American Water Charitable Foundation Unveils 2026 Water Grant Initiative for Environment and Conservation

American Water Charitable Foundation Launches 2026 Grant Program

The American Water Charitable Foundation, a nonprofit entity linked to American Water (NYSE: AWK)—the largest regulated water and wastewater utility in the United States—has unveiled its 2026 Water and Environment Grant Program. This initiative invites community organizations to apply for funding aimed at promoting clean water, conservation efforts, environmental education, climate change adaptation, and water-based recreational projects.

Carrie Williams, President of the American Water Charitable Foundation, expressed excitement about this annual initiative, emphasizing their commitment to supporting innovative projects that uplift communities across their national footprint. Williams stated, "Through this grant program, we are proud to invest in initiatives that reflect our core focus on water and the environment."

One of the previous recipients of the grant, Jim Waltman, Executive Director of The Watershed Institute, highlighted the positive impact of the foundation’s support on local programs. He shared, *"Thanks to the American Water Charitable Foundation's Water and Environment grant, we were able to expand our StreamWatch Schools program, actively engaging students in water quality testing and fostering a lifelong appreciation for water."

This grant program is part of the foundation's broader Keep Communities Flowing initiative, which encompasses three areas of focus: Water, People, and Communities. In the previous year, the foundation awarded a significant $1.7 million across 80 organizations in 12 states, underscoring its deep commitment to the communities served by American Water.

Applications for the 2026 grants will be open to eligible organizations located in states served by American Water, with specific eligibility in California, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.

The American Water Charitable Foundation, since its establishment in 2012, has contributed over $25 million through grants and matching gifts to support various nonprofit organizations. Funding is provided by American Water shareholders and does not impact customer rates. This financial support serves as a testament to the foundation's ongoing dedication toward enhancing community welfare through environmental sustainability initiatives.

For those looking for more information about this initiative or the foundation's work, you can visit American Water's official website where further details and application guidelines will be available.

The foundation’s commitment not only showcases a penchant for philanthropy but also emphasizes the essential role of environmental stewardship in building resilient communities. As American Water continues to serve over 14 million people with safe and affordable water services, these grant initiatives serve to inspire further engagement and innovation within the sector. The foundation’s proactive approach in allocating resources towards community grants ensures that the mission to keep life flowing is reflected not just in providing water but also in fostering active community involvement in sustainable practices.