’s national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors, and other stakeholders.
For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, and Instagram.
About American Water Charitable Foundation
The American Water Charitable Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides a formal way to demonstrate the company’s ongoing commitment to be a good neighbor, citizen, and contributor to the communities where American Water and its employees live, work, and operate. For more information, visit amwater.com/awcf.
About Missouri American Water
Missouri American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest regulated water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and wastewater services to approximately 1.6 million people. For more, visit missouriamwater.com and follow Missouri American Water on X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
