American Water Boosts Local Eco-Projects with 2026 Grant Program

CAMDEN, N.J. – February 02, 2026 – The American Water Charitable Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the nation's largest regulated water utility, American Water, today announced the launch of its 2026 Water and Environment Grant Program. The initiative invites non-profit organizations across 13 states and on military bases to apply for funding to support projects focused on clean water, conservation, environmental education, and climate resilience.

This annual program is a key component of the Foundation's 'Keep Communities Flowing Grant Program,' which directs shareholder-funded aid to initiatives that align with its core pillars of Water, People, and Communities. In 2025, the program distributed a total of $1.7 million to 80 organizations, demonstrating a sustained commitment to fostering environmental health at the local level.

"The American Water Charitable Foundation is excited to launch its annual Water and Environment Grant Program, reinforcing our commitment to supporting innovative and impactful projects that strengthen communities across American Water's national footprint," said Carrie Williams, President of the Foundation. "Through this grant program, we are proud to invest in initiatives that reflect our core focus on water and the environment."

From Policy to Ponds: Funding Grassroots Environmental Action

The Foundation's strategy emphasizes empowering local organizations to tackle specific, on-the-ground challenges. The grants support a wide range of activities, from habitat restoration and water quality monitoring to creating recreational access and educational programming. This approach has already yielded significant results in communities across the country.

One prominent success story is The Watershed Institute in New Jersey, a 2025 grant recipient. The funding enabled the expansion of its StreamWatch Schools program, which engages students in hands-on water quality testing and analysis.

"Thanks to the American Water Charitable Foundation's Water and Environment grant, the Watershed Institute was able to expand its StreamWatch Schools program, engaging students across the state in water quality testing, connecting them with local waterways, building STEM skills and laying the foundation for a lifelong appreciation of water," said Jim Waltman, Executive Director of The Watershed Institute.

This direct impact is replicated in other states. In Indiana, a 2025 grant helped the Shirley Heinze Land Trust with its Ivanhoe South initiative in Gary, a project aimed at preserving a rare dune-and-swale habitat while simultaneously improving community safety and creating a local gathering space. Similarly, a 2024 grant in Pennsylvania assisted the North Branch Land Trust in enhancing water quality and wildlife habitat at its Hanover Crossings Marsh Preserve.

Addressing Critical Needs in America's Waterways

The grant program's relevance is underscored by the diverse and urgent environmental challenges facing the states it serves. The funding is not a one-size-fits-all solution but rather a targeted tool that communities can use to address their most pressing local issues.

For instance, in Indiana—a state that has struggled with having the most miles of polluted rivers and streams in the nation—grants can support projects aimed at mitigating agricultural runoff and restoring damaged waterways. In New Jersey, where aging infrastructure and contaminants like PFAS are major concerns, the Foundation’s support for local watershed associations complements the parent company's multi-billion-dollar infrastructure investments.

In states like California, which faces a 'climate whiplash' of extreme drought and flooding, the program can fund crucial water conservation education and habitat restoration projects. Meanwhile, in West Virginia, where the American Society of Civil Engineers has issued a 'D' grade for drinking water infrastructure, grants supporting source water protection and forest health are particularly vital. From the nutrient pollution affecting the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland and Virginia to the high concentrations of microplastics in the Tennessee River, the Foundation’s program provides a much-needed resource for local stewards working on the front lines of environmental protection.

A Strategic Pillar in Corporate Environmental Stewardship

The Water and Environment Grant Program is more than just philanthropy; it is a core component of American Water's broader Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy. Funded entirely by company shareholders with no impact on customer water rates, the initiative demonstrates a tangible commitment to corporate social responsibility that goes beyond regulatory compliance.

This program aligns with the company's ambitious sustainability goals, which include a 50% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2035 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. By investing in local conservation and education, the Foundation’s work contributes to the long-term health of the watersheds from which the company sources its water, creating a symbiotic relationship between corporate strategy and community well-being.

Compared to the philanthropic arms of other major utilities, American Water's program is distinguished by its deep and specific focus on water-centric issues within its direct service footprint. While others may have broader giving portfolios, the Foundation's targeted approach ensures that its investment—over $25 million in grants and matching gifts since 2012—drives measurable progress in areas directly related to its core business and expertise.

Cultivating the Next Generation of Water Guardians

A significant and forward-looking aspect of the grant program is its consistent support for environmental education. By funding initiatives like The Watershed Institute's StreamWatch Schools, the Foundation is investing not just in the immediate health of a river, but in the long-term health of the community's environmental consciousness.

These programs provide students with invaluable STEM skills and a direct, personal connection to their local ecosystems. They transform abstract environmental concepts into tangible experiences, such as testing a local stream for pollutants or participating in a habitat restoration day. This hands-on engagement is critical for fostering a new generation of citizens who understand the importance of water resources and are equipped with the knowledge to protect them.

By empowering educators and engaging youth, the American Water Charitable Foundation is helping to build a legacy of stewardship. The impact of these educational grants extends far beyond the classroom, creating a ripple effect that promises to safeguard community water resources for decades to come.