9-16-2024 7:40pm

American Water Charitable Foundation and New Jersey American Water Launch Second Annual Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity Grant Program

Donnella Tilery Editor

CAMDEN, N.J. – SEPT. 16, 2024 – The American Water Charitable Foundation (AWCF), a 501(c)(3) organization established by American Water, the largest regulated U.S. water and wastewater utility company, along with New Jersey American Water, announced today the launch of the second annual Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity Grant Program. This year’s program will award a total of $25,000 to nonprofit organizations and public schools working to promote and foster inclusion, diversity, and equity within communities across New Jersey.

Applications for the 2024 grant cycle are now open and will be accepted through October 18, 2024. Each recipient will be eligible for a grant of up to $2,500 to support initiatives that advance inclusion, diversity and equity through community-driven programs, educational efforts, or other innovative projects.

"At New Jersey American Water, we are deeply committed to empowering the diverse communities we serve," said Mark McDonough, President of New Jersey American Water and Board Member of the American Water Charitable Foundation. "By supporting local organizations through this grant program, we continue building a more inclusive and equitable New Jersey. Together, we can help ensure that all voices are heard and valued."

The 2023 inaugural Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity Grant Program supported a range of projects across New Jersey. Last year's recipients included Friends of the Dunellen Public Library, Logan Township School District, Agraj Seva Kendra and Bestwork Industries for the Blind, Inc., among others, each receiving $2,500 to advance their important work.

“The American Water Charitable Foundation and New Jersey American Water have been the best promoter of disability inclusion,” said Sri Alathur, director of ICS Theater at Agraj Seva Kendra. “We greatly appreciate their generous grant to promote inclusion, diversity and equity. Through this support, we were able to bring the community together to facilitate and recognize individuals of diverse abilities in the performing arts. Their commitment to inclusion, diversity and equity is truly commendable.”

To qualify for a grant, the organization, project, or event must:

Be located within a New Jersey American Water service area.
Be a new, innovative community initiative or serve as a significant expansion to an existing program.
Promote inclusion, diversity and equity in the community the organization serves.
Applicant must be classified as a 501(c)(3) public charity or K-12 public school, college, or university.

For more information on how to apply, visit New Jersey American Water’s website at www.newjerseyamwater.com. Applications must be submitted by October 18, 2024.

The grant program is made possible by funding from the American Water Charitable Foundation, as part of its State Strategic Grant Program. This initiative focuses on high-impact projects within the pillars of Water, People, and Communities, aiming to foster positive change across American Water’s national footprint.

About New Jersey American Water
New Jersey American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest regulated water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately 2.9 million people. For more information, visit www.newjerseyamwater.com and follow New Jersey 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.